Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of contents
Trade schools are very popular, and they’re becoming even more popular as student debt continues to rise. Over 16 million people are enrolled in a trade or vocational program in the US.
There are several options to choose from when picking a trade school to enroll in, and they could make a big difference for your future. If you’re looking to start a career in the trades, let’s talk about online trade schools and what options you have!
There are regulations on becoming an electrician in California, and it won’t happen without any formal training with an approved institution or program. If you want to become an electrician, research the various options. One good resource is to find a list of approved schools. https://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/ECU/ListOfApprovedSchools.html
Are Online Trade Schools As Good As In Person?
Trade school programs vary widely between different platforms, programs, faculty, and schools. However, an accredited online trade school will give you all the knowledge you need to start a new career.
An online school may not give you the same hands-on experience as an in-person school, but they can give you the knowledge you need to succeed in an apprenticeship. It will also have the advantage of being on your own time and at your own pace.
Ask yourself what kind of trade you see yourself enjoying the most, look into your options, and ask if it’s possible to learn the necessary skills online! If you think it is possible, do your research, see how many graduates landed electrical trainee positions after completing their programs of study, and decide from there.
What To Look For
If you’re considering vocational training, whether it’s online or in-person, there are specific criteria you should look for. First, is the school accredited? You may have difficulty finding employment with a certificate from a school that isn’t accredited, so consider this before deciding on an unaccredited school.
Next, is the school state-approved or licensed? Most trade schools must hold an approval or license to indicate that they meet certain standards, but this depends on your state and the program you’re seeking to enter.
What are the admissions requirements? You want to make sure you can get in, as some require a high school diploma, GED, or even entrance testing and specific scores. You should also ensure that you aren’t spending too much on unnecessary items or fees.
Are there financial aid options? If you need financial support, find out if the school offers some sort of financial assistance or installment plan for your tuition and enrollment fees.
What does the curriculum cover? Just because a program is online doesn’t mean there can’t be some hands-on practical curriculum involved. If you’re the type of person who learns by doing something, ask if this is incorporated into a program.
Have you checked the reviews? Read student reviews to see what the school is like and if it sounds right. Reviews aren’t always accurate, but they may help you decide. And, if you only read the reviews on their websites, you’ll only see what they want you to see, so surf the web to see what people say.
What Other Options Are There?
There is always in-person learning that can give you a better hands-on experience. However, in-person classes may not work for your schedule and often cost more to enroll. With fully online courses, you can usually make your schedule, complete your work on your own time, and still have what you need to go to the next step. For example, does the program you are considering offer an externship? Can you participate in an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are there to give you the hands-on experience you need, and you may have a better shot at joining an apprenticeship program if you have prior experience or education. If you can land an apprenticeship without any experience or education, you may still want to take some classes to understand the fundamentals of your trade.
There are three possible options for you: Find an apprenticeship without experience, rearrange your schedule for in-person learning, or join a hybrid or fully online vocational training.
No matter how you decide to get into the trades, you will likely be pleased with your decision if you want a field in demand because there’s a shortage of nearly 400,000 skilled trade jobs throughout the country, so jumping in seems to be the way to go.
Trades are some of the most effective, dependable careers that offer translatable skills across your entire life. Getting into them can be quicker than attending a community college or four-year college. The trades give promising career and pay opportunities such as those educational options that take two to four years to complete or more. Whether through online or in-person learning or both, getting into one can be a significant step toward a brighter future.
Review Your Options by Contacting Us Today
Now that you know about the benefits of online trade schools and trade schools in general, there’s no time like the present to consider enrolling! Trades aren’t going anywhere any time soon, so secure your future, bring some opportunity into your life, and get started on a program. Stay updated with our latest news on trade schools, and contact us with any questions!