Can educated and trained workforce is essential if Americans want to develop and maintain a viable economy. From an individual perspective, preparation is key to employability. Sound decisions regarding initial education and training are important, but people actually need to continue learning throughout their lifetimes.

Need for education and training
Education and training are very important for individual progress and for the future of society. One of the unwavering messages of the Bible is that Christians are to be diligent, skilled, and faithful in developing their talents. Education and training are two of the primary ways we become good stewards of our talents and, therefore, become excellent in our work and set good examples for others.

For many adults, further education and training may not seem like an available option. But even if formal education courses are not obtainable, expanding their knowledge daily should be the goal for those who want to develop and use their talents in the workplace. Many career strategy experts agree that unless people continue to develop their skills they’re likely to find themselves left out of the workplace.1

Education and training
Research by the U.S. Department of Labor reveals that, although either education or training can be beneficial in enhancing career opportunities, for people to develop their full career potential, both education and training are needed.2 The following are the most common education and training options available for people who want to increase the likelihood of a successful career.

1. Do-it-yourself learning. Many smaller companies can’t afford to assist their employees or they haven’t realized the need to upgrade the skill of their employees. If this is the case, then your education and training must become your responsibility. Those who are proactive toward improving their skills and knowledge will keep pace with changing career trends. Those who seek additional education or upgrade their training only after their job situation demands it or because they are forced to by their employers may, during an economic turndown, find that they are no longer needed by their employers.3
2. On the job training. Many companies offer training to their employees. Find out if your business or organization offers training programs or tuition assistance; then let it be known that you are interested in upgrading your skills.
3. Apprenticeships. The great value of apprenticeships is that they allow people to get hands-on experience in the occupational field they’re considering. With a new emphasis on quality, companies realize that quality does not come without experience and training. If you are in transition to a new occupation, check to see if there are apprentice programs available.
4. Internship. Internships provide academic orientation and training in a work environment. Minimum qualifications can vary from a high school diploma to graduate school, depending on the field. Benefits from internship vary widely. Some pay a salary; others offer only room and board, and some may provide only the opportunity for on-the-job experience and training.
5. Cooperative education. Cooperative education (Co-op) programs are structured programs that alternate terms of work with terms of instruction. Co-op programs are especially good because they allow students to gain experience in a field of work or an insight into a particular company.
6. Military education and training. The armed forces offer some great opportunities for leadership and technical training. Tuition assistance programs are available for everyone, and college classes are available on most military installations. The military option isn’t for everyone, but for those who are young and want to serve their country it can be beneficial.
7. Vocational and technical schools. Nearly every community in America has a technical school within reasonable driving distance. Most vo-tech schools are government sponsored and therefore are relatively inexpensive. These schools typically have good relationships with local companies and know what specific occupations are needed in the local economy.
8. Community colleges. Community colleges are one of the great resources of our country and offer a tremendous education bargain. They offer a wide range of education and training courses at a relatively inexpensive tuition and within easy driving distance of most people. Because they have such a close relationship with local businesses, community colleges should be able to help you learn about specific occupations that are available in your area.
9. Four year colleges and universities. Because college costs are escalating rapidly and jobs for college graduates are decreasing, we encourage you to carefully consider all the other options before you enroll in a four-year course of study. We suggest you consider education and training in light of the realities of affordability, return on investment, and the needs of the workplace.
10. Graduate school. For certain professions, graduate school will be mandatory. However, we caution against pinning your hopes for employment or employment advancement on a higher degree. In many fields, employers will be more impressed by skills and technical expertise than by an advanced degree.
11. Nontraditional education and training. Schools are offering more and more options for people to take education and training courses. These include night and Saturday classes, two-week to four-week, intensive-concentration short courses, workshops, continuing education courses, adult-education courses, self-directed courses, correspondence, distance learning, and Internet courses. If people want additional education and training, they likely can find what they want, at less cost, in some form of nontraditional education.4

Conclusion
Sometimes it takes a lot of faith and courage to choose to use your gifts and follow the desires God has put in your heart. As is the case with most spiritual issues, God’s way may take a different path than what the world dictates. So, the decision to pursue additional education and training should be based on good stewardship of your talents and what is necessary to further develop those talents in the career God has given you.

1 Carol Klieman, The 100 Best Jobs for the 1990s & Beyond, Dearborn Financial, 1992, p. 141.
2 U.S. Department of Labor Report 838, 1993, p. 3.
3 Noel Tichy and Stratford Sherman, Control Your Destiny or Someone Else Will, Bantam, 1993, p. 244.
4 Lee Ellis/Larry Burkett, Your Career in Changing Times, Moody, 1993, pp. 236-238.