Joseph Duggar, who turned 21 yesterday, has completed his year-long program at The Crown College of the Bible, which he started in January 2015. The school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is also where siblings Nathan Bates and Tori Bates currently attend classes.  |
| Throwback: Joseph and Jinger |
Joseph is now back home in Arkansas. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he aspires to pursue a real estate license, as well as a commercial driver's license (CDL), which a few of his older siblings have already acquired.
In addition to driving the Duggars' bus, a CDL will allow Joseph to operate rigs, such as dump trucks and rollbacks. He will use his certifications to work in the Duggar family business, which is in its 5th generation.
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| Building the Duggar house |
Jim Bob Duggar buys fixer-uppers, which he and his adult children, as well as son-in-law Ben Seewald, remodel to either rent or resell. (Ben is researching options for Seminary and hopes to move forward this year.) They also maintain the family's existing commercial and residential rental properties.
Over the years, the Duggars kids (who are now adults) have learned a variety of skills in the areas of construction, plumbing, electrical work, and interior design. You may remember watching them build their 7,000-square-foot home in Raising 16 Children and 16 Children and Moving In. The Duggars have been working to perfect their craft in the nine years since completing that project.
Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com
A little concerned about the wording of this update.
ReplyDelete"Learning skills" in construction, plumbing, and electrical work is not the same as going to a vocational school for them, or getting licensed in them. So other than do-it-yourself repairs on houses for the family, you couldn't make those areas your full-time job, or be hired by any company. In my county, good luck selling a house or even getting a certificate of occupancy without state-licensed contractors signing the work permit.
Even when the Duggars built their current house, they admitted that they had to have licensed people do the work in the end, funded by TLC. Look up public records for the construction lawsuits and liens that happened before TLC stepped in.
Please, you want to be encouraging here, but what good is encouragement if it is only partial facts, or inflation of things to where they sound perfect?
There is no harm in learning all about these areas of work even if one does not get a vocational degree in each subject. One of the problems for people going ahead and buying a house is their complete and total ignorance on the topic that they are investing a lifetime of payments into. Hence they trust people who 'sign off' as being the 'experts' and after the deals are done at the bank they may have a money pit of errors on their hands. Mike Holmes is a television personality in Canada who does television shows on this topic and he says it is peoples responsibility to educate themselves about their homes and buildings and not just entrust themselves to hired experts. The reason for that is that right is not always done by a person with a certificate, people should get to understand what is right and good when it comes to buildings. Everyone who wants to buy or hire should know what is going on.
DeleteBut this is why, in the US, there are code inspectors hired by cities to come behind the licensed contractors and inspect their work before anything can be done with the property. A house in my neighborhood went up for sale, but it was discovered that the back porch on it was built by the owner himself. He had never applied for permits from the city nor did he have the work inspected by anyone. When a potential buyer found this out & reported it, the porch had to be torn off & rebuilt by a licensed contractor, with a permit, and with a city inspection. The sale could not go through until then. So there's a pitfall of doing things yourself on your house, thinking you know what you're doing. You still can't get around building codes & regulations.
DeleteI agree I'm glad is teaching all his children including his girls on remodeling houses. As you said that great experience will come in handy when buying a house that way since you have the knowledge there is no need to spend between $400.00-$500.00 for van inspection. Plus there is nothing better than knowing how to fix just about anything in your house because
DeleteI am disappointed with only one year in college. What kind of trade school is crown college
ReplyDeleteWhat did he study in college?
ReplyDeleteA one-year certificate. I was hoping he was getting a 4-year degree. I hope that he has a happy successful life.
ReplyDeletelove and miss the duggars god bless them all oxox
ReplyDeleteThe duggar family has the right idea; showing their children at a young age that you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.
ReplyDeleteIt's a real shame that so many Americans are talking down this wholesome family! Keep doing God's work, and remember that the entertainment business is the reason that there are so many against you! It's wonderful to see a family working together to see their dreams come to fruition.
ReplyDeleteGreat comment, I agree too!
DeleteSending the family love & God's blessings. I miss watching your family on 19 kids & counting. I know the Lord will keep you all strong. May the Lord God continue to bless all of you.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate the updates on the rest of the clan☺ It's pretty cool that Crown college has year long programs as well... They are a unique university. I personally have never heard a negative experience about that school from the Alumni
ReplyDeleteYou haven't talked to everyone.
