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Are Tech Schools Worth It? | Pinnacle Career Institute

Written by Jeremy Cooper | Dec 29, 2022 10:44:12 PM

Trade schools are great for learning skills that will help you succeed in the future. They're also a great way to get hands-on experience.

In this post, you'll learn about trade schools and their worth. If you're considering attending a tech school, read on to learn about the opportunities available.

Trade School Jobs

A trade school offers students various courses, like culinary art, construction management, healthcare adminis­tration and computer information systems.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the median wage at almost $50,000 for trade jobs such as heating and refrigeration mechanics/installers.

Now that you're armed with your school diploma and started looking for vocational training, let's look at some of the jobs a trade school graduate might do:

  • Wind Turbine Technician: A career in wind energy involves building, transporting, and maintaining, and repairing wind turbines.
  • HVAC Mechanics and Installers: Technicians who work with heating, cooling, ventilation, and refrigeration are called HVAC technicians. They perform maintenance and installation tasks related to thermal, ventilation, and air conditioning.
  • Dental Hygienists: A dental hygienist helps people adopt and maintain healthy habits by cleaning teeth, gums, and mouth. They are trained to perform oral hygiene procedures such as scaling and polishing.
  • Cosmetologists: A career in cosmetology offers a variety of opportunities, including working in salons, beauty institutes, spas, retail stores, and even online.
  • Carpenters: The term "carpenter" refers to people who build things out of wood. These include furniture, cabinets, doors, windows, stairs, fences, decks, sheds, etc.
  • Electricians: Electricians install and test control grids, lighting systems, and communication networks.
  • Construction Managers: Construction managers oversee the entire building process, including planning, design, budgeting, managing subcontractors, and ensuring quality control. Construction workers definitely benefit from job training as opposed to a college education.

Of course, these are only a few limited examples of skilled trade jobs that you can study for. A tech school will have a wide variety of courses to suit most people's interests.

 

Job Opportunities for Trade School Professionals

A technical college is affordable for students to learn hands-on skills that could lead to better jobs. But, of course, there will always be trade jobs too.

It's interesting to note that over 80% of construction companies currently do not have enough workers and need more.

Is Vocational School Worth It?

Tech school enrollments have been increasing rapidly over the past decade. 

There are many reasons why a technical school may be a better fit than a traditional college:

  1. You can get paid more without going to college
  2. You don't need a degree for every job
  3. Less up-front costs
  4. Learners might prefer more hands-on training

If you're looking for a career change, consider taking classes at a vocational school. These schools teach students how to do certain tasks like welding, plumbing, computer programming, solar tech, HVAC, and more. Your career path is wide-open with vocational education.

Tech schools encourage hands-on experience and give certification that can lead to higher wages in the near future.

Are Online Trade Schools Worth It?

More and more people are looking towards online trade schools because they're one of the best ways to improve your current skills and knowledge. There are quite a few choices available. But unfortunately, many people don't know what it takes to become a skilled tradesman or how much money they could make.

A good online school will give you everything you need to succeed. Acquire additional skills and build a good base for future success. An online school is a perfect fit for anyone interested in learning a skill and you can enrolled from anywhere without the need of physically going to class. However, it is important to organize your time and define some clear goals to successfully finish an online program. 

What Is A Technical School?

Technical schools are designed to help students develop the skills needed to enter a specific field.

Some technical schools offer programs that teach students how to be electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, or other skilled tradesmen.

Other education courses teach students how to design buildings, create websites, or run businesses. Whatever your interest may be, a technical school can help you get started.

The Pros of Technical or Trade School 

Specific training

Trade schools are specifically made to send students down a specific job route, meaning they have a curriculum tailored to the needs of their students.

As a result, the employment rate from a trade school education is very high. Students can take courses related to their interests. Additionally, internships allow them to gain the necessary experience to land on safe jobs.

Certification

Some trade schools offer certifications after completing their program. Certificates show that you've completed a course of study and gained knowledge in a specific area. They are a great way to show future employers proof of your skills.

Hands-on experience

Some trade schools allow students to complete their studies while working as apprentices under a professional, allowing them to learn from experienced professionals in their field.

Flexibility

A lot of technical schools are available online. Students can pursue their studies from anywhere. If you are currently employed full-time, this can be a big advantage.

Quicker career start

Because most trade schools are short-term, they can help you start earning sooner than traditional four-year colleges. 

Increased starting pay

Government statistics show that, on average, a trade school graduate who completes an apprenticeship will have a starting wage of $77,000.

 

Cons of a technical school

It’s important to also take into account the disadvantages of a technical school before making a decision:

Rigorous class schedule

Most trade schools require a rigorous class schedule. You'll likely spend many hours studying each day.

Less skill adaptability

While trade schools are great for gaining practical skills, they aren't always ideal for developing adaptable skills. Most trade schools focus on one specific type of work. Unfortunately, this specificity limits your ability to switch careers later.

Less job flexibility

Many trade schools are designed to give you the skills for a specific job. However, a trade school education can make finding a job in a different field harder. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about tech schools:

What are some good reasons to attend a trade school?

Attending a trade school has many positive aspects. Here are some common ones:

1) To learn new skills

Learning new skills is important, just remember to put it into practice so you don’t forget about it. You can learn new skills and improve your versatility by attending a trade school.

2) To earn more money

Many students who attend college end up in debt. Overall, technical education can be less expensive than other options.

As a good incentive, you will likely have a higher starting wage by going to a trade school vs. high school alone.

3) To get better careers

You might want to get better jobs. Job opportunities for technical professionals allow people to find great niches. The correct choice of technical course can give you great job when you qualify.

There are many job opportunities for vocational training students.

Which trade school is right for me?

The best way to figure out which technical college is right for you is by talking to someone who has attended one. Check their website, articles, recommendations, and try to speak with someone to answer any additional questions. 

You can check here some great options to start your career right away! 

Are online technical schools worth it?

There are a variety of things people take into account when deciding to attend online technical schools.

Some people prefer the flexibility of being able to work from home. Others like the luxury of studying at their own pace. Others enjoy the fact that they can take their studies anywhere they go.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of attending college or a trade school?

A traditional college is an excellent option for those who want to get the best theoretical education or even an associate degree. But a four-year degree is not for everyone.

Vocational schools offer students the chance to gain hands-on experience while still getting a degree. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.

What should I consider when choosing between an online technical training program and a traditional classroom setting? 

 

There are several factors to consider when deciding between online technical training programs and traditional classroom settings. These include:

  • Which option works best with your schedule?
  • Which technical programs are on offer?
  • Which type of coursework offers you the most opportunities?

Online technical training programs allow you to study whenever you'd like so that you can schedule your day around your course.

Some courses only exist as online programs. Others are available simultaneously on the internet and in physical classrooms. Check with the program you're interested in to see if it offers both types of coursework.

Finding the Tech School for You

You know your own interests and abilities, so you probably already have a good idea if a tech school is for you. Trade schools are a great place to develop skills and build confidence with opportunities to study with like-minded people and network with professionals in your field.

Pinnacle Career Institute has the resources to find the best tech courses for you.