Do you dream of styling hair for a living, or maybe making food? What about working on cars? Trade schools can turn those passions into careers! These programs offer fast-tracked, hands-on training in just a few months to two years, and they’re often cheaper than college. You’ll graduate with the skills you need to land a job in a field you love, from healthcare and tech to skilled trades like cosmetology and mechanics.
If a four-year college doesn’t sound like the right option after high school for you, trade schools — or vocational schools — offer a faster, more affordable way to gain the skills you need for a specific career. Let’s further explore what you can expect from these schools in terms of studies, benefits, duration, and cost of attendance.
What Types of Trade Schools Are There?
Trade schools, aka technical schools, career colleges, or vocational schools, all share a common goal—to equip you with job-ready skills in a specific field. However, they do have unique characteristics:
- Technical schools often focus on skills related to technology and applied sciences. Think computer programming, electronics, and software engineering.
- Career colleges focus on career-oriented programs. This is a broader term that can encompass both vocational and technical schools.
- Vocational schools focus on very specific career paths that provide hands-on training to prepare you for very specific trades like carpentry, plumbing, or cosmetology.
Popular Trade School Programs
You can go to trade school to learn a variety of skills, depending on your career goals. Here are some of the most popular trade school majors:
- Automotive Mechanic: Students can expect to learn how to diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles.
- Carpentry: This program teaches students carpentry theory, how to read blueprints, and practical woodworking skills.
- Cosmetology: Cosmetology school trains students in hair styling, makeup, nail care, and skincare.
- Culinary Arts: These programs focus on cooking techniques, kitchen management, and food safety.
- Electrical: Courses often cover electrical systems, circuitry, and safety practices. Students can gain hands-on training related to topics like motor controls and basic wiring practices.
- HVAC: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians train with hands-on experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining HVAC systems.
- Medical Assistant: Programs include training in clinical and administrative tasks, including office protocol, pharmacology, and medical insurance management.
- Massage Therapy: These programs cover medical terminology required for massage therapy. Students may learn a variety of massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and sports massage.
- Plumbing: This training covers pipe installation, plumbing systems, and repair techniques.
- Welding: Lessons will train students how to safely and effectively weld metal together using different welding processes.
How Long Does Trade School Take?
Not all trade school programs require the same time commitment. Some trades, like carpentry, can take up to two years to complete. Meanwhile, welding or truck driving can sometimes be learned in as little as six months. However, on average, you can expect that most trade programs last from one to two years.
What Benefits Are There to Attending Trade School?
- Hands-On Training: You get to work with the tools and equipment you will use in your career, while also participating in labs and internships that simulate real job environments.
- Job-Specific Skills: The programs are designed to teach specific skills directly related to a particular trade or career. This means you usually don’t have to take general education courses.
- Cost-Effective: Trade schools typically have lower tuition costs compared to four-year universities, reducing your financial burden.
- Quick Duration: You can often complete a trade school program in less than two years, meaning you can start earning money sooner.
- Job Security: Many skilled trades are in high demand, so employment opportunities are usually stable.
- Networking Opportunities: Trade schools often have strong connections with local businesses and industries that provide valuable networking opportunities.
How Much Does It Cost to Go to Trade School?
Paying for college can be really expensive. Fortunately, if you attend a trade school, you may only pay a fraction of the price of a four-year college. Depending on the field, it can cost anywhere from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars. You can utilize this free college affordability and transparency list from the U.S. Department of Education to get an idea of the cost of various trade schools.
Should I Enroll in a Trade School?
You don’t need any experience to enroll in a trade school, but you should want to enroll based on your goals and dreams. If you’re considering trade school, here are some tips for choosing the right one:
- Think about your current interests and strengths. What do you enjoy doing now that you can turn into a career?
- Some jobs are always hiring, like electricians, plumbers, medical technicians, or IT specialists. Research what trades are in demand in your area so you have a good shot at landing a job after you graduate.
- Make sure the school is accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. Accreditation ensures the quality of the education and that credits may transfer if you decide to pursue further education.
- Look for a program that offers hands-on training, internships, or apprenticeships. Make sure the curriculum covers the skills and knowledge that you will need for your job.
- Will the school help you get a job? Find a school with a good job placement rate for graduates. That way, you won’t be left wondering what to do after you get your diploma.
- Visit the campus to get a feel for the facilities and learning environment.
- Do you want to work as soon as possible, or can you complete a longer program? Choose a program length that aligns with your timeline for starting a job.
If you’re thinking through your post-high school options, trade school might be a good fit for you. They offer a faster, and more affordable way for you to gain the necessary skills required for a specific field. Depending on the program you choose, you can expect the duration to range from a few months to two years. This means you can lessen your debt and start earning money sooner. Whether you desire to work in healthcare, tech, auto, or creative fields, there’s a trade school out there for you!
Did you know College Raptor can help match you to a trade school that is a perfect fit for you? Use our College Match tool today!