Career colleges, sometimes called vocational or trade schools, are private schools that teach skilled labor jobs. Career colleges focus on career-oriented skills instead of a broad-based liberal arts education. They offer a range of programs and award associate's degrees and certificates.
Community colleges are public two-year institutions that are locally oriented. Community colleges are cheaper than career colleges, because of public funding, and tend to give broader-based education. Community colleges have many skilled job training programs and connections with local businesses. The position of community colleges in skilled training and business hiring has made them prime training centers for new green technology jobs.
Apprenticeships are programs that combine classroom education with on-the-job training. Participants earn money while working with an employer and sometimes labor unions. Registered apprenticeship programs are covered by state regulations.