The thought of committing to four-year degree programs might be overwhelming. While it opens doors to several career opportunities, the massive commitment required for a bachelor’s degree might not appeal to everyone. 

Fortunately, trade schools help you build a successful career without spending years in the college setting. If you’re wondering, “What are the benefits of trade school?” don’t worry. In this article, we’ll dig deeper to answer the question and help you decide whether they’re worth a shot! 

What Are the Benefits of Trade School? 

Trade schools, aka vocational schools, offer several benefits, such as lower costs, trade-focused training, smaller class sizes, and a greater variety of programs. On top of that, trade schools allow faster graduation, facilitating you to graduate within two years or less. 

Kelsey Ludeman, an Academic Success Coach at the University of Houston-Downtown, explains how trade schools can often get overlooked, though have a lot of potential and benefits:

“In an often college-focused society, trade schools are sometimes overlooked, yet have the potential to build highly successful and lucrative lifelong careers. Vocation and technical schools offer specialized skills training, accelerated course durations, low overhead costs, and provide valuable industry connections.

Build a recession-proof career by specializing in an essential services field such as HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, which are relatively economically resilient, offering job security regardless of economic inconsistencies.”

As per the last statistics, more than 20% of students at public four-year institutions take seven years or longer to graduate or drop out. This indicates that not every student will flourish in a traditional four-year college. This is where trade schools step in. 

For many learners, trade schools sound like a great deal for eliminating the general courses and only focusing on practical skills. However, that’s not even the best yet – these schools have other benefits that set them apart from the conventional four-year degree programs. Some of these include: 

Low Tuition Costs

Did you know that the average in-state student attending a public four-year institution spends $26,027 per academic year? If you multiply it by the years it takes to complete the degree, the numbers only get crazier. On the contrary, public two-year institutions cost around 3,970 per year, which indicates a huge difference. 

Goes without saying that these numbers significantly soar for private colleges. If you’re looking for lower costs, opting for a local community college can be your best bet. 

For instance, community colleges don’t require you to pay additional charges for campus facilities. However, be prepared to have fewer facilities and entertainment options than a four-year college. 

Focused Training

Another huge benefit of attending trade schools is their focused training approach. They provide comprehensive training programs designed to help students acquire specific skills required to pursue their desired profession. This, in turn, gears them up for entering the workforce as soon as they’re done with college. 

Once you have a clear career path in mind, you have the chance to bypass general education requirements and focus on your vocational goals. For instance, if you wish to build a career in cybersecurity, you can take classes only related to the field and skip the rest! 

Small Class Sizes 

In trade schools or community colleges, perhaps the biggest edge is the smaller size as compared to large public universities. With a focus on specifics, classes are made up of individuals who share common career aspirations. This creates a more intimate learning environment, allowing closer interactions with professors and inclusive discussions with peers. 

For most learners, smaller classes present the opportunity to learn more comfortably and cohesively. When surrounded by like-minded individuals, you can build stronger connections, participate actively, and gather the support you need to pursue your goals. 

Easier Job Placement 

Like traditional four-year colleges, trade schools offer job placement services to help students secure jobs after graduation. What’s different is that in trade schools, these services are highly personalized and more hands-on. This is mainly due to close-knit student bodies and better connections. 

Even better, the focused programs here and career training prepare you for very specific careers. As a result, you’re less likely to encounter uncertainties in the job market. Also, there’s a high chance your trade school has joined hands with local businesses, which means more job opportunities for you! 

Emphasis On High-demand Careers 

While most students don’t know it, one of the greatest benefits of trade schools is their commitment to highly demanded careers. These schools prepare you for the most reliable career paths out there. From careers in construction to positions in the medical field, vocational schools provide you with the right skills for the fast-growing roles today. 

The best part? The earnings of many trade school graduates can be on par with those of their peers from four-year colleges. For example, if you complete an HVAC program in less than a year, you’re ready to enter the job market. In contrast, your fellows at four-year colleges may have to wait till their graduation to step into the field. 

