What Is a Trade School? Description and Benefits
A trade school, also known as a career, vocational, or technical school, is an educational institution that provides hands-on training for specific careers. Unlike traditional colleges that focus on a broad academic curriculum, trade schools offer specialized training in fields like healthcare, automotive technology, welding, HVAC, and electrical work. Some of the most high-demand careers in today’s job market can be accessed with a trade school education. If you’re looking for a fast, affordable, practical education that can lead to a real career, you may want to enroll in a trade school. But what exactly is a trade school, and how can it help you build a successful career?
Trade Schools Teach Career Skills
Trade school programs are designed to be short-term and skill-focused, allowing you to learn critical skills for a profession so you can enter the workforce with the expertise you need to perform your job well. As a trade school graduate, you may be able to find entry-level employment in essential industries that offer high job stability and competitive salaries.
In addition to learning the skills of the job, trade schools also teach you how to be a working professional. From helping you create a resume to looking for a job to acting appropriately on the job, the skills you’re taught at a trade school can be helpful in school and throughout your career.
How Does a Trade School Work?
Trade schools offer certificate, diploma, or associate degree programs, depending on the field of study. The programs typically range from six months to two years, making them a faster and more cost-effective alternative to a four-year degree.
You learn career specific lessons and skills through hands-on lab work, apprenticeships, and real-world experience. For example, if you’re training to become an electrician, you might learn about electrical current in a classroom setting, practice working with electricity in a lab setting, and then go out on an apprenticeship to learn in the real world under the supervision of a licensed electrician. An associate degree program may include some general education courses, but most of your program is spent learning the career specific lessons.
Popular Programs Offered at Trade Schools
Trade schools cater to a wide range of industries, offering training in fields that are in high demand. Some of the most popular trade school programs include:
- Healthcare Careers: Medical assisting, dental assisting, practical nursing
- Skilled Trades: Welding, HVAC, plumbing, electrical work
- Automotive & Diesel Technology: Auto repair, collision repair, diesel technician
- Technology & IT: Cybersecurity, network administration, computer support
Many trade school programs prepare you for certification exams and licensure requirements, which can help you secure your first job in your chosen field.
Benefits of Attending a Trade School
Choosing a trade school helps you enter the workforce quickly, avoid the high costs of a traditional degree, and start earning a salary. Here are some of the benefits to attending a trade school:
- Faster Career Training: Unlike a traditional four-year degree, most trade school programs can be completed in two years or less. This means you can move from a job to a real career in a fraction of the time it would take if you attended a four-year institution.
- Hands-On Learning: If you like to work with your hands, a career in the Trades and the training to get there are likely for you. Trade schools focus on practical, hands-on training rather than solely theory-based coursework. Many programs include internships, apprenticeships, and real-world projects, so you’re ready for your new career from day one.
- High Job Demand: Many trade careers are in high demand, with industries like healthcare, skilled trades, and technology facing labor shortages now and into the future. For example, it’s expected that the U.S. will need more than 40,000 HVAC technicians, more than 80,000 electricians, and more than 115,000 medical assistants each year, through the decade.
- Industry Certifications & Licenses: Most trade programs prepare you for industry-recognized certifications and licensing exams that may give you a competitive edge in the job market. Employers often look for job candidates with these credentials.
Is a Trade School Right for You?
A trade school may be a good choice for you if you:
- Want to start working quickly in a stable career offering competitive pay
- Prefer hands-on learning instead of traditional classroom settings
- Are interested in practical, job-focused education without unnecessary coursework
- Want a cost-effective education with strong job placement opportunities
When it comes to choosing between a trade school or a traditional four-year college, you need to weigh the pros and cons, consider how you learn, and think about how quickly you want to earn a living. A trade school offers an excellent alternative to a four-year college, providing fast, affordable, and hands-on training for an in-demand career. Whether you’re a high school graduate exploring career options, a working professional looking for a career change, or someone seeking job security and higher pay, a trade schools may be your pathway to success.
Are you ready to take the next step to explore the Trades? Lincoln Tech offers a variety of trade school programs that can prepare you for a rewarding career. Fill out the form to learn more now.