Are you graduating from high school and looking for options for further education? There are multiple ways to be successful, and as a high school student, it might be difficult for you to choose from the various options available.
This is the time to make the right decision for your future. Everyone around you might be getting ready to go to the traditional four-year college or community school. But there are other options available like a trade school. Trade school is a more affordable and quicker option for students to achieve their long term goals.
So what exactly is a trade school?
A trade school, also known as technical school or vocational school, is an educational institution for training students making them skilled and trained for a specific job.
It offers hands-on training to students and prepares them for the actual fieldwork in their field.
Going to a trade school can be an excellent option for students who know what they want their career to look like and get the necessary training to get a favorable job easily.
For instance, if you are interested in becoming a welder and want to know how to weld, then a trade school would provide you hands-on experience and technical training. You can learn and practice welding and get ready for the actual job.
Although, you can take the traditional four-year college and learn about all the technical stuff, you would also learn about the broader aspects that might not be relevant to your career.
Your program would be more comprehensive but through a trade school, you can acquire a specific skill you need for a particular job at an efficient time frame and affordable price tag.
Here, we will explain the benefits of trade school along with the types of trade schools and how to apply for it.
Benefits of the trade school
It makes you ready for a specific field
Trade school targets education in a specific field. If you want to be a welder or an electrician, you will learn about all the techniques and will get a hands-on experience that will prepare you for the outside world. It is designed for students who have a trade-specific career in mind and would like to begin work as soon as possible.
Affordable when compared to traditional college
Trade schools are a more affordable option which requires a smaller time frame. The overall cost of the trade school is very low than the cost of community college or four-year colleges or private schools.
Part-time option
The student can opt for part-time options too. This gives the students the option to work while they are learning or completing an apprenticeship. The schedules are flexible for people having another job or responsibilities.
Get training from experienced professionals
Each and every lesson prepares the students to meet the qualifications required for the job in the outside world.
Trade school provides a dedicated environment with people in the same field and they learn from the highly qualified and experienced professionals. All these factors give the students an opportunity for career advancement.
Get Job ready in a short time
Unlike the traditional four year college, trade schools do not require any irrelevant classes that are not related to the job. It provides only technical training and is focused on providing students only with relevant experience and skills.
As the trade school prepares students for a unique program, it can take anywhere between a few weeks, months to a year or two depending on the program student chooses.
Due to this, the training period is much shorter and a student can route towards the first paycheck faster.
Below are the few things to consider when applying for a trade school
When looking for a trade school, you should first decide the trade you want to get trained in. They provide specialized programs and training and a student should know what he or she wants his/her career to be.
After deciding the career path, the student should look for the availability of trade schools in their area or through the college board. This gives you an idea about cost, the format of the program, and other academic requirements like GED grades, etc.
The student should opt for a trade school that is accredited and is licensed. Check whether the school is accredited by private education agencies or associations that evaluate the program and meet the requirements.
It is also essential to look at the number of jobs available in your area and what the potential salary and also how in-depth the program you are opting for is.
Trade school provides jobs for –
Trade schools are suited for the jobs that require a specific skill set. Here are the few jobs that a student can pursue through a trade school.
- Cosmetologist
- Nursing assistant
- Construction management
- Plumber
- Energy Management
- Locksmith
- Welder
- Carpenter
- Home Healthcare Aide
- Landscape design
Some other highest paid jobs that one can acquire through a trade school are
- Electrical technicians
- Boilermaker
- Plumber
- Pile makers
- Culinary art
- Film making
- (HVAC) Heating, Venting, and CoolingTechnician
One of the pros of the trade school is that it provides high job security.
How to Apply to a Trade School
The application process for a trade school is quite simple. The majority of them have an online application form on their website. One can apply anytime from anywhere. You can also contact the school for more information regarding admission.
Some trade schools also conduct interviews. These are for providing guidance regarding the program that would be best suited for you.
Trade schools don’t require any SAT or ACT scores. They are open to almost everyone. The age criteria for trade school are mostly 16 years and above.
Conclusion
The decision to go to a trade school must not be taken lightly. It has an important impact on career choice and potential earning.
They are an excellent option for students who don’t want to attend a four-year traditional college. It is the best choice for people who have their heart set on a particular trade.