DeleteI never implied that I talked to everyone...that would be impossible, just stating that I personally haven't heard a negative comment about the school...blessings☺
DeleteI would not call it a university. It is Bible College, with very limited number of programs. Alumni may like it but what is important is the college's rating. Are graduates employable?
DeleteAgreed. Crown is cliche and has down sides. One being it is unaccredited.From the parent of a former Crown student.
DeleteI love everything about the show. I have laughed, cried and prayed with you. I miss seeing the family every week especially Michele. Since my Mom passed in 2005. I could see me seating down with Michele for advice. She feels like Michele is my 8th sisters. She always has good Godly advice. I hope to see you all on T.V. again. May God Bless you all.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THE SHOW>THEy HAD NO RIGHT TAKING IT OFF THE AIR.THERE ARE MORE SHOWES ON TV THAT ARE BAD,HAVE BAD LANG,IN IT , TLC,WOULD RATHER PUT A GUY WITH,5 WIFE;S ON TV,THEN GOOD FAMILY ON
ReplyDeleteI really miss your show I enjoyed it very much. I would love for you to come back in the air. Bless you and your family in all that you do. God bless.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of program did Joeseph complete? Was it a diploma of some sort? Didnt know you needed to have that to become a real estate agent
ReplyDeleteSure hope more of them will aspire to higher education and follow their dreams! University is the best experience! I'm a junior and graduating with my education degree next year
ReplyDeleteCouldn't have said it better! Wish the best for you!By the way, what are you studying?
DeleteDo you realize how many young kids are working so hard in college for their dream job. In the process they are also racking up very hefty student loans! When they finally do graduate it is almost nearly impossible for college kids to get their dream job. Or any high paying job for that matter that would help pay of the hefty student loans..which is sad! I have read many stories from college graduates about this and research articles that give the real statistics. I didn't realize how bad it was for all the graduates, so what Joseph is doing is great! Probably not much in loans and now he has more than several ways to get a good paying job with all he is learning. My Dad never went to college neither did a lot of other people I know and today they have high paying jobs they enjoy! My Dad was a little like Joseph but he didn't have a Dad in his life so everything he did was self-taught such as working on cars. With 4 girls and 1 boy who was the youngest we had our very own mechanic all you had to do was explain how it was acting sound and all and he knew right away. For his job he was the Manager of all the electricians at a huge plant that made corrugated boxes again no degree and he made a very good living to take care of his family and he never wanted my Mom to have to work. We were a very blessed family at that time. Up until my Dad was diagnosed with cancer and passed away almost 33 yrs ago he had just turned 47. But the Lord promised my Dad that He would always provide for us and He has!! What an awesome God we serve!
DeleteFor every story like that, there are tons more stories of kids going to college on full scholarships, working their way through college, and getting good jobs after. We cannot be a country with an uneducated or under-educated next generation. We need doctors, nurses, lawyers, engineers, computer scientists, medical researchers, etc. Imagine this country in 10-20 years if kids didn't keep going after those degrees just because they meant a student loan later, or because "you can get a good job without going to college." Think of the future and the global stage on which we must compete!
DeleteThis wasn't much of an update? What about the girls? What are Joy-Anna's plans?
ReplyDeleteIt was a Joseph Duggar update. There are quite a few wonderful updates on the others!
DeleteThe girls and Joanna's plans are what they always have been-get married and have babies.
DeleteNobody can replace the duggars! Bring them back TLC
ReplyDeleteThank you for your updates on the family. Always appreciated by fans.
ReplyDeleteHow is it a fifth generation buisiness? Also, what programme was Joseph enrolled in ?
ReplyDeleteWhat did the year long program consist of? I'm not sure I ever read what he was taking?
ReplyDeleteHe completed the "Foundation for Christian Life Certificate" which is a 1 year program based on in-depth Bible study. It's not a professional certificate, although credits earned can be used towards a BA degree.
DeleteBasically bible study.
DeleteDid he get a degree or drop out? I have homeschooled children and
ReplyDeleteI wonder how college will work for my teenaged kids.
