Opportunities Other Than College

An apprenticeship is a paid training program where you learn a skilled trade by working with experienced professionals. Apprenticeships combine hands-on work with classroom instruction, so you earn money while you learn. 

Apprenticeships are most common in the construction trades which includes jobs like carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and welding.

If you enjoy working with your hands and want to start a career right after high school, the construction trades could be a great fit.

• American Welding Academy
• Apprenticeship.gov
• Boeing Assembly Mechanic Apprenticeship 
• Construction Cooperative
• Electrician Apprenticeships
• Electrical Contracting Apprenticeships
• Environmental Remediation Technician
• General Maintenance Mechanic
• ICATT Apprenticeship Program (high tech manufacturing)
• Hazardous Materials Technician with Class B (CDL-B)
• MO Registered Apprenticeship Programs
• Missouri Apprentice Connect
• Solar Installer Training
• St. Louis Carpenters Union

If you’re interested in helping others and staying active, a career as a first responder—like a firefighter, EMT, or police officer—might be a great fit. Many training programs are available right after high school and can lead to rewarding, high-impact jobs in your community. These careers offer a sense of purpose, teamwork, and opportunities to grow.

• IHM Academy of EMS Paramedic Program
• Total Access EMT Training
• Abbott EMS - Earn While You Learn Program
• St. Louis County Fire Academy
• Missouri Department of Corrections 
• Professional Staff Positions at St Louis County  Police Department

NOTE - Police officers have to be 21 years old in order to be licensed

Some high school students choose to enlist in the military to serve their country, gain discipline, and build strong leadership skills. The military also offers job training, steady pay, and benefits like tuition assistance for college.

It can be a meaningful way to start a career while exploring the world and growing personally and professionally.

Here are some additional opportunities in the St. Louis area for high school graduates: 

• Accelerated Job Training Programs St Louis Community College offers a variety of short-term courses designed to train students for work in a high demand field, like culinary training (food), truck driving, coding, and more!
• Automotive Technology Program  
• Commercial Truck Driving Program 
• Cosmetology Schools
  • Crave Beauty Academy
  • Grabber School of Hair Design
  • Paul Mitchell the School 
  • The Salon Professional Academy
• CyberUp Cybersecurity Training Program
• EDC Medical Device Manufacturing
• Job Corps: a FREE  job training programs in areas like healthcare, construction, and Informational Technology. Participants may also receive food and housing benefits. 
• Kennelwood Academy for Professional Dog Trainers

A "gap year" is when a student takes time off between high school and college to explore other interests. During this time, students might travel, volunteer, work, or gain real-world experience. It can be a chance to learn more about yourself, build skills, and figure out what you want to study or do long-term. 

The down side is that most of the programs are expensive and some of them are poorly managed. 

The Gap Year Association reviews gap year programs for quality and safety. Programs accredited through GYA  provide strong leadership, well-organized activities, and good support throughout the experience. Choosing an accredited program helps make sure you’re getting a meaningful and well-run gap year.

Review the List of Accredited Gap Year Programs

If I take a Gap Year Do I Still Need to Apply for College during my Senior Year of High School? 

Yes - if you plan on attending after your gap year. 
It is recommended that you complete the full college admissions process and once you are admitted, file for a deferral.