What Is Trade School? Should You Go?
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Trade schools are often overlooked in favor of traditional colleges, but they offer a viable alternative for those looking to jump-start their careers. These schools provide hands-on training for specific jobs, such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, commercial divers, and dental hygienists.
While they may not offer the same range of programs as traditional colleges, trade schools provide quick entry into the workforce and are generally more affordable. However, deciding whether to attend a trade school depends on a variety of factors, and it’s important to weigh your options carefully.
Here’s everything you need to know about trade schools and their benefits and limitations.
What Is Trade School?
A trade school, also known as a vocational or technical school, is an educational institution that focuses on equipping students with specific skills needed for particular jobs.
Trade school programs are designed to be completed quickly, typically in a few months to two years. And you can enroll immediately following high school or after gaining some work experience.
Unlike traditional colleges, trade schools offer hands-on training to prepare students for immediate entry into the workforce. They bypass the broad, theory-based education provided by colleges and instead focus on imparting practical knowledge related to a specific trade or profession.
So, if you’re eager to jump-start your career without committing to a four-year college degree, a trade school could be an excellent choice for you.
Popular Online Trade Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Popular Trade School Programs and Careers
Trade schools offer a wealth of specialized training opportunities, providing pathways to various in-demand careers. Some popular options include:
- Carpentry: Carpentry trade schools teach students theory and practical woodworking skills in 9-24 months. Shop classes often provide hands-on training in construction. Lectures cover how to read blueprints and understand safety principles.
- CDL: Commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs teach students how to drive commercial trucks, such as a truck with a trailer. Students can earn a CDL in about 6-24 weeks. Coursework covers safety protocols and practical driving skills, such as parallel parking, turning, and coupling and uncoupling.
- Computer Information Systems/IT: Training in computer information systems or information technology (IT) offers students the chance to study topics like cybersecurity, networking, and even game design.
- Cosmetology: Cosmetology trade schools teach students the art of doing makeup, nails, hair, and skincare in about 1-2 years.
- Criminal Justice: Students can prepare for a career in the criminal justice system by pursuing a two-year associate degree in criminal justice or a one-year certificate.
- Culinary Arts: Through cooking labs, online tutorials, and on-the-job experiences, students can learn the fundamentals of culinary arts. Participants typically study subjects like cooking, baking, purchasing, and sanitation and safety.
- Electrical: Trade schools usually offer specialized two-year associate degree programs or one-year basic electricity technician certificate programs that teach students about direct and alternating current circuits.
- HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians can train for the job through certificate and associate degree programs, which generally take 1-2 years to finish. Class topics include mechanical refrigeration, heating and cooling theory, and electrical components.
- Mechanic/Auto Mechanic: Students enrolled in auto mechanic trade school programs often learn how to service and repair domestic and foreign cars using multimeters, scanners, and other tools. Courses may cover topics such as transmissions, brake systems, and climate control systems.
- Medical Assisting: Earning a degree or certificate in medical assisting can teach aspiring medical assistants about office protocol, pharmacology, and medical insurance management.
- Welding: Earning a welding certificate often takes 9-18 months. Lessons focus on different welding processes, including gas metal arc welding, plate and pipe welding, sanitary welding, and shielded metal arc welding.
- Wellness/Massage: A wellness and massage certificate program usually covers medical terminology, musculoskeletal anatomy and physiology, and ethics for massage therapists. Programs usually take less than one year to complete.
Is Trade School Right for You?
Determining if trade school is right for you involves several key considerations. Firstly, evaluate your career goals: If you have a clear idea of the specific career you want to pursue and it requires hands-on, practical training, trade school might be a better fit.
Secondly, consider your financial situation: Trade schools are generally more affordable and have shorter programs, allowing quicker entry into the workforce, which can help avoid significant student loan debt.
Thirdly, think about your time commitment. Trade school programs are typically shorter, which is ideal if you prefer a quicker route to starting your career.
Lastly, evaluate your learning style. If you thrive in hands-on, practical learning environments, trade school may be more suitable compared to the broader academic experience offered by colleges.
Pros of Trade School
- Provide career-focused training, allowing students to dive straight into their career training.
- Typically shorter than traditional college degree programs.
- Generally cost less than traditional four-year colleges, reducing the overall financial burden.
- Graduates often find numerous job opportunities as skilled trade jobs are in high demand.
- Programs emphasize practical, hands-on training, which is beneficial for careers requiring practical skills.
Cons of Trade School
- Programs are focused on specific careers, which can be limiting if you have broader career aspirations or are unsure of your career path.
- The fast-paced and intensive nature of trade school programs can leave little room for flexibility.
- Fewer financial aid options compared to traditional colleges and universities.
- Upward mobility within a career can be limited. Higher managerial positions often require a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
- Specialized training for specific careers can limit the development of broader education and versatile skills that can be beneficial in other career paths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trade Schools
Deciding whether to go to college or trade school depends on your career goals, financial situation, time commitment, and personal interests.
If you have a clear idea of the specific career you want to pursue and it requires hands-on, practical training, trade school might be a better fit than college.
However, if you seek a broader education, higher earning potential, and more flexibility and options in terms of changing majors or pursuing multiple areas of study, college might be the better choice. Ultimately, the decision depends on your personal career goals, financial considerations, and how quickly you want to start working.
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