Training-program expectations: A conundrum

The expectations that graduates have of the industry's training programs do not necessarily match the reality of the experiences they will receive. The result is often discontented employees; others leave the industry altogether. While misunderstandings exist about length of program, hours required, and specializations to be learned, the greatest discrepancies involve such after-training expectations as raises and relocation assistance. For example, students expect a 13-percent raise after training, but only half the companies give raises (the average is about 1 0 percent). Ninety percent of the students expect relocation assistance, yet only 60 percent of the companies offer such assistance. Better communication is needed between companies and schools, and educators must encourage students to examine in detail a wide variety of opportunities before accepting their first job.