I have the same concerns about my kiddos. They are middle-schoolers and we homeschool. I'm starting to wonder if we should enroll them back into public school once in high school so they can have access to the scholarships, dual enrollment, etc. I don't want to inhibit their ability to go to the schools of their choice for college.
DeleteOur son was homeschooled as well. He went right into the local Community College when he graduated from High School at 15, and had his degree by the time he was 18. Just keep copies of their grades, and issue them a physical copy of their High School Diploma. They should do just fine!
DeleteI was homeschooled for my last two years of high school, and I was accepted into a very good university. It's totally possible. You will need to send a transcript and a diploma, so keep records (as Kathy said). The student's ACT/SAT score and admissions essays carry a lot of weight, so make sure those are good. Colleges also want kids who are involved in extra curricular activities.
DeleteHope this helps!
Ellie
This depends on what country you live in and, of course, what the students wants to study. Here, homeschooling limits a student's education.
DeleteA student's education is only as good as his teachers. I would caution anyone who homeschool their children to think about their own educational weaknesses. I am highly educated, with multiple degrees, and I would consider I shortchanged my children if I homeschooled them.
They graduated with their age peers (there is no benefit to accelerating from a social POV), earned acceptances to top rated universities and are now doing extremely well.
To the person who said that homeschooling limits a student's education in their country, may I ask where you live? In the United States, homeschooling DEFINITELY does not limit a student's education (unless, of course, the parents are incompetent or uninvolved).
DeleteGrace what you say is so true! I homeschooled my son and it was the best thing I ever did, and I would do it all over again that's how wonderful it is. When he was looking at University's and maybe starting off at our home Community College. Everywhere he went the administration said that they would prefer a homeschooled young adult over a public schooled young adult. They felt the education a homeschooled young adult received was more well rounded and in their opinion they were very smart in all areas of education amongst other things. And they added to date they have never had any trouble with any of the homeschooled young adults because they are there with a passion they have never seen to learn!
DeleteThe ACT and SAT have been aligned with Common Core.
DeleteThank-you Lily and Ellie for an accurate and respectful update on what Joseph and some of the others are doing currently. I read another online report that said he was just drop out and back at home. A year devoted to a college in Bible studies is a good thing and I say congratulations to Joseph on going and graduating from a course of studies. May God bless you Joseph in your next steps in life.
ReplyDeleteI wonder what the certificate is in? I would love for one of the Duggar children to get a job outside of the family business. A lot can be learned by working for people you aren't related to.
ReplyDeleteJill is a midwife and has delivered many babies, Jana is something similar so they're not all in the family business and even if they were as long as it's an honest living who are we to say. Maybe it's what some of them really want to do.
Deletewhat did he study
ReplyDeleteI mean this with the utmost respect, but I wonder why none of the kids have pursued careers outside of the Duggar family business (other than Jill)?
ReplyDeleteJohnDavid certainly has MANY other jobs...look it up, it's all there in black and white☺
DeleteJosh did... He was working for FRC... Which, although probably heavily backed by the Duggar family and those with similar beliefs, isn't a family business.
DeleteJill and Derrick are not in the family business, and Ben and Jessa plan on having Ben become a Pastor at a church. So a lot of the kids are doing what they are passionate about and what they feel the Lord is calling them to do.
DeleteSo glad to see what you all are doing. I miss the show and seeing all the family so much. God Bless you all
ReplyDeleteSo, what does studying for one year at Crown College earn Joseph???
ReplyDeleteNothing! It is unaccredited so even 4 years leaves you with little other than to say you went to college unless you work for a church. Example church school teacher , receptionist , principle , ect. since it is bible based and does offer skills. --------From a parent of a child that went there.
DeleteI love the duggar family I miss the show and hope TLC will bring them back we all have a lot to learn from others trails. They have a strong faith in the lord there son may have fallen but the lord will pick him up and he will become a better and strong man. What has happened with josh happen in family around the world to see how he and Anna overcome this will be a inspiring for us all. I hope that josh will get the opportunity to speak and share his life in order to help others.in Jesus name. Love Tammy wilson.
DeleteVery cool! Thanks for keeping us up to date!
