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Signs That Trade School Is a Good Fit For You | Pinnacle Career Institute

Written by Jeremy Cooper | Dec 7, 2022 10:42:59 PM

 

Are you looking for a new career or a career change?

In today's competitive world, it can be challenging for college graduates to lead a fulfilling career with their academic degrees. Many college graduates attend trade schools that will allow them to choose a new career path that may provide better financial support. .

Do you want to get ahead in your field or make extra money while learning new skills? Whatever your reason, trade school might be an excellent fit for you. Trade schools offer flexible schedules, low tuition costs, career-focused education, and hands-on job training with industry experts.

They also give trade school students the chance to get any industry relevant certificate that will aid them in finding employment once they graduate.

We'll go through a few of the reasons why a trade school could be a suitable match for you instead of a traditional college and help you in job placement in this article.

What is Trade School

College and trade school are very similar, except in a trade school program, all your time is not spent attending classes. You learn hands-on skills in a real workplace while earning credits towards a certificate or diploma. There are various types of trade schools, including culinary arts, cosmetology, health care, welding, automotive technology, computer sciences, natural sciences, liberal arts, and more.

Definition of a Trade School

A trade school is an educational institution where students learn to perform specific tasks in a particular field. Trade schools are often called vocational schools because they prepare students for a new career path. Trade schools also provide students with the skills needed to work in a particular profession. In some cases, students might enroll in a trade school to improve their job prospects and achieve their career goals.

Trade school vs Vocational school

The term "trade school" is sometimes used interchangeably with "vocational school." However, there are important differences between the two. Vocational schools focus primarily on preparing students for entry level jobs, while trade schools prepare students for high demand careers within a particular field. For example, a person could go to a vocational school to become a plumber, whereas a person could attend a trade school to study plumbing and become a journeyman plumber.

In addition, trade schools offer programs related to a specific occupation or industry. For instance, a trade school might teach students how to weld, operate heavy machinery, or install drywall. These courses are within technical education. Other schools might offer general education courses such as English, math, science, history, art, music, etc. These courses are known as liberal arts classes.

Trade schools usually require applicants to take standardized tests, submit transcripts, and provide references. They also typically charge tuition fees. Trade schools are accredited by state licensing agencies, and most states require that prospective students pass a test to receive a certificate or diploma upon graduation.

Career Path Glance

From entry-level positions to management roles, there are plenty of opportunities in a trade school. If you're looking for a path for your career that fits your personality, here are some job training programs to consider.

Wind Turbine Technician

A wind turbine technician's responsibilities are varied. They may be responsible for installing turbines, troubleshooting problems, maintaining equipment, and repairing damaged components. Wind turbine technicians must have good soft skills such as communication since they will need to work closely with other employees and customers.

If you enjoy working outdoors, this is an excellent career option. You'll spend most of your time outside, so you'll want to make sure that you can handle the weather conditions. Wind turbine technicians should have a high school diploma, but some employers prefer candidates with a bachelor's degree.

If you have interest in being a Turbine Technician, please check our Wind Turbine Technician Program.

A career specific training to be a technician in wind turbines is an excellent choice if you are interested in working in a field that is in high demand and provides room for advancement. Additional education, training, and experience can open the door to a variety of other opportunities in the workforce immediately.

If you have interest in any of the following careers please check our Wind Energy Technology Program

 

Wind site supervisor

Supervisors oversee the activities of workers who are performing various duties on a site. Supervising workers requires tact, patience, critical thinking, and a strong leadership style. It also involves making decisions about which projects should be done first and when.

This job description is suitable for someone who has a good understanding of delegation and communication skills. They need to be able to communicate well with everyone at every level.

Wind site manager

The position of wind site manager is one of the most popular in demand careers and the most remarkable prospects for professional development. In this capacity, managers are responsible for monitoring the various operations at a given wind farm. This necessitates keeping an eye on the technicians working on the wind farm's wind turbines, in addition to keeping up with all the necessary troubleshooting, maintenance, and repairs. Successful wind turbine technicians have the potential to really flourish in this profession if they receive some further hard skills training in addition to their existing experience.

