In short
ShapeMyCareer is a free referral service. You answer five short questions about the trade you want, your schooling, your age and military status, when you want to start, and how to reach you. We share your answers with schools and training providers near your ZIP code that teach what you picked, and they contact you. You never pay us, and you can say no to any school. Start with the form.
Three steps
Answer five questions
Which trade. How far you got in school. Whether you're 18 or older and whether you've served. When you want to start and whether you'd go in person or online. Then your name, ZIP code, phone and email. No essays and no test scores.
Today · about 2 minutesSchools near you reach out
Schools that teach your trade near your ZIP code can call, text or email you. They're reaching out because you asked, and they'd like you to enroll, so expect a pitch. Ask what you want to know: total cost in writing, class times, how long it takes and what job help they offer.
Usually within a dayPick one, or none
Visit if you can. Get the cost in writing before you sign anything. Ask about grants first. If it feels right, go ahead. If it doesn't, walk away. You don't owe anyone anything.
Your pace
What we ask, and why
| Question | Why we ask |
|---|---|
| Which trade | So we match you with schools that teach it, and so the pay stub on the form shows the right numbers. |
| How far you got in school | Most programs ask for a diploma or a GED. Some help you get one. If you pick "Some high school," we'll include schools that help you earn a GED while you train, or first. |
| 18 or older | This service is for adults 18 and older. |
| Military | Veterans, service members and military spouses may be able to use the GI Bill. It can pay for vocational training and apprenticeships. |
| When and how you want to start | So schools can tell you about the next class, and whether it's in person or online. |
| Name, ZIP code, phone, email | So schools near you can reach you. |
| The consent box | It's how you agree to be contacted, and it's not required to enroll in any school. |
Ready? It's the same five questions.
Takes about two minutes. You can stop and walk away at any point before you submit.
Who sees your information
When you submit the form, your answers go to us and to schools and training providers in our network that match your trade and ZIP code. They're independent businesses, and they handle your details under their own privacy practices. We also use service providers that help us run the site and keep records. We don't sell your information to unrelated marketers.
Some state privacy laws treat sharing details with partners who pay a fee as a "sale" or "sharing." If you live in a state that gives you the right to opt out, here's the page. The full details are in our privacy policy.
How we're paid
Schools and training providers may pay us when they enroll or are contacted by someone we introduce. That's why the schools that contact you are paying partners. You are never charged by us. Not all schools are listed, and we don't rank them. A school's price is its own, so ask for the total cost in writing.
When schools call
- Write down the total cost. Ask for it in writing: tuition, fees, books, tools, testing.
- Ask about grants before loans. Here's the order to work in.
- Ask what happens after. Placement numbers from last year, not a promise.
- Take your time. A school that pushes you to sign today is telling you something.
- Say stop whenever you want. Reply STOP to a text or tell the caller. If a school ignores you, tell us which one.
Questions
Does this cost anything?
No. Using this site is free. You never pay us, and a school's price is the same whether or not you came through us.
Will I get a lot of calls?
It depends on how many schools near you teach your trade. Schools contact you because you asked them to. You can tell any of them to stop.
Do I have to pick a school?
No. You can pick one, or none. The consent you give isn't required to enroll in any school.
Is ShapeMyCareer a school?
No. We're a free information and referral service. We don't offer training, and we don't make admission, financial aid or hiring decisions.
What if I'm under 18?
This service is for adults 18 and older. The form asks.