Many students pursue some form of continuing education in order to meet the requirements of a job opening or track a career path. This year, a record number of students will be enrolled in public school systems and higher education colleges and universities. Nonetheless, for the students who decide not to immediately join 2- or 4-year degree programs, increased access to career education may soon be improve.

At the start of the 2010 school year, some Louisiana high schools will implement a 2009 law that aims to reduce the dropout rates among students with lower achievements in science, math and reading, the Associated Press reports. The schools will offer a "career diploma" which allows students to shape curriculums around classes such as welding, woodworking and small engine repair.

Aline Snead, mother of a junior at West Ouachita High, is in support of the new curriculum for her son. "College is my plan for him," she told the news source, "but I'm glad that he'll have skills, that will prepare him for the work force, if he doesn't go to college."

Employment in most trade jobs will grow about 7 to 10 percent in the decade leading up to 2016, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.