ReplyDeleteConsidering TLC finished the Duggar home after 3 years of them trying to build it; Maybe the very oldest kids learned a few skills; but, nothing marketable.
ReplyDeleteAnd, whom of the Duggar children is gainfully employed?
No, TLC only helped decorate, the entire family along with friends built their home.Please do your homework before stating falsehoods or assumptions.
DeleteI believe John David is. He's a constable I believe.
DeleteWonderful show. I truly miss all of the Duggars.
ReplyDeleteSo excited to read an update on Joseph! Congrats on finishing the program, Joseph:) great work!
ReplyDeleteI Love the Duggar family! My family and I miss watching you all! I will continue to keep your family in my prayers. I have followed you from the beginning. It is so refreshing to know that there are still sweet, wholesome and goldly families in the world. Nothing has changed my opinion of your family, no one's family is perfect and that's ok. We can only try to do our very best everyday. God Bless
ReplyDeleteI like them and always have. I do not always like everything they say, do or believe in but hey the same goes for my friends and family too. Anyway, if they ever want to practice their skills and do some mission work I have a fixer upper of a house which needs updating and I would love to learn as well. Good thing that they can all do some things like that and real estate as well some good money making ops there too.
ReplyDeleteThe really good money making opportunities are when you graduate from a trade school and get licensed by the state. Otherwise, you can only putter and not legally sign any required construction permits.
DeleteCongratulations Joseph Duugar! I am so happy for you! Always remember to keep God first in your life and fully rely and trust on Him(Proverb3:5-6)
ReplyDeleteWhat was he studying in that year long program? Was it to get a real estate license?
ReplyDeleteHe was studying something else.
DeleteI thought Joseph was courting one of the Bates girls. True or not true?
ReplyDeleteHi ladies,
ReplyDeleteDid he finish a degree at Crown?
Alexis
I don't think so.
DeleteThank you so much for the up dates, kids really growing up, have you all greatly loved it when you let me share your home and lives in my home, Praying to see you all back on Tv soon.
ReplyDeleteThe world does not understand what kingdom living is. They cannot comprehend that living solely for the will of God does not follow their traditions. The world spends thousands of dollars giving their children what they believe is the best education. That only creates selfish adults who only learn that they deserve the best for themselves no matter what the cost. As for me, I would rather help guide children to a knowledge that we were created to serve God and others and not to serve ourselves.
ReplyDeleteHow is becoming well educated not cohesive with serving the Lord? My daughter is at a very large secular college getting her degree in occupational therapy. Many of her friends are getting degrees in engineering and medicine. All volunteer, go on missions trips and love the Lord. All will be very well educated with bachelors, masters, and doctorate degrees. My daughter will be able to fully support herself or add income to her family someday. None of this is ungodly. Women are helpmates--not helpless. Men should have marketable degrees to support their families.
DeleteAmen Marisol! Awesome comment and so true about the world not understanding or they choose to not understand only to make more waves.
DeleteHe completed a year to earn a "Foundation for Christian Life" certificate. The programme offers bible study, creation science etc.
ReplyDeleteHave any of the Duggar kids gone to school for interior design? I'm sure their skills will be great for their future careers!
ReplyDeleteOne year is at least better than nothing.
ReplyDeleteDoes Arkansas require special licensing for the work they do? In my town, you have to be a licensed contractor to do major repairs. You also need to be a licensed plumber/electrician to make those types of repairs. Permits are required and city code enforcement is required to ensure the job is done safely. I cannot even put up a chain-link fence without getting a permit and inspection from the city/state! While it's frustrating (and more expensive), I do appreciate knowing the repair jobs are done correctly and safely and using quality products. I am just shocked that by the Duggars claiming to know how to do something, people may be buying or renting properties that could be potential lawsuits. Trade school is a wonderful opportunity to turn a love for doing a skill into a well-paying career. Imagine if each Duggar specialized in a trade! They would have an amazing source of qualified skill that could expand their family business ventures!
ReplyDeleteThat is the truth, especially the part about the permits and codes!
DeleteWhy do you assume the properties are not being inspected after the work is done?
