Vocational programs attract students who do not want to attend a traditional college or university. Prospective trade school students can keep this information in mind as they consider if a career in the trades is right for them.
- Students can often learn a trade and enter a related profession within 10 to 24 months of enrolling in trade school.
- Schools focused on specific trades have strong job placement rates that often exceed those of schools where students pursue four-year degrees, according to the Philadelphia Technician Training School.
- Qualified instructors and trade industry experts tend to be on staff at vocational schools. The instructors bring years of on-the-job experience to the classroom.
- Many trade school programs offer accelerated formats that lean heavily on specialized training for specific career goals.
- Trade schools tend to merge instruction in a traditional classroom setting with hands-on training in real-world situations. That means those studying electrical trades may work in laboratories that mimic both home and business settings.
- Forbes reports that students in trade school often take part in a paid apprenticeship where they earn money while learning on the job. Statistics from the U.S. government state 92% of apprentices who complete their programs retain employment and go on to earn a salary.
- Many trades are quite lucrative and in-demand. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters earn a median wage of $54,000 while an elevator and escalator installer and repair person earns an average of $86,000 per year.
- Many trade schools offer industry support and career services, just like traditional colleges. These departments can assist students in funding tuition through federal aid and scholarships and help them find jobs.
- Students enrolled in accredited vocational schools could be eligible for federal student aid. That’s particularly true for students enrolled in programs that last longer than 15 weeks, according to The Balance, a financial resource. Individuals living in the U.S. can file the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if they’re eligible for assistance.
- Apart from elevator installers and repair people, dental hygienists and radiation therapists tend to earn the highest salaries in the trades.
Students interested in trade education can speak with school guidance counselors or reach out to accredited trade schools to learn more about opportunities near them.