Wind energy supervisor

Wind energy supervisors are responsible for ensuring the operation of a wind farm runs smoothly. Their job includes ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Additionally, they guarantee that the business meets its aims and objectives.

It is beneficial to have a thorough grasp of how wind farms function to succeed in this position. A wind energy supervisor should possess thorough, relevant industry knowledge and be familiar with the latest technology.

Wind energy manager

Wind energy managers are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a wind farm. They are expected to keep track of each project's progress and report to higher management. Managers also help in setting the budget for the entire organization.

Successful wind energy managers usually have a bachelor's degree in business administration. They should also be skilled communicators and have a keen eye for detail.

Wind turbine installation supervisor

An installation supervisor oversees the work of those installing wind turbines. These individuals are responsible for keeping track of the progress of every project and reporting back to their superiors.

To succeed in this role, they need to know what tasks must be completed before the project begins. An installation supervisor must also be able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Wind turbines maintenance supervisor

The maintenance of wind turbines is under the control of a wind turbine maintenance supervisor. Their major goal is to make sure the equipment is reliable and safe.

They must be informed about the most recent developments in the market. They should also be knowledgeable and have the necessary hard skills about the proper use of tools and machinery.

Wind turbine service engineer

A wind turbine service engineer is responsible for repairing wind turbines. They collaborate closely with other engineers and specialists to identify the components that require replacement.

They will then supervise the repair job and make sure it is done correctly. An associate degree in engineering and prior work experience are both advantageous.

Tank compliance technician

Although working in the wind energy business may not seem to have a direct connection to the job of a tank compliance specialist, the fact is that there are a number of ways in which these two lines of work are comparable to one another. Individuals who fill this function are accountable for ensuring that all tanks meet the requirements set out. This line of work is likewise heavily committed to the improvement of the state of the world we live in and makes use of many of the same skills. A job as a tank compliance technician is another option to consider, particularly if you find that working at great heights is not something that appeals to you.

HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians install, fix, and maintain heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They are responsible for maintaining proper temperature and humidity levels within buildings and keeping equipment running smoothly.

 

 

An HVAC technician works inside large structures like factories, warehouses, and office buildings. An HVAC technician needs to have technical education about electrical wiring and plumbing. They must be able to read blueprints and diagrams, understand building codes, and follow safety procedures. Most HVAC technicians have a high school diploma, and some are pursuing advanced degrees in technical schools.

Being an HVAC technician is one of the most popular in demand fields. There are many different ways to become an HVAC technician, whether you want to focus on one specific part of the industry or you'd like to learn about everything there is to know about HVAC systems.

If you would like to know more about becoming an HVAC technician, please check our HVAC Technician Program.

 

Specialty technician

Finding a specialty position can be incredibly rewarding if you enjoy being a master at your trade. There are several options for developing a specialty in the HVAC sector. One option is to specialize in HVAC systems for automobiles to become automotive technicians. Additionally, refrigeration professionals are available to work on the cooling systems found in both household and commercial refrigerators. As a result, there are several options in the HVAC market if you're seeking something that can become your specialization.

Here are some of the most common specialized HVAC jobs you might encounter.

Refrigeration technician

A refrigeration technician works at a food processing plant, grocery store, warehouse, or another facility where temperature control is important. They install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot equipment used to keep foods cold or hot. Refrigeration technicians work closely with engineers and maintenance personnel to ensure that the proper cooling and heating systems operate effectively.

Heating technician

Heating technicians are responsible for installing, repairing, maintaining, and troubleshooting heating equipment such as furnaces, boilers, heat pumps, ductwork, and air handlers. Like refrigeration technicians, heating technicians often work for large companies, but they can also take on smaller projects or freelance. Heating technicians typically work full time, although some choose to freelance or start their own businesses.

Air conditioning technician

An air conditioning technician installs, repairs, maintains and troubleshoots air conditioning units such as central air conditioners, split system units, and window units. An air conditioning technician must understand how each type of unit operates and what problems it may experience. Air conditioning technicians usually work full-time, but some choose to freelance or work for temporary staffing agencies.

