Everything You Need To Know About Trade School

“Should I go to a technical school or a four-year college?” It’s a question I have been asked by high school students, adults and even college students. My answer was and is always the same, "What is the career you want?" For many of us the days we spent in school were directed to the same goal: get a high school diploma and go to college. What we didn’t realize was that college is not an end—it is a means to an end.

With more information about trade schools, it is easier to make the best decision of how to pursue your goals. In this article, we discuss what trade school is, how to find the right vocational program and what jobs you can pursue with a technical school certificate.

What is trade school?

Trade schools—also known as "technical schools" or "vocational college"—focus on specific careers that require specialized training. You can earn an industry certification or license from a technical school or technical college in less time and usually for a lot less money than trying to earn a four-year college degree.

Learning a skill or trade takes as much knowledge, skill and ability as going to a four-year college. The skills that an electrician, plumber, mechanic, dental hygienist or veterinary technician needs to be successful in their professions are used daily. If I was a plumber, I would be using the specific math skills I learned as an apprentice every day.

Technical colleges are post-secondary schools that you can attend after receiving a high school diploma. These schools can be public or private and they can also be non-profit or for-profit organizations. Many apprenticeship programs and certificate programs are linked to community colleges, which offer technical programs along with academic programs that can lead to completing a bachelor’s degree at a college or university.

What credentials can you earn through trade schools?

Technical schools offer a range of credentials. Some of the most common options include:

• Certificates and diplomas: These trade school credentials indicate that you have mastered the essential elements of the field by passing a test or demonstrating your skills.

• Licensing exams: Some trade school programs are designed to prepare you to pass professional exams and receive a license to work in your industry.

• Apprenticeships: Some vocational colleges provide instruction that you need before becoming an apprentice or a journeyman in a technical field. When you complete these programs, you will be qualified to start at an entry-level position.

Trade school vs. college: How do they compare?

If you are deciding between attending a trade school and a four-year college, it is important to know how your choice could affect your career. Here are some of the biggest differences between trade school and college.

Admission

Both public and private universities rely on stringent application processes that require you to have good grades, extracurricular activities and other factors that make you a desirable student. The application process can take months and you may apply to several colleges to ensure that you get into one of your preferred schools.

In contrast, technical schools have much more straightforward admission processes. You may need to prove that you have earned a high school diploma or other credentials, but you will not have to compete with other potential students for admission. Instead, you can sign up for the next available program and look forward to starting technical school.

Affordability

You can find affordable options for both technical schools and four-year colleges. If you plan to pay for your education yourself, going to a technical school or community college can be much more affordable. If you are planning to seek financial aid to help with the costs of your college education, however, attending a four-year university could be more affordable.

Universities typically offer financial aid packages or low-interest educational loans to undergraduate students, especially if you qualify based on merit or financial need. If you attend a community college for your technical training, there are financial aid options from state and federal programs that may help pay your costs. In contrast, trade schools may be private schools and do not usually provide financial aid, which means you must plan to pay the costs yourself.

Time investment

Technical schools may seem like much smaller time investments than four-year colleges. In most cases, completing a technical school program takes half or a quarter of the time required to finish a bachelor’s degree.

When you attend a four-year college full time, however, you might have multiple classes each day along with semester or extended holiday breaks to help you pace yourself. During a typical technical school program, you attend classes for several hours every weekday. Rather than taking summer or holiday breaks during your training or apprenticeship, you continue to work to complete requirements as efficiently as possible.

Job security

Many technical school credentials can help provide you with a strong sense of job security. Since technical colleges are tailored to certain professions, most of these schools have excellent career placement programs and strong ties to businesses in the industry. If you do well in your program and show promise in your industry, you could find a great job after receiving your diploma or getting your license or certificate.

In contrast, four-year colleges do not always have such strong ties to businesses or industries. To get a job after college, you may need to complete an internship, network in your industry or connect with your university’s career office.

Trade school jobs to explore

From health care to skilled labor, a technical school can prepare you for hundreds of careers. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, click on the national average salary link for each job title below.

1. Paralegal

National average salary: $27.05 per hour

Primary duties: In this role, you perform administrative tasks that support attorneys. You might do research, create filing systems or draft documents and memos. To become a paralegal or a legal assistant, you need to earn a professional certificate.

2. Plumber

National average salary: $24.56 per hour

Primary duties: In this job, you install, repair and maintain pipes in residential, business and industrial settings. To become a plumber or a pipefitter, you need to complete a technical school program and an apprenticeship.

3. Electrician

National average salary: $23.29 per hour

Primary duties: In this field, you install and fix electrical systems, lights and communication setups in a variety of settings. To become an electrician, you must complete a trade school program before starting an apprenticeship in the field.

4. Diver

National average salary: $51,059 per year

Primary duties: In this position, you primarily work underwater, where you are responsible for inspecting and fixing equipment. To become a diver, you need a scuba diving certification.

5. Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration (HVACR) technician

National average salary: $23.29 per hour

Primary duties: Heating, air conditioning and refrigeration mechanics install and work on heating, ventilation, cooling and refrigeration systems. HVACR systems are complex and most in this profession complete an apprenticeship. Some cities or states require an HVACR technician to be licensed.

6. Respiratory therapist

National average salary: $32.60 per hour

Primary duties: In this role, you care for and develop treatment plans for patients with breathing issues. You might provide continuing care or emergency services, too. To become a respiratory therapist, you need to earn a certification and a license to work in the field.

7. Dental hygienist

National average salary: $37.96 per hour

Primary duties: In this job, you clean patients’ teeth, provide preventive dental care and teach patients how to improve their oral health. To become a dental hygienist, you have to complete a three-year trade school program and obtain a license.

8. Construction manager

National average salary: $79,377 per year

Primary duties: In this role, you plan and oversee construction projects. To become a construction manager, you’ll need at least an associate’s degree and experience in the field.

How to find the right trade school for you

As you consider technical school, compare the options carefully. Ask yourself the following questions to find the right path to your career:

1. Determine if the program is for an in-demand field

Since technical certificate or licensing programs are designed around specific jobs, make sure that any school you plan to attend can help you find work in a growing industry. Try researching lists of jobs with the greatest growth potential to make sure you have chosen wisely.

One place you can find this information is the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook The OOH forecasts what professions will be in demand for the next 10 years.

2. Assess the program’s cost

If you are considering a two-year program, make sure to calculate the total cost rather than the fee for each year. Always research and ask about financial aid or loan options beginning the program.

3. Check for online courses

Online technical schools can be helpful options for students who have busy schedules or limited local options. Try researching options for earning an online certification that may allow you to complete classes or even the entire program from home.

4. Consider job placement options

Make sure to assess the program’s job placement opportunities. Determine which organizations tend to hire from the programs you are considering and ask about their job placement rates. Try talking to previous graduates or the program’s career experts to make sure the process meets your expectations.

This article was originally publsihed on Indeed.com.