Do you feel your traditional college program provides poor job placement assistance and cannot give you up-to-date career tips? Then, applying to a trade school could fix your doubts by offering you on-the-job training for in-demand trade jobs with potentially strong salary potential. Sounds interesting? Then you shouldn't miss this article.
A trade school provides real value for today's economy. Many in-demand trade jobs are available, and these schools offer courses that prepare you for work.
Students can learn everything from skilled trades like carpentry, plumbing, electrical wiring, welding, and masonry to specialized skills in health care like medical assisting and dental hygiene.
In addition to providing job-ready skills, trade schools help students build confidence and gain experience in areas outside of school. This allows them to develop essential life skills that employers look for.
You'll develop your communication skills as a student and learn to work independently on projects.
You'll also grow in your ability to lead others and collaborate as a team.
Today's economy offers many opportunities for those interested in learning a trade. If you consider entering a trade, one option is to attend a trade school.
These schools offer real value for students and graduates because they teach practical skills that many trade jobs require.
You can get the job training you need for a specific career at a trade school. You can take classes or participate in apprenticeship programs.
These schools offer on-the-job training, so you'll gain knowledge directly related to your chosen profession.
And if you don't know what you want to do, a trade school can help you figure out what department is good for you.
It's up to the individual, their career goals, and their chosen field. Only you can provide an accurate response to this question.
Some students find a trade school more useful than traditional four-year university programs or community colleges. However, depending on their professional goals, some will do better in a traditional bachelor's degree program.
It is entirely up to you what you decide to study and do for a living after graduation.
You might benefit from attending a trade school if you want to pursue a career in a particular trade.
Attending a trade school can be an excellent way to gain the job training and knowledge you need to start on the path to success.
However, before enrolling in any trade school program, you must determine if it is the right choice for your needs and interests in the offered jobs.
There are many schools out there offering a wide range of options for many trades and jobs.
The first step is figuring out what kind of trade you want to get into and what career path it will lead down.
It's okay if you're unsure what job path you want to take! There is a wealth of information available for prospective students needing guidance.
To choose the best trade for you, consider what is most important to you and your lifestyle.
Do you need to spend time with your loved ones on evenings and holidays? Maybe you want a set schedule or prefer the unpredictability of a continuously changing schedule?
Do you want an active or creative job? Also, think about what kind of job market you want to enter. Are jobs within your desired field in high demand?
Self-assessment tools or personality tests such as Meyers Briggs is a great way to determine your strengths and weaknesses. Using these resources may zero in on the ideal line of work for your skillset. For example, cosmetologists and nurses tend to be extroverts, while introverts are best suited for working independently as carpenters or electricians.
Once you have a list of possible career paths, begin researching to see which one most aligns with your values and strengths.
Speaking to a career counselor can also be a huge help.
Now that you've determined which career path you'd like to take, consider attending a trade school to prepare you for the job.
When looking at a trade school, check to see if your choice of trade is offered. You should also see if the program provides any other opportunities.
For example, the Wind Turbine Technician Program at Pinnacle Career Institute is an online program offering a 10-day in-person boot camp to provide hands-on training.
Post-secondary schooling after high school is an investment for your future
Looking at a school's reputation is one of the best ways to determine which school is best for you. You can find out if your school of choice has a good reputation by conducting a quick google search to check its reviews.
You can also search on social media to see how people interact with the school and by talking to previous graduates to learn about the school's good reputation.
Look at the program's graduation rate to determine if it's the right trade school for you.
Trade schools are often rigorous and require significant time commitments, so it's essential that they have a high graduation rate. If there aren't any statistics available about the graduation rates, you can ask about them directly from faculty members.
The cost of trade school varies widely depending on where and what program you choose.
Since trade school programs are typically shorter than traditional four-year degree programs, the cost is also less. However, you should still explore any possibilities that could lower the price.
Trade school scholarships function in the same way as university and college scholarships. If you are enrolled in a qualified program, you can use the scholarship money to cover your educational costs. Ask your academic advisor about scholarship opportunities.
If you want to attend college, chances are you've heard about financial aid or using a federal student loan.
These include Pell Grants, work-study programs, federal loans, and tax credits.