Tower Technician

Tower technicians must be able to climb ladders, use tools, and operate power tools safely. They must be able to read and interpret blueprints and diagrams. The key factors for companies to hire technicians are people with experience in construction or engineering.

After successfully completing the hard skills training program for tower technicians, a number of doors will become accessible. After graduating from the training school for tower technicians, individuals have a variety of job placements accessible to them, some of which are listed below.

Cell tower technician

The day-to-day tasks of a tower technician are installing, maintaining, and repairing the many different electronic pieces of equipment that are housed on a cell site tower. Those who decide to pursue a career in this field will focus their efforts, especially on cell towers. Those who are interested in working in this field should be in good physical condition since they will need to climb towers to do the necessary inspections and repairs.

Communications tower technician

A lot like the technicians who work on cell towers, the technicians who work on communications towers will do maintenance and repairs, but they will do so on antennas and other transmitter systems that are utilized for communication. Radio and other types of broadcasting services are frequently intertwined with communication towers.

Mapping technician

A job as a mapping technician is an excellent choice if you would be more interested in contributing to the mapping and manufacturing of towers. The individuals who fill this post will be tasked with assisting photogrammetrists and cartographers in the process of creating and maintaining accurate maps of the towers. If you are technically smart and would like to work on a computer rather than directly on a tower, this is a fantastic career choice for you to consider.

Tower climber

If you don't get dizzy or nauseated while you're up high, working as a tower climber can be the perfect job for you. Tower climbers are going to have a broad knowledge base that enables them to operate on a range of towers, which is the main distinction between this position with the positions of communications and cell tower technicians. Because it allows one the flexibility to look for work in other parts of the country, this is a potentially very lucrative line of work. If you're the type of person who enjoys seeing new places and doesn't have a fear of heights, then becoming a master of all trades (or all towers) is a possibility that you should think about pursuing.

If you have interest in being a Tower Technician, please check our Tower Technician Program

Electrician

An electrician installs, repairs, and replaces electrical wiring and fixtures. Electricians must be able to read drawings and schematics and be knowledgeable about electricity and its applications. They must be able to recognize and fix issues including overloads, short circuits, and overheated wires. Electricians must be careful when working around live parts because of the risk of electrocution.

Welder

Welders weld metal together using heat and pressure. Welding requires knowledge of chemistry and physics, including how metals react to heat and what happens during welding. Welder jobs usually require high school graduation.

Some welder jobs require additional training and obtaining an industry-related certificate from the American Welding Society (AWS) or the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technology (NICET).

HVAC Project Manager

A project manager is going to be in charge of supervising the building of any new HVAC systems that are required for new projects. The majority of the time, people who hold this job also work in the construction industry, either as consultants or as contractors.

In essence, the purpose of the work is to evaluate the project and offer suggestions for the most effective way to install or renovate HVAC in a given project. This is a great opportunity for those that take pride in their work, thrive in collaborative environments, and are more interested in the broad picture when it comes to HVAC systems.

HVAC Sales Professional

If you are a salesperson at heart, we have good news for you: the industry of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is constantly looking for qualified sales personnel. Those who take this route in their professional lives might anticipate having financially lucrative jobs.

As in the case of any other sales positions, HVAC sales professionals will need to assist potential clients in selecting the equipment that best meets their requirements. Regarding potential customers, HVAC sales experts could have conversations with people who own commercial or residential properties.

Signs Trade School is a Good Fit

The best way to find out whether a particular trade school is right for you is to check out what it offers and how much it costs. Here are some things to look for to see if trade schools are a good fit for you. With the options of online learning or classroom learning, you can start taking your trade school courses with a simple admissions process.

A Set Career Path

Having a career plan can help you choose the ideal job for you and help you establish the proper priorities in a fast-paced and fiercely competitive world. Speaking to someone in a career services department could help you immensely.

As you become aware of your options, your knowledge will make choosing a job less difficult for you. You won't be confused by a plethora of professional alternatives and will be able to choose one that suits your talents and competencies.

