Education and Training
Description OES Code:00005
Education is an important part of life. The type and level of education that an individual attains often influences occupational choice and earnings potential. Lifelong learning is important to acquire new knowledge and upgrade skills, particularly in this age of rapid technological and economic changes.

The educational services industry includes a variety of institutions that offer academic instruction, vocational and technical instruction, and other education and training to millions of students each year.

Categories Within This Industry
Because school attendance is compulsory until age 16 to 18 in all 50 States and the District of Columbia, elementary, middle, and secondary schools are the most numerous of all educational establishments.

Elementary, middle, and secondary schools provide academic instruction to students in kindergarten through grade 12, in public schools, parochial schools, boarding and other private schools, and military academies. Some secondary schools provide a mixture of academic and vocational instruction.

Postsecondary institutions provide academic or technical courses or both in colleges, universities, professional schools, community or junior colleges, and technical institutes. Universities offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, while colleges generally offer only the bachelor’s degree.

Professional schools offer graduate degrees in fields such as law, medicine, business administration, and engineering. The undergraduate bachelor’s degree typically requires 4 years of study, while graduate degrees require additional years of study. Community colleges and technical institutes offer associate degrees, certificates, or diplomas, typically involving 2 years of study or less.

For a list of current job listings, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.

Categories Within This Industry (Cont'd)
Establishments that make up the remainder of the educational services industry include libraries; vocational schools, including computer training, business and secretarial, commercial art, practical nursing, and correspondence schools; and institutions providing a variety of specialized training and services, such as curriculum development, student exchange programs, and art, music, automobile driving, and cooking schools.

In recent decades, the Nation has focused attention on the educational system because of the growing importance of producing a trained and educated workforce. Many institutions, including government, private industry, and research organizations, are involved in improving the quality of education. States have introduced performance standards in an effort to raise academic achievement among students and set standards for graduation.