How To Choose a Trade School

If you are wondering how to choose a trade school, first consider your career goals, strengths, and interests. A traditional four-year degree is a common education route. However, many students prefer trade school because it takes less time to complete and often costs less.

Trade schools provide training for in-demand fields. If you want to develop skills that employers need, picking the right trade school can help you meet that goal. You can use this guide to learn how to choose a trade school and feel confident about the next step in your education.

Trade school can be an excellent choice if you want to start your career more quickly. Like community colleges, trade schools typically offer degrees that students can earn in two years or less. Many also offer online programs.

Figuring out how to choose a trade school involves thinking about your abilities and interests. For example, if you are artistic, you might want to become a cosmetologist or fashion designer. If you have a passion for technology, web development might be your best option.

Part of the value of trade school is the ability to train for a high-demand job that offers personal fulfillment as well as a good wage. Some common trade occupations and industries include the following:

However, some trade schools focus on other trades, such as filmmaking and marketing. Consider where your skills lie and what you enjoy doing in your free time. If you can align your strengths and interests with your career, you are more likely to enjoy your job.

Deciding between trade school vs. traditional college ultimately comes down to the career path you want to take. A traditional four-year degree provides students with a broad liberal arts education. You will probably need a bachelor’s degree for most entry-level, white-collar positions.

In contrast, trade school teaches technical knowledge and skills for a specific occupation, such as welding or plumbing. When you are thinking about trade school vs. traditional college, each offers pros and cons.

A certification in a STEM trade, such as a licensed practical nursing, dental hygiene, or clean energy, offers a high earning potential. Also, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that computer occupations will continue to grow and be in high demand from 2019 through 2029.

Computer-related trade careers include the following:

However, many trade careers pay less over your lifetime than those that require more advanced education. Either way, it is a good idea to continue your education to keep up with trends in your industry.

Also keep in mind that some trade schools can be more expensive than you expect, and not all schools provide the training you need to be ready for your field. If you are still unsure which trade school is the best fit for you, these questions will help you find the right one.

Trade schools generally have a specific focus and provide hands-on learning. That’s why it’s essential to know what trade you want to pursue before signing up for classes. If you like to work with your hands or enjoy building things, you might want to pick a trade school that teaches construction or manufacturing.

On the other hand, if you want to help people, look into schools that teach nursing or other health sciences. These classes should offer opportunities to work with patients.

Accreditation is essential because it helps ensure the school provides quality education. You cannot receive federal financial aid unless your school is accredited. You can check a school’s accreditations with this search tool from the U.S. Department of Education.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation maintains a directory of programmatic accreditation groups you can use to check your program. Keep in mind that not every field has this additional accreditation.

You want to attend a trade school that has a good reputation. Some trade schools might mislead prospective students to increase enrollment. Conduct some research before you register.

You can ensure the school holds accreditation before you apply. Use sites like TrainingProviderResults.gov and College Scorecard to compare program costs, graduation completion rates, and employment rates after graduation.

The graduation rate is the percentage of a school’s students who complete their program. You can research your school’s graduation rate to ensure that it is a good fit for you. A high graduation rate means you have a better chance of accomplishing your goals.

On the other hand, a low graduation rate or low employment rates after graduation is a cause for concern.

In addition to tuition and books, supplies and equipment can also be expensive. It is vital to know the program’s overall cost so there are not any surprises along the way.

To be eligible for federal financial aid, your school must be accredited. Many schools also offer institutional and merit-based scholarships.

Trade schools specialize in specific industries. One of the benefits of going to a trade school is that these schools often have relationships with companies that need skilled employees. The best trade schools provide career services and develop hands-on training and internships with industry partners.

Trade school classes tend to be smaller than traditional college classes. Smaller class sizes can offer more time with the instructor. Smaller classes also make it easier to ask questions as you learn. Investigate common class sizes for the programs you are interested in.

Trade school is often all about hands-on training, but COVID-19 challenges have forced many to adopt a hybrid approach. With hybrid learning, instructors use online classes to teach theory, saving practical training for in-person sessions.

Trades such as graphic design, web development, and information technology work well for hybrid coursework. However, many other trades rely on labs and workshops.

Your trade school should teach you up-to-date and relevant skills. Nevertheless, it’s also important to continue your education and stay updated within your industry after graduation. Continuing education is essential, particularly in tech fields.

There are technical colleges and trade schools with dorms. If you want the full college experience, you can probably find a trade school that offers on-campus living. Additionally, if you attend an accredited trade school, financial aid may help cover some housing expenses.

Some trade schools offer ongoing alumni resources like resume workshops and additional employment assistance years after graduation. Alumni resources may also include networking opportunities and discounts on specific products and services.

Feature Image: Maskot / Maskot / Getty Images