DeleteThey're probably being inspected, but that permit box had better have signatures of licensed contractors & sub-contractors inside when the city inspector comes around for the final say, especially when it comes to plumbing & electrical. Someone I know with extensive electrical training from the Navy won't work on his own house because it could jeopardize the inspection or the sale of the property later because he is not licensed.
DeleteI am also curious what his one-year program was in. I have heard of one-year post-graduate work, but never a one-year post-high-school course. Was his intention to take a one-year program or was he in 3-4 year program but just completed a year?
ReplyDeleteFantastic update! Jim Bob & Michelle have taught their children to use their hands as well as their brains. I'm sure whatever they choose to do with their lives,career,marriage or whatever, it will be a prayerful decision.
ReplyDeleteBe careful with "family businesses" where you keep dividing & dividing the available amount of work among the offspring. Someone I know works with the state to find jobs for young Amish adults who absolutely cannot support themselves because the family livelihood has been divided so much.
ReplyDeleteHe has done a fine thing to attend a Bible college. There are online Bible studies and many of those are free. But living online makes a person panic when the internet goes down as it sometimes does. People need some kind of flesh and blood, real living, to put to good use the things they learn and know are the truth, the way and life. Congratulations to Joseph on his accomplishments!
ReplyDeleteI'm a Duggar Lover from the get go. Thank you for sharing your family with me, I have no children, so it's my joy to watch your families continued growing. I decided to get the TV out of my house, well RV, and y'alls was one of my favorites. I'll be looking for updates..... Love, prayers, and peace in y'alls homes
ReplyDeleteI wonder why they really are against their kids having a 4 year degree. I've heard Jim Bob's explanation, and it just doesn't ring true.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Joseph! I appreciate these updates so much as these godly young adults are such an inspiration.
ReplyDeleteI miss this family:*(
ReplyDeleteSo thankful for this sight! Miss seeing 19 Kids and Counting. It's so nice to still feel a connection. God bless each of you! Warm hugs sent to you.
ReplyDeleteOne year at Crown offers the Foundation for Christian Life Certificate. Not a college degree. I'm sure it's a wonderful program of study, but not academically challenging and not going to earn you any kind of career.
ReplyDeleteIs Anna pregnant? There are rumors...
ReplyDeleteI hope it's not true! Four kids in such a short time and one more...
DeleteIt is such a pity the Duggar parents do not encourage or give their children the opportunity to go onto higher education. A career and jobs outside the family would be very good for them.
ReplyDeleteJoseph finish college at the right time. Now that Knoxville got all that snow.
ReplyDeleteGod bless miss y'all
ReplyDeleteThe Duggars choose where to apply themselves, not us spectators. If Joseph went and studied the Bible for a year and is obtaining two certificates now one in real estate and one in driving then why should us onlookers be saying he should choose to get a vocational certificate in a trade? It is his decision and he is doing what he chose, not what we commented for him to do! Thanks for the update bloggers!
ReplyDeleteNo one is saying that Joseph should get a trade diploma or not. People have made the valid observation that none of the Duggars have any valid trade educations and yet the family business is flipping properties and managing rental properties.
DeleteThis young man can, of course, do what he wants but it is still unfortunate that he, like his older siblings, is shortchanging his future. People with real estate licences are a dime dozen. I hope the driving certificate allows him to actually operate heavy equipment and is recognized across the US. He could perhaps get a job truck driving or driving heavy equipment for a mining or construction company. Studying the Bible is all well and good but it doesn't put food on the table or pays your rent.
True, but now add being on TV to that. Someone is filming again, so is that train about to board again? You can't ride it your whole life, though.
DeleteI think the Duggar kids do more than most kids who choose to get a formal college education. The number of people who end up waiting on tables with college degrees is very high. The kids will never be unemployed because they can do many things. Nothing wrong with a formal education but this family were doing fine without the show.
DeleteIt's amazing what JimBob and kids do!They make the houses so nice and they do it so fast!Pretty amazing!
ReplyDeleteYes, pretty amazing they can then sell them or get them rented out. Unless TLC didn't show us the part about the licensed people coming behind to do the actual work.
DeleteThey should be on HGTV so we can still watch them! 19 House Flips and Counting!
DeleteCan we have career updates on the other older kids?
ReplyDeleteGirls - Dad will find you a husband.
DeleteBoys - Dad will find you a job.