High school music apprentice needs college too

Many in the homeschool community present college and apprenticeship as competing models for post-graduate work. But it ain’t necessarily so.

Surely, we want our children to have work experience and deep friendships with adults outside our homes as a pre-requisite for graduation from high school. They need the things apprenticeship provides before they leave home. It’s true that some businesses and trades will take an extended period of apprenticeship, which would extend beyond high school. However, many apprenticeship experiences will be enhanced by a college education.

My daughter’s mentor offered her an apprenticeship during high school, which has extended into her college years, providing her with real-world experience, a growing professional network and a tidy income through her school years. He now recommends that she pursue an advanced degree, so that the maximum number of opportunities will be open to her in her future as a mother. An entrepreneur and innovator, he himself wishes that he had pursued advanced degrees, because now he would like to supplement his income by teaching. In fact, his experience in his field makes him an ideal candidate for teaching, however, his lack of a Masters Degree bars him from the college offers he has received. He envisions a time in my daughter’s life, when she might welcome the opportunity to teach part-time in her field when her family needs additional income.

So while the season of preparation lasts in your children’s lives, don’t back them into an either/or box. Either college or apprenticeship. Instead, look for the creative combination of educational and preparatory experiences that will open the maximum number of doors for them, that will give them the most flexibility in a future that is sure to be filled with swift and mighty changes.