Lincoln Tech offers training programs in more than 30 fields so students can acquire the skills they need to pursue satisfying careers

April 2016 - Lincoln Tech has 70 years of experience providing career-focused, hands-on training. The school was founded in Newark, New Jersey, in 1946 to help veterans returning from World War II build technical skills and embark on new careers in the HVAC industry.

“Throughout our 70 years, we’ve helped hundreds of thousands of graduates launch exciting, rewarding careers in the fields they love,” says Lou Vendrell, Lincoln Tech’s corporate director of product development. “These careers help them better support their families and discover personal satisfaction on the job.”

Today, Lincoln has schools in 15 states that offer hands-on training programs in more than 30 career fields, including automotive, diesel, healthcare, manufacturing, culinary, cosmetology and other skilled trades. Students receive more than just the technical skills required to succeed in their chosen careers; they also receive training in professional development, effective job search techniques, resume writing and job interviewing. Lincoln Tech calls this focus on soft skills the “Lincoln Edge.”

New opportunities

Students who are thinking about enrolling at Lincoln Tech can attend open house events, which provide them with an opportunity to tour the campus and participate in hands-on demonstrations. In addition, Lincoln Tech is making high school students and their parents aware of the benefits of hands-on career training by sponsoring competitions like Skills USA. 

About 90 percent of students at Lincoln Tech are beginners—attending school full time to obtain entry-level skills in their chosen industry. Those who are interested in automotive careers can choose from programs related to automotive technology, collision repair, diesel technology and heavy equipment mechanics. Skilled trade programs include CNC manufacturing, welding, HVAC and electrical engineering. Students on a skilled trade career track will be able to work in both the classrooms and training labs with CNC equipment from Haas Automation and Hurco Companies, Lincoln Electric equipment, and Miller welding tools. Programs and equipment vary by campus.  

To ensure students obtain an up-to-date, focused education,Vendrell says the school reaches out to local shops for input on curriculum development and program support. “These groups form our advisory boards, which help guide our programs to meet local and national industry standards,” he says. “Their participation also ensures that we are helping our students build the skill sets that will increase their chances of stepping into a job in their field soon after graduation.”

Social media outreach

Lincoln Tech maintains several networks for its current students and alumni. Students can stay on top of valuable industry-related news and information through Lincoln Tech’s corporate and campus-level Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, as well as the Lincoln Tech blog at www.lincolntech.edu/news. 

“We also keep in touch with students via email and text messaging so they always have the most up-to-date information regarding class starts, upcoming events and scholarship opportunities,” Vendrell adds.

 Prior to graduation, Career Services specialists at each campus help arrange internships, externships and part-time work opportunities to help students build relevant work experience. Career Services also helps students research job opportunities and arrange interviews so they are well-positioned to step into a new career when they complete their training.

The support doesn’t end after students graduate. In fact, they become part of a larger “Lincoln Tech for Life” family. At any stage during their career, if they relocate, want to move up into a higher position or are looking for a change, Career Services teams and alumni networks are on call to help. 

“No matter what level of experience students have when they come to Lincoln Tech, they will build skills that employers want to see—helping them land their first job in their field after graduation and launching a lifelong career,” Vendrell says. FFJ