College isn’t the only option for individuals looking to start a career. Check out today’s blog post for a few of the benefits of choosing a trade school.

In recent years, there has been a push for high school graduates to attend college post-grad. While the traditional four-year program is a great fit for many students, it certainly isn’t the only option available to post-grad students. 

Trade schools have been an option for years upon years, but they aren’t pushed as hard as college is. Even though there isn’t as much buzz about attending a trade school, there are a variety of benefits that a student attending a trade school will enjoy. 

In today’s blog post, we are going to go into what a trade school is as well as a few of the benefits of choosing to pursue an education from a trade school. At the end of the post, we’ll also cover a few of the most frequently asked questions surrounding trade schools and the careers they lead to.

What Is a Trade School?

As we mentioned earlier, trade schools aren’t discussed as often as the traditional four-year college program is. Given that this is the case, many of you may be wondering what a trade school is and how it differs from these traditional schools. 

A trade school is an institution that teaches and provides practical training on how to do a specific job or trade. Rather than require students to take prerequisite classes that are irrelevant to their career of choice, these programs focus on the skills and education needed within that specific career. This hands-on approach can give students the confidence and competence they need to enter the workforce and establish themselves in their chosen careers.

As with schools offering four-year programs, trade schools can be publicly or privately operated, and the programs they offer can vary widely in terms of length and cost. Not only will this vary from trade school to trade school, but it will vary from trade to trade. Some programs may be shorter than others, while certain jobs within a trade may require additional training or education. Ultimately, the length of the program will vary on the skills and knowledge needed to confidently send an individual into the workforce.

Choosing the Right Trade School & Program

Aside from there being various trade schools, there are also various trade school programs to choose from. If you think that trade school might be a better fit for you than a four-year program,  it's essential to do some research before choosing a specific trade. Some trade schools may specialize in a particular trade or profession, while others offer a more general education of the trade. That being said, it’s good to do some research on both programs and trade schools to determine which will be the best fit for you and your career needs.

While browsing trade school programs and schools, it is also essential to consider the cost of attendance and the program length. This can help determine whether a technical school is within your means financially, but will also provide some insight into how soon you’ll be able to start your career path.

Lastly, the trade schools that you choose will be the root of your education within a specific trade, as will the program that you select. Given that there is such a substantial effect to both choices, it’s good to research both the trade school and the trade program to ensure it’s the right fit for you. At the end of the day, you want to set yourself up for success with your career choice. 

Benefits of Going to a Trade School

Now that we have a better idea of what a trade school is, it’s time to look at where the benefits are within this educational approach. 

Truth be told, there are many benefits to going to trade school instead of a traditional four-year college. Below are just a few of the benefits that you’ll get to enjoy when choosing to attend a trade school. 

Learn a Trade and Develop Marketable Skills

The Oxford Dictionary defines a “trade” as a skilled job requiring special training, and that is precisely what you’ll be receiving in choosing an education at a trade school. 

One of the benefits of trade schools is that the programs are fully focused on a specific trade. That means that when you enroll in a trade school program, you are going to learn the ins and outs of that specific trade. At the end of the day, the goal of a trade school program is to provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experience that they need to confidently enter the workforce, which isn’t always the case with four-year programs. 

If an aspect of schooling that you struggle with is having to take classes that don’t interest you, just to take them, trade school programs might be the perfect fit. 

Whether you're unsure of what you want to do with your life, or you're looking for a change of pace, trade schools are a great option. They can provide you with the skills you need to succeed in a new career and offer an alternative to traditional four-year colleges. 

Cost of Trade School Programs

A factor that turns many students away from the traditional four-year university is the cost. Between the price associated with classes and the additional cost of living on campus, textbooks, meal plans, and the like, the cost of college can add up quickly. 

If the cost is a factor that is deterring you from choosing college as a means of education, trade school may be the right fit for you. On average, trade schools can be more affordable, making it easier for students to afford when compared to the traditional college programs. Alongside that, trade school still provides individuals with the education and skills needed to enter the workforce. Ultimately, trade school students are earning an education that can help jumpstart a career, potentially for much less than college students.

