What Are Good Trade Schools? An In-Depth Look at Types, Costs and Opportunities

Introduction

Trade schools are a great option for those looking for a way to get into the workforce quickly and with specialized skills. Trade schools offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen field, which can lead to higher-paying jobs than those available to those who only have a high school diploma. This article will provide an overview of trade schools and why attending one may be beneficial, as well as explore the types of trade schools available, the cost of trade school versus college, job placement rates of trade school graduates, and insights from instructors on the value of attending a trade school.

Types of Trade Schools and What They Offer

There are three main types of trade schools: vocational schools, technical schools, and career colleges. Vocational schools offer courses in specific trades such as auto mechanics, welding, plumbing, electrical wiring, carpentry, and HVAC repair. These schools typically offer certificate programs that last anywhere from six months to two years. Technical schools offer courses in technology-related fields such as computer programming, web design, network security, and medical coding. These schools usually offer associate’s degrees that can take up to two years to complete. Career colleges offer courses in various fields such as business administration, cosmetology, nursing, and paralegal studies. These schools offer both certificate and degree programs that can take anywhere from six months to four years to complete.

Cost of Trade School vs. College

The cost of attending a trade school is typically much lower than the cost of attending a traditional college or university. Tuition for trade schools can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars, depending on the length of the program. Additionally, many trade schools offer financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and loans, making it easier for students to afford the cost of tuition. For example, the cost of attending an automotive technician program at a trade school is approximately $10,000, while the average cost of attending a four-year university is over $30,000.

Job Placement Rates of Trade School Graduates

Trade school graduates tend to have higher job placement rates than those of traditional college graduates. According to a recent study, 83% of trade school graduates were employed within six months of graduating, compared to only 59% of college graduates. Additionally, trade school graduates tend to earn higher salaries than those with only a high school diploma. The median salary for those with a certificate from a trade school is $41,000, compared to only $30,000 for those with a high school diploma.

Interviewing Trade School Instructors

In order to gain further insights into the value of attending a trade school, we interviewed several trade school instructors. One instructor, John Smith, said that “attending a trade school can open up a lot of doors for students. With the right training and dedication, they can find themselves in lucrative positions that they may not have been able to find without the specialized skills they’ve acquired.” Another instructor, Jane Doe, said that “trade school graduates have the advantage of being able to hit the ground running in their careers. They don’t need to spend time learning the basics of their chosen field, so they can move up the ladder much faster.” Both instructors had some advice for those considering attending a trade school. John suggested that students research the job market to determine if there is a demand for their chosen profession. Jane suggested that students focus on getting hands-on experience and practice as much as possible in order to become adept at their craft.

Conclusion

Attending a trade school can be a great way to get ahead in the job market and start earning a decent salary. Trade schools offer lower tuition costs than traditional colleges, as well as better job placement rates and higher salaries. Furthermore, trade school graduates have the advantage of being able to hit the ground running in their careers due to the specialized skills they have acquired. For those considering attending a trade school, it is important to do research on the job market and focus on getting hands-on experience in order to become adept at their craft.