In most cases, if you're enrolled in an accredited school, you should be able to receive financial aid benefits.
However, you may have to research or speak to your academic advisor to determine if your school accepts federal financial aid.
Trade school class sizes are typically smaller than traditional university and college classrooms. There are many reasons why smaller classes are better for learning:
Trade school programs are designed to give you hands-on training in specific trades. These include apprenticeships, boot camps, and career services.
Students learn how to operate machinery, fix cars, build houses, work in construction, and much more. Some of the services Pinnacle Career Institute offers are listed below.
Apprenticeships are formal training programs that generally last four years and consist of classroom and on-the-job education. Under the supervision of seasoned professionals, you can obtain valuable and practical experience in their chosen fields.
Apprenticeships can also help you become ready for certification exams.
With accelerated programs, you get the benefits of:
PCI offers military scholarships and financial assistance to military members, veterans, and their families.
They have military coordinators on staff who are eager to help you out and make the process easier!
Most PCI programs feature a Boot Camp where students can use their newly acquired knowledge and abilities in actual circumstances.
Every program that incorporates a Boot Camp has a different strategy. Adventures in boot camp can involve practicing your medical techniques, climbing your first tower as part of the Wind Turbine Technician program, and more.
Boot Camps are available for both online and campus courses.
PCI's innovative wind turbine technician training equips participants with an in-depth understanding of the wind energy sector.
Regarding workplace safety, GWO courses are tailored to fit the demands of all jobs and any number of employees.
Participants acquire the knowledge and abilities necessary to work effectively as Wind Turbine Technicians in the areas of:
The best trade schools are accredited. You can use the credits earned at a trade school towards a four-year college if you decide to change your career or department in the future.
Quality assurance in education is provided via accreditation. To earn accreditation, a school must show that its students succeed in enrollment, progress, and employment.
Some industry certifications or professional titles require a degree from an accredited school.
An institution earns its accreditation through a voluntary process that demonstrates to the public and relevant professional bodies that it has met a defined set of criteria.
Colleges earn their accreditation through organizations such as The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Universities (ACICU).
Pinnacle Career Institute received its accreditation for the ACCSC.
Trade schools can provide you with an alternative path to a satisfying career.
Want to jump-start your career in the trades? Consider checking out Pinnacle Career institute!
PCI offers accelerated training such as:
Visit the PCI website to apply!
Applications are typically accepted year-round. You can find the application forms online on the school's website.
You must submit a complete application, including the application fee, in order to be considered. Some courses provide free application opportunities.
Trade schools typically require applicants to have a high school diploma and to be at least 17 years of age. If you are a high school student and would like to apply, you can apply before your graduation date.
The time you'll spend in a trade school will depend on which training you choose and how much time you dedicate to your education.
Some schools also offer accelerated programs that speed up your education process. A trade school can be completed anywhere between 6 months to 2 years. Vocational schools offer 2-year associate degree programs in trades as well.
Less than you may think. Trade schools offer certificate programs that can be completed much more quickly than a traditional college or university. Tuition will vary based on what you choose and whether the trade school is public or private.
This will depend on your professional goals and desired career path. If you seek skills more applicable to a specific job, attending a trade school is the wiser path to take, especially considering your education costs.
A traditional college may be better if you are more interested in researching or expanding your general knowledge.
Trade schools are for people who had terrible grades or couldn't get into a university.
This is a misconception. A trade or vocational school is for anyone that wants specific training in a skilled trade. Education at a university may be a waste of time and money for a person interested in becoming an expert in a specific technical skill. Trade school can also be for people wanting a career change.
Trade school is easy.
Trade programs put students' skills to the test by combining standard classroom instruction with practical experience. Becoming skilled in a trade can be challenging and lead to a very fulfilling career!
A trade school degree is not an actual degree
A trade school may offer a diploma or certificate, but many also offer associate degrees. Some career colleges even offer a four-year degree program in specific fields.
A certification or degree from a trade school is still highly valuable. You can use your certificate for job placement in your desired field or as a step in continuing education.
Trade schools don't offer financial aid.
There are many options for aid and scholarships available for trade schools. If the school is accredited, you could also receive federal student aid if you qualify. Ask your academic advisor about financial aid to see what options are available to you.