Trade Schools

With several different trades and vocational colleges available, here is a list of the top trade schools in the United States to help students narrow their college or program search.

Although “trade school” is a typical name for a facility that offers profession-oriented education, broader terms like “career and technical college” and “vocational school” are more frequently used these days, partly to imply rigor. Trade schools are postsecondary institutions, like colleges and universities, that help students get ready for the workforce. These schools are experts at teaching students the hands-on skills necessary to carry out the regular tasks of a particular profession. In addition to offering credits that students can transfer to other colleges, these institutions frequently grant certificates rather than degrees.

Trade school programs, in contrast to traditional liberal arts colleges, concentrate primarily on the job-specific skills needed for employment. While a community or technical college associate degree program can give practical training, trade schools provide a more specialized education tailored toward particular industries and career choices. Students can enroll in trade school programs in a range of subject areas, including in-demand, lucrative professions like plumbing, carpentry, welding, construction, automotive technology, and electrical engineering. Students can find relatively quick, affordable routes to lucrative jobs through trade schools. A student can prepare for a career as a cosmetologist, computer technician, healthcare provider, electrician, auto mechanic, or other highly skilled professions in less than two years.

Community colleges frequently provide programs leading to vocational certification or licensure; some programs are funded by either nonprofit or for-profit businesses. A lot of these programs are accessible to anyone who wants to participate. Numerous programs last a year or fewer. Since programs are typically far shorter than those at traditional community colleges or four-year universities, students can acquire the necessary skills and training more rapidly and enter the profession to support themselves and their families.

Attending a trade school can be advantageous for those searching for a quick path to stable work. Students who attend trade schools can develop skills particular to their industry and work in professions that pay well and are in high demand. With over 1.3 million job opportunities yearly, more than 11 million Americans are employed in skilled trades.

In contrast to colleges offering associate’s or bachelor’s degrees, students can frequently earn an industry-recognized certification in less time. Construction, cosmetology, manufacturing, computer technology, personal services, healthcare assistance, automotive repair, and administrative training are all options available at trade schools. The top trade schools might concentrate on one particular profession or provide various career-focused programs. Small class sizes, which allow for more personalized instruction from instructors, are a frequent bonus trade schools offer. Here is an overview of trade schools:

1. Learning Modes

The goal of various trade schools is to provide students with the practical skills they will need for particular occupations. Many classes include hands-on learning opportunities so students can practice and develop the skills they will need in the workplace. Therefore programs emphasize experiential learning and gaining pertinent knowledge. Some typical learning modes included in trade school classes are:

Online Learning / Classroom Learning

The goal of various trade schools is to provide students with the practical skills they will need for particular occupations. Many classes include hands-on learning opportunities so students can practice and develop the skills they will need in the workplace. Therefore programs emphasize experiential learning and gaining pertinent knowledge. Some typical learning modes included in trade school classes are:

Virtual Learning

Virtual simulation is used by instructors in several skilled trades, such as welding or automotive repairs, to assist pupils in training more quickly and become accustomed to practices before beginning to use the strong gear or sophisticated equipment.

Shop Classes / Laboratories

Shop classes offer a safe atmosphere for experimentation and experience-building. For example, welding students learn how to perfect welds and work with various metals. A mannequin may be used as a practice subject for cosmetology and healthcare students before moving on to humans.

Practicums / Apprenticeships / Internships

An on-the-job training element is included in several authorized trade schools. Depending on the chosen field, the program may include a practicum, frequently applicable for legal and medical professions, or apprenticeships in the mechanical and construction industries. Some fields may require students to undergo an internship. In all cases, students are supervised by a qualified professional while they are at work.

2. Timeline

Students who attend trade schools can complete their degrees in less time than those who pursue a four-year degree. Most vocational or technical school programs last around a year, although they can span from a few weeks to two years. However, timelines depend primarily on the subject in question. For instance, while an automotive technician’s program may take 13 months to complete, an HVAC technician program may last between 6 months and 2 years. It is also noteworthy that some trades have an apprenticeship component that lasts several years. For example, an electrician may have to work under a professional as an apprentice for 4 to 5 years before going out on their own. In most cases, apprentices are compensated for their job; in certain cases, their employer or union will even cover the costs of their trade school.

3. Costs

One of the most frequent questions asked is, “how much does trade school cost?”. The cost of trade school tuition can range from $5,000 to $30,000 or more, depending on the program. Additional factors that affect the cost include the kind of school one attends (public or private), how long the program lasts, whether it is delivered in person or online, and whether the student is eligible for financial support. According to CollegeBoard, the average annual tuition for students living in the same district as their college is $3,770. In contrast, a private four-year institution typically costs $37,650 per year or $150,600 overall.

4. Admissions Requirements

Unlike universities, trade schools have a straightforward admissions procedure. In general, applicants must have a high school diploma or General Educational Development (GED). In most cases, test results, essays, or letters of recommendation are not necessary to enter trade schools.

5. Accreditation

As with four-year universities, accreditation is a critical factor to consider with enrolling in a trade school. Those who need a license, certification, or other state clearance to work in their trade will almost certainly need to attend an accredited institution. The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) is chartered by the United States Department of Education (USDE) to review trade and vocational schools, evaluating administrative processes, curriculum requirements, and student services. Schools providing online or hybrid programs must also be accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

An industry group or a state regulatory agency often oversees programmatic accreditation. The Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA), for example, is in charge of veterinary technician program accreditation. Read more about the importance of accreditation in the guide to college accreditation.

6. Certification & Licensing

Industry certifications vouch for a candidate’s professionalism and subject-matter understanding. Depending on the program, students can obtain industry certifications that will add to their qualifications and give them an edge over the competition. For example, the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) offers several certifications for those who have completed an automotive-related trade school program. In several professions, such as builders, cosmetologists, health care services, etc., one may also need to obtain a state license to work.  Attending trade schools get students ready for their licensure tests.

Trade schools offer a variety of degrees and certificates, but they often offer practical instruction. Frequently, the career paths that trade schools provide are influenced by the local industry. To ascertain the necessity of new programs, trade schools collaborate closely with local businesses, partners, and experts from the industry to guarantee that their course content reflects modern techniques.

The amount of education needed for trades varies by industry. Students might not need to wait until they graduate from high school to begin learning a skill, depending on where they live. On the other hand, recent graduates from trade schools might take on apprentices when they begin a job or while still in school. Healthcare, avionics, automobiles, graphic design, computers, prisons, cosmetics, personal services, construction, culinary arts, and other different industries provide professions that trade school graduates can pursue.

Listed below are some common trade school jobs, their median annual salaries in 2021, and projected job outlook (2020 to 2030):

Some of the sectors in which trade school graduates find work include:

Despite trade school being less expensive than college, some students may still require financial assistance. Scholarships are an excellent way to reduce the financial burden of education. Students would do well in completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and looking for scholarships that cater to trade school programs. Here are a few such scholarships and federal aid to explore:-