There are several online tools that provide free career assessments. One example is MyPersonality.com. This site provides a quick overview of your personality profile and offers suggestions for how to improve your lifestyle. In another tool called CareerExplorer.org, you can access a list of over 800 occupations along with salary data and descriptions of each occupation.

In addition to taking a career assessment test, you can research different careers. For instance, you could look up a particular occupation on Indeed.com. On this site, you can see detailed job listings, including requirements, salaries, and reviews. You can also read articles written by professionals in the field.

If you decide to pursue a specific career, you must study hard and learn everything there is to know about it. Start your research right away if you have a particular career in mind. Read books, watch videos, chat with family and friends, and go to seminars. Learn about the industry, the profession's history, and the qualifications needed to succeed.

Knowing your job goal and working towards it will set you on the right path for life.

Enjoy Hands-On Work

Most individuals don't consider hands-on labor while considering jobs. However, there are many various kinds of manual labor occupations available. Some of those include being a mechanic, electrician, plumber, carpenter, painter, bricklayer, welder, machinist, laborer, etc. There are even some jobs where you might be working at home, such as data entry specialist, graphic designer, writer, etc.

The good news is that there are plenty of opportunities available today for anyone looking for a job that involves physical labor. You just have to know what type of job you want to do and how much experience you'll need in order to qualify for it. If you're thinking about becoming a welder, for example, you'll probably need to complete high school and take welding classes. And depending on the rules in your state, you might also need to pass a licensing exam.

If you have an interest in studying in technical schools, taking vocational training courses, or learning more about career options that involve physical labor, please check the Pinnacle Career Institute website.

Seeking a Shorter Course

Vocational school students often choose their major based on what they plan to do after graduation. However, it turns out that many don't realize just how much money they could earn in certain fields.

The good news is that vocational education isn't necessarily a bad choice. Many people find that a four year degree doesn't meet their needs, and vocational schools provide a way to learn specific skills without having to commit to a full four years.

In contrast, depending on the skill, a program at a trade school can take anywhere from one to two years to finish. With only one to two years to devote to school, many of the programs also cost around the same as a public institution, which represents significant savings. Also, Students graduate sooner and can start working.

However, students must weigh the tuition cost against their chosen field's potential earnings.

Financial Capabilities

The length and cost of trade programs are possibly the largest benefits. For instance, it takes four entire years to obtain a bachelor's degree. Compared to the average private college degree tuition of roughly $37,000 per year, a public institution for in-state residents is frequently the most cost-effective choice, costing about $10,000 per year; multiplied with the four years of the degree results in a large amount of student loan debt at graduation.

Smaller Class Size 

Class size is a key benefit of a trade school. A community school's typical class size is from 25 to 35 students. Classes at a university may be significantly bigger. Many trade schools, in contrast, only have classes with 10 to 25 trade school students.

Trade school students are promised much more one-on-one time with their instructor because trade school has significantly lower class numbers. No one is allowed to remain unattended or to hide in the back as they could in a traditional college or university atmosphere. Instead, they may devote significantly more time and effort to each of their pupils, providing tailored instruction and assistance to achieve the best possible results.

Real World Experience

Trade schools are able to place a greater emphasis on hands-on training and career preparation since they provide less general education and theoretical programs.

Live demonstrations and hands-on training are common components of a good trade school education. In addition, some programs offer training that takes place on the job. Learners are able to get professional experience and training thanks to this opportunity simultaneously.

Browse Trade School Programs at Pinnacle Career Institute

There are many trade schools out there, but which ones actually provide the training you need? You must choose the ideal program for your needs, no matter what you want to become.

At Pinnacle Career Institute, we recognize how crucial it is to select your ideal career path. Since we are aware that every individual has unique goals and aspirations for job placement, our programs are made to meet those requirements. Our goal is to make sure that trade school graduates receive the best education possible and leave with industry-recognized credentials.

We offer programs covering everything from plumbing to welding to carpentry to electrical work. You can learn about each one of our programs by checking out the information below.

Trade School Career Path Blog

Career and Technical Education Programs