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Does the thought of committing to four (or more!) years of school make you want to run away screaming? You could join the military, but then again, that’s also a massive commitment.

What if you could get hands-on instruction in classes that excite you? 

Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, are viable opportunities for anybody looking for something different that leads to a real career. You may be surprised to learn all the benefits of vocational schools and how they are changing the face of education and employment.

1. Save Money With Trade Schools

Did you know that it usually costs more than $20,000 per year to attend a four-year university? Multiply that by the four or five years it takes to complete an undergraduate degree. 

The numbers go up for private and out-of-state schools. You have to study something that leads directly to work or head on to graduate school and more tuition payments.

In contrast, you could complete a trade school for around $33,000. That’s less than half the cost of a four-year university. You can even work part-time while attending a trade school. Finishing a vocational school program means you’re ready to enter the workforce.

2. Financial Aid

You don’t just save and potentially spend less money over four years by attending a vocational school. There is financial assistance available, and there are financial aid advisors who are ready to discuss the various financial options available to you.

Many programs even offer some scholarships. Some schools also provide scholarships to help students to graduate without taking on as much student loan debt.  Every little bit helps. 

3. Save Time

Vocational schools have shorter programs that you can typically finish in two years. Many vocational schools offer certificate programs that you can complete in less than a year!

Traditional four-year institutions start in the fall of every year. You can’t just start when you are ready.  Usually, conventional four-year institutions and community colleges begin in the fall and spring.  You will need to wait until those enrollment periods start.

Attending vocational schools gives you more flexibility. They often have multiple start dates throughout the year. When you want to start your career, you don’t want to wait for six months or a year!

4. Direct Entry to a High-Demand Career 

Trade schools prepare you for a real career immediately upon graduation. These jobs demand specific training and skillsets, which puts skilled trades and allied health professionals in high demand.  

Even better, many vocational school graduates’ earnings may be comparable to their peers from four-year colleges. For example, you could complete an HVAC certification program in less than a year, and you can be employment-ready in less than a year. In contrast, students attending a four-year college may be required to wait until graduation to work in their field.  

Entering the workforce as an HVAC technician means stepping into a career that’s been around and isn’t disappearing anytime soon. From construction to medical assistants, pharmacy technicians, and alcohol and drug counselors, vocational schools prepare you for high-demand opportunities in your field. 

5. Real-World Experience with Trade Schools

There is no substitute for real-world experience. Most trade school programs require you to complete hands-on training such as an externship or clinical internship before you can graduate.

For example, after completing a series of classes, medical assistant students must complete an externship with a doctor’s office or medical clinic.

Not only do you get practical experience with real patients, but you also make connections for the future. Networking is an essential part of any job search and part of many vocational school programs. Who knows, you may get hired at your externship site if there is an opening and you prove yourself!

6. Small Classes with People Like You

To complete detailed training and provide hands-on experience, trade schools tend to have smaller class sizes. You get individualized attention and can truly build relationships with your instructors. 

Speaking of instructors, because trade schools offer skilled trades courses, they use experts in the field. You can expect training from experienced professionals who know what it takes to work in the field and feel passionate about what they do.

Additionally, your classmates chose the same path as you, so they probably want to enter the same field. Trade schools are great places to meet your future coworkers and build lasting relationships.

7. Trade Schools =Variety of Program Options

You might be surprised by the variety offered by most trade schools. It’s not uncommon to see a school provide a selection of medical, trade, mental health, addiction counseling, and business programs. 

Trade schools even offer opportunities to expand your skillset. Maybe you already have your HVAC certification, but you would love to branch out. You could look into another technical program such as an Electrical Training Program to enhance your already marketable skills.

8. Career Readiness Preparation

It’s not just about jumping into a career after completing your program. Trade schools devote time to helping their students find jobs.

Many trade schools develop departments and assign student success partners to prepare students for graduation. Career advisors will assist too, from creating a resume and cover letter to developing soft skills for interviews, trade schools commit to making you into a well-rounded graduate.

9. Focus on Your Studies

Many community colleges and four-year institutions promote their well-rounded core curriculums. What if most of those classes don’t appeal to you? After all, 18th-century British Literature isn’t particularly useful in the real world unless you score a spot on Jeopardy.

Trade schools create shorter programs by eliminating the extra classes and letting you focus on what interests you the most. If you want to be a medical assistant or work in cybersecurity, you can expect to take classes related to those fields. 

One of the best aspects of attending a trade school is knowing that every core class contributes to your career. It’s not just about preparing you for work; it’s also about respecting your time and commitment to your future.

10. Completion Counts

Two more excellent reasons to go to trade school involve completion numbers. Perhaps not surprisingly, trade schools usually have better graduation and job placement numbers. 

It’s true. Almost 40% of first-time students at four-year institutions fail to graduate within six years. Most trade schools can boast higher completion rates than 40%.  That means that there is usually a higher graduation rate with trade school programs.  And, most trade schools provide their graduates, job placement assistance services through the school. This can be a huge perk, wouldn’t you agree?

Explore the Benefits of Trade Schools

From saving money to starting a career you can be proud of, there are many benefits of trade schools. Now is the time to explore your opportunities and take the first step to the rest of your life!

Are you interested in attending a trade school or wondering if it could be a good fit for you? Contact us to start your journey today!

Related Links

• What Is The Average Time It Takes To Complete Trade School?
• Passion to Career: 9 Tips on How to Apply for Trade School
• Why More and More People are Choosing Trade Schools Over Colleges