That being said, when looking for a more affordable approach to an education that funnels to a given career, trade school is a practical alternative.

Get Hands-On Training in a Real-World Setting

One of the many areas that traditional colleges lack is real-world experience. Unfortunately, that’s the case with many educational institutions; students read the books, attend the classes, and are left to gain experience post-graduation. At the end of the day, this leaves some students unprepared for what the workforce is really going to expect from them. 

Students at trade schools can learn their trade in a practical way while also gaining skills in a natural, real-world setting. This structure allows students to gain knowledge while also developing skills. At the end of their program, they are left with a toolbox of knowledge that genuinely leaves them prepared to start a job within that specific field.

In today's economy, having qualifications that will lead to a stable and prosperous career is more important than ever. Trade schools can provide students with the training they need to enter their specific field, where they can hopefully find long-term success. So if you're looking for an alternative to a traditional four-year college, a trade school could be the right choice.

Get Training That Can Help You Start Your Own Business

Another common misconception is that college degrees are needed to make waves in any given industry. While college degrees can be helpful, the skills and knowledge gained at a trade school can be all that you need to fuel bigger dreams. 

One of the great benefits of a trade school is that there are plenty of opportunities to start your own business. While some students will graduate and go on to find work with an established company, there is always the opportunity to start your own business within any given trade. 

Many trade jobs are the direct exchange of services for a wage, which offers the opportunity to start your own business if and when you’re ready to branch out on your own. Again, this is not something that all trade school graduates choose to do, but it is one of the benefits that gaining an education through a trade school offers.

Starting your own business is a great way to make money on your terms and feel financially secure. When you run your own business, you are given the liberty of choosing how things happen within your company. You can choose your working hours, prices, and workplace. You also have the potential to earn a higher income than you would as an employee working for someone else.

Become Qualified for a Stable Career Path

One of the significant benefits of a trade school is that it provides you with the education and skills needed to qualify for career paths within these specific trades. Given the generally shorter length of trade school programs, students are able to enter the workforce faster than many students at traditional four-year institutions.

And, because trade school programs are so focused on providing individuals with the experience they will need for a job within their trade of choice, graduates are able to confidently apply for jobs immediately after graduation, rather than worrying that they may not have the skillset, knowledge, or experience to fulfill the needs of a job within their trade.

So if you're looking for a way to jumpstart your career, trade school may be the right choice for you. 

Earn a Degree or Certification in a Shorter Amount of Time

As the cost of college tuition and student loan debt continues to rise, many individuals are looking for alternative ways to earn their degrees or certification to become qualified for a career path. Attending a trade school is one way to do this.

Trade schools offer vocational and technical training in various fields, such as HVAC, automotive repair, wind energy technology, and more. In addition, many trade schools have programs that can be completed in two years or less, much shorter than the traditional four-year university timeline.

If you're looking for a way to earn your degree or certification in a shorter amount of time and at a potentially lower cost, trade school may be the right option for you to enter the workforce for a trade that you’re passionate about.

Get Paid While You Learn

People often think that you can't work and go to a trade school simultaneously. However, this isn't always true! Some trade schools have apprenticeship programs allowing students to earn money while learning.

There are many benefits to getting paid while you learn. For one thing, it can help pay for tuition and other related costs. Additionally, it allows students to gain real-world experience in their chosen field, which can be invaluable when entering the workforce.

This is also extremely beneficial because some trades require individuals to complete an apprenticeship before starting in the field. With programs that allow you to get hands-on training or work simultaneously, you’re able to get the experience that employers are going to be asking for, right out of the gate.

So if you're considering attending a trade school, don't let the fear of not getting paid hold you back. There are many options for people who want to learn and make money simultaneously.

Build Relationships

Attending a trade school allows you to build relationships with instructors and other students who can help you network and find jobs after graduation. These connections can be invaluable as you search for employment after schooling.

Instructors at trade schools often have extensive experience in their field and can provide valuable insights into the job market. They may also know of openings at companies that are not widely advertised.

