When you go back to school, you have many countless career paths, options, and online degrees; however, today, trade schools are needed just as much as any other occupation.

5 Tips on How to Go Back To School and Succeed in 2023: Trades School Edition

Congratulations! The choice to go back to school is not for people who have failed and need to start over in their career.  It is for thinkers and dreaming who make the choice to adapt in life and achieve a greater outcome, a better lifestyle, and a bigger purpose. 

When you go back to school, you have many countless career paths, options, and online degrees; however, today, trade schools are needed just as much as any other occupation. In 2023, according to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, becoming a Wind Turbine Technician is one of the fastest growing jobs along with people with electrician skills, HVAC skills, and other engineering skills. 

We know earning your degree is not the only priority in your life. There are bills to pay, a job to show up to every day, and maybe kids to take care of at night. Going back to school is never an easy decision. Nothing in life worth having is ever easy. Making the transition to go back to school and succeed requires grit and determination. 

Ask yourself everyday, What motivates me? What drives me? What is my why? You may desire a career that does not keep you in an office seated in a chair living in front of a computer screen. If you are a hands-on learner and want to live a hands-on lifestyle, you may discover that trade school and a trade-based career is right for you, motivating you when alternative careers won’t push you.  

1) Acquire the Right Resources & Create the Right Learning Environment 

When starting online school in a trade program, start by creating a healthy learning environment. Make sure you have access to a strong internet connection. If you do not have reliable WIFI at home, find a public area that provides a free WIFI, like a local coffee shop or a public library.
Learn from a reliable laptop or computer, especially if you borrow one from a friend or family member or you work off public library desktops. Finally, the internet is full of distractions.. Stay away from social media while you are learning, working, and researching. Block all distractions while studying, like your phone or TV. A great way to set up this habit is by implementing a workspace boundary. Set up a desk / work area where you only conduct laptop learning, nothing else. By putting these practices in place, you will set yourself up for a healthier virtual learning environment.

2) Get a Support System In Place 

Ask your friends and family  and the people in your community to be your biggest cheerleaders. Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on and a little help through life’s journeys, especially when learning new skill sets. Learning a trade online requires math skills, science skills, the ability to problem solve and troubleshoot, memory, and so much more. Finding friends and family  who can help, assist, and tutor you through certain lessons can be a vital tool for your success. 

3)  Go Out and Experience The Industry You’re Studying

Most people interested in learning a trade often ask, “Can I learn a trade online?" Absolutely! Pinnacle Career Institute is one of the many online learning platforms offering programs in multiple trades, including: 

1. Wind Turbine Technician
2. Tower Climbing Technician
3. HVAC Technician programs. 

Get to know people in your city who are employed as a tech.  Ask any tech questions, and get a first-hand account of what working a tech field is like from people you know. Who knows, working as a tech in a trade may bring your studies to life! 

3) Maintain a Balanced Life 

As stated previously, life is full of responsibilities. Careful boundaries are needed to help you execute and maintain balance. Set aside dedicated time for each of your classes. If you are a morning person, knock out your assignments first thing before you start your day. If you are a night owl, instead of binging Netflix, complete an assignment and make your show your incentive for finishing your studies. Simply put, make the decisions that will help you set aside quality learning time so you succeed through this next season of your life. 

5) Communicate With Your School

Too many students work way too hard online because they are alone. If you need help, reach out to your school, and keep your school in the loop on your needs. At PCI, we have support teams and specific services designed to help you win at each step of your learning journey. We actually like to know what is going on in your life, especially if life circumstances or learning challenges are affecting your assignments or productivity. Our instructors assigned to you are designed to help guide you through your courses. Do not be afraid to ask questions or ask for help. You will never know the opportunities before you if you do not ask. Your success journey matters!

Conclusion

Online School seems to be the way of the future. It can make life more conducive to work full-time while also pursuing your goals. Pinnacle Career Institute can help you reach those goals and gain a new career in booming industries. With our team and helpful Student Centered Services, you can be on your way to a new path in life while never feeling alone. Take these tips into consideration in order to make your online school an easy reality.