Technical courses: Learn the advantages of taking them

Whether during high school or after, many people choose to take technical courses. They are a popular form of education because of their characteristics, bringing certain advantages to people.

Today we are going to learn more about the benefits of taking a technical course and why this alternative is so attractive.

What are technical courses?

Technical courses are a type of educational program that emerged in Brazil around 1906.

At the time it was created, it came as a way to meet the demands of the industry, which was looking for increasingly qualified professionals.

Unlike traditional university courses, which tend to have a broader focus on academic subjects, technical courses are aimed at preparing students to work in specific fields of the job market.

Many people can take this type of training before, during or after college, as well as during high school. One of the most famous institutions in Brazil is the Etec, which offers secondary education with a technical modality.

We can find this type of course in different sectors, mainly health, technology, tourism and industry.

They were specifically designed to be shorter and focused on the skills needed for the profession.

With this goal in mind, classes involve both practical work and theory.

It is worth mentioning that taking a technical course is not equivalent to higher education or some type of technology, as they are not the same thing.

Therefore, to have a degree or any type of Higher Education, it is necessary to attend college in addition to technical courses.

Advantages of technical courses

And of course, this type of study will bring certain benefits to the student, regardless of when they decide to take technical courses.

Short duration

The main advantage of technical courses is their short duration. Unlike undergraduate courses that can last 4 to 5 years, technical courses can last up to two years.

They are focused on the subject you are studying, but with a wide variety of disciplines and knowledge, with a workload that can vary between 820 and 1,010 hours.

Cost benefit

Investing in education can require a lot of money, and a lower cost option is technical courses. 

They are cheaper and offer good value for money, but of course the monthly fees will vary depending on the region and the course you choose. However, they are much cheaper than undergraduate courses.

Gateway to the job market

If you want to leave high school and get a job quickly, and still in an area that you like, technical courses are a good option. 

With this technical course training, your CV will be more attractive to companies looking for professionals.

Many people take technical courses to be able to work, and only then take a degree course, but this will vary according to your preferences and needs.

Furthermore, technical courses are usually developed in response to job market demands, which means that the skills you learn are relevant and sought after by companies.

Courses recognized by the MEC

Technical courses are generally recognized by the MEC, the Ministry of Education, that is, they are valid in the national job market and the certificates demonstrate your knowledge.

Studying in a course or institution recognized by the MEC shows that you had the recommended workload for the profession, and that the curriculum was in line with what was necessary.

It can be done together with high school

At Etec, the State Technical School, young people entering high school can choose to attend either high school or a technical level course.

This type of training allows them to enter the job market even faster, making it easier to get their first job.

Types of technical courses

When talking about technical courses, there are a few different types that stand out. Let's find out what they are:

Integrated

The integrated course is taken alongside high school, specifically during the last two years. In this case, the student will complete the high school with a certificate of completion.

In this modality, it is important that the student demonstrates discipline and good time management to reconcile the two types of education. The integrated modality is usually done at the same institution.

Subsequent

The subsequent course is intended for people who have already finished high school. To be able to attend the technical course, they can take the institution's entrance exam or use their ENEM score to enter.

External or concomitant

Finally, in the concurrent modality, the student can choose to take technical courses outside of their school. In other words, they will take place parallel to high school, but separate from the institution where they are taking the EM.

In these situations, the student may attend high school classes in the morning and take technical classes in the afternoon or evening, which is necessarily after school.

Most common technical courses

There are several types of courses in this modality, covering a wide range of sectors and industries. And some areas end up being more common than others, such as health.

Many professionals who work in clinics and hospitals may have completed technical courses, such as nursing technicians, healthcare assistants and radiology technicians.

They can also work in the area of technology creating systems, software, assisting with support technical and in computer networks.

It is common to find courses in mechanics and automation too, so they can become automotive mechanics and perform industrial maintenance.

Still in this same area we can mention technical courses that involve electricity and electronics, with practical classes to learn how to perform maintenance and provide support.

Technical courses can also train professionals in the areas of design and arts, as well as cooking and gastronomy, aesthetics and beauty and even civil construction.

Remember that when looking for courses it is important to make sure that they are recognized by the MEC.