Financial Aid 

Apart from the lower tuition costs at two-year institutions, trade schools also offer a myriad of financial assistance options. With these scholarships, you can easily cover your tuition costs and other college expenses. Some schools even offer waives to reduce student debt so you can graduate with minimal financial strain. 

To discuss these aid options, get in touch with your financial aid advisors, who will help you get through the process smoothly. Plus, don’t forget to do your research beforehand so you know your options and trade-offs. 

Faster Graduation 

Let’s be real; most of us look for shortcuts without compromising on our objectives. The biggest edge trade schools have over regular four-year colleges is the faster graduation time. Most of their programs last a maximum of two years, with some offering even shorter timelines. 

Besides, most trade schools have multiple start dates throughout the year. This means shorter waiting times even if you missed your previous enrollment date. So, with trade schools, you don’t have to wait six or more months to begin your career – you can start whenever you feel like it! 

Fewer Admission Requirements 

The tons of admission requirements that come with a four-year bachelor’s degree can be super draining. Again, trade schools step in to save the day, offering more lenient admission policies and fewer requirements. To put this into perspective, trade schools readily accept students without a high school diploma or low grades. 

So, even if you didn’t perform well in high school, a bright future still awaits. Also, trade schools often don’t have prerequisite courses, experience, or extracurriculars as conditions for letting you in. 

Variety of Programs 

While trade schools are generally smaller, don’t mistake them for offering limited courses. At trade schools, you find a diverse range of programs, including business, medical, finance, and mental health programs – under one roof. 

Depending on your interest, you can expand your skillset which paves the way for your dream career. For instance, if you have your HVAC certificate and want to broaden your skillset, you could explore other programs such as an Automotive Technician Program to further excel in the automotive industry. 

Types of Trade School Programs 

Given that 66% of jobs in the US no longer require a bachelor’s degree, it’s hardly surprising why trade schools are becoming increasingly popular among students. They’re highly flexible, enabling you to select options that best suit your career goals and time constraints. 

While you may pull off some trade programs in weeks, others may take up to two years, depending on the subject’s complexity. This way, you can study at your own pace. The main types of trade school programs include: 

• Certificate Programs 

Typically shorter, certificate programs equip you with specific skills required for a particular trade. They offer a great chance for students who wish to quickly become field experts without spending years on a long-term degree.  

• Associate Degree Programs 

On the flip side, associate degree programs are longer and take up to two years to complete. Such degree programs are ideal for students seeking a deeper understanding of their field before they’re ready to enter the workforce. 

Top Trade Professions 

Trade school programs offer students numerous professions to choose from. Here’s a list of the most popular careers you can tap into after graduating from a trade school: 

• Automotive Technology 
• Culinary Arts
• Plumbing
• Healthcare Assistants 
• Computer Networking 
• Cosmetology
• Welding 
• Carpentry 
• Electrical Technology  

Related Questions 

Are Trade Schools Better Than Colleges?

If you prefer smaller class sizes, lower tuition costs, faster graduation timelines, and fewer admission requirements, then trade schools might be the way to go. While it depends on your preferences, it’s worth noting that certain careers, like physicians, may require a college degree to enter the field. 

Is a Trade School Worth It?

Yes, trade schools can be a valuable investment for students whose academic and financial goals align with the benefits these schools offer. With direct pathways to careers, these are a solid investment for those seeking practical, hands-on education and quick entry into the workforce.

What Is the Best Trade to Get Into?

Typically, the best trades to learn depends on your interests and preferences. However, according to BLS projections, the highest trade jobs include construction managers, elevator installers, dental hygienists, and nuclear medicine technologists.

Conclusion 

Trade schools are the ultimate answer for those looking for a fulfilling career without spending four or more years at a traditional college. Whether you wish to save money, fast-track your career, or access a variety of programs, roll up your sleeves to attend a trade school!