In addition, other students in your program can be an excellent resource for networking and job leads. Many of them will go on to work in the same field as you, so they can be a valuable source of information about open positions and hiring companies.

Building strong relationships with instructors and other students while in trade school can pay off handsomely when you are ready to enter the workforce.

In addition, these connections can help you find the job you want by giving you the inside information you need.

Choose From Many Different Specialties

Another major benefit of trade school is that these benefits aren’t specific to any one program. In fact, various career paths stem from an education at a trade school. Welding, HVAC, and wind energy are just a few of the specialties available for students to select at a trade school, but there are various options to choose from.

These are just a few of the many different specialties to choose from. With trade school, you can have a rewarding career doing something you can truly become a master of.

FAQs

With a better understanding of what trade school is and a few of the benefits you can enjoy in pursuing an education at a trade school, here are answers to some of the most common questions that we receive.

Is a trade school education worth investing in?

The short answer is yes. If you’re certain that there’s a specific trade that you want to go into, investing in an education from a trade school will be designed to provide you with the education and skills you need to get started within that industry. 

Unlike traditional four-year colleges that give you a bachelor's degree on completion, trade schools generally prepare students for specific careers of their choice. The focus on a trade paired with the shorter programs can benefit students who know what career they want to pursue. Trade school programs can also prepare students for their chosen field in a way that a bachelor's degree program might not.

Despite the benefits of trade schools, some people still question whether they are worth it. However, if you are sure about your chosen career path, trade school can be an excellent option for getting the training and education you need to enter the workforce.

Are trade schools better than college?

The education system benefits from both trade schools and colleges. However, you cannot pick one as superior over the other because they offer different styles of learning and each serves different industries.

Trade schools are geared toward teaching students specific skills for their job. However, some career options require you to have a university degree before you are considered qualified for a role. Depending on your career option and your goals within that career path, you will have to decide which option is best for you.

Alongside that, the setup of trade schools and traditional four-year universities vary greatly. From the duration of the programs and the cost to attend to the class requirements and the flexibility of a program, one of these educational means will be a better fit. College isn’t for everyone, and the same can be said for trade schools. At the end of the day, you need to determine what makes the most sense for you.

What are the differences between trade, technical, and vocational schools?

There are a few different types of schools that offer vocational training, including trade schools, technical schools, and vocational schools.

Each type of school has its unique curriculum and focus, so choosing the right one for your needs is essential.

Trade schools typically offer vocational training in specific trades, such as carpentry or plumbing. These schools typically have shorter programs focusing on hands-on training in specific trades.

A technical school typically provides vocational training in more specialized fields, such as computer science or engineering. Technical schools usually have more extended programs and focus on more theoretical aspects of vocational training.

In contrast, a vocational school typically offers more general vocational education, covering many subjects. Most vocational schools offer a more well-rounded education focused on career preparation, rather than focusing on one particular trade.

The type of school you choose depends on what you like, what you want, and what you need. For example, a trade school might be the best choice if you're interested in a specific trade, such as HVAC or plumbing, and you want to master that skill to turn it into a career.

A technical school might be the best choice if you're interested in a more technical field, such as computer science or engineering.

On the other hand, a vocational school might be the best choice if you're looking for a more general vocational education.

Whatever you choose, make sure to do your research to find the right school for your needs.

Enroll in a Trade Program at PCI

Trade schools provide training meant to prepare students for their specific career paths. They also provide individuals who don’t feel that college is a great fit for them, an opportunity to enter the workforce and confidently work towards a long-term career path. 

If you think that trade school may be the right choice for you and you are looking for a trade school that offers various trade programs to help you learn a skill for your career, Pinnacle Career Institute is a fantastic school to consider. PCI has always been dedicated to the success of the students attending trade school programs.

PCI offers four different trade programs, all available online, providing a great alternative for individuals interested in specific career paths. 

If PCI sounds like the right fit for you, take a moment and learn more about our admissions process, or apply for the specific trade program that interests you. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our team so that we can better assist you.