For many of our students, and students around the world, making a beeline from high school to a bachelor's program does not always feel like the right choice. Many people are considering and should consider the not so traditional idea of Vocational Programs or Trade Schools. If you are someone who wants to get work experience and gain clarity about their life goals and has a desire to bolster abilities in various areas, these post-secondary options might be something to look into.
High school seniors who want to enter the workforce as soon as possible after they graduate often choose to obtain career and technical certifications or earn occupational licenses in skilled trades like cosmetology, massage therapy or plumbing. There are several advantages and reasons for someone to forgo college and enter a program or trade school.
This guide from an article written by Liz Simmons explored the pros and cons of Trade School:
Pros of Trade School
Hands-On Training
Trade school offers hands-on training and professional development, which prepare learners for entry-level jobs in their fields. Students learn by doing and can often begin their careers without extensive on-the-job training. Some trade school programs include internships or apprenticeships as part of the curriculum.
Applicable Skills
Trade school programs focus on career-relevant skills and training. Unlike a traditional college curriculum, a vocational school curriculum does not contain general education courses. Instead, students complete coursework solely in their fields of study. They graduate ready for a specific occupation.
Faster Education
A major benefit of trade school is that students can typically complete their education in two years or less — much less time than it takes to earn a college degree. Trade schools offer short-term, experiential education that prepares learners for entry-level positions or apprenticeships immediately after graduation.
Smaller Class Sizes
Trade school programs often offer smaller class sizes than traditional university programs, which means more one-on-one instruction from teachers. Students usually only take classes and complete training with others pursuing the same credential. This can help students build tight-knit communities and access networking opportunities within the school.
Reliable Job Industry
Trade school offers training for specialized, in-demand careers with greater job stability. Many trade school fields, like plumbing and HVAC, resist fluctuations in the economy that impact most industries. Even in the most challenging times, many trade jobs remain necessary, making them highly desirable.
Cons of Trade School
Limited Career Growth
Although trade school jobs can pay well, workers may face limited options for career growth. Managerial or supervisory jobs often require a college degree, so advancing in a trade career can prove to be difficult.
Also, because trade school prepares students for a specific occupation, it can limit a worker's future job opportunities. Trade school graduates may find it difficult to translate their skills from one industry to another.
On the other hand, a traditional college degree offers students a broader education and helps them develop transferable skills that can qualify them for many types of careers.
Limited School Options
There are countless four-year universities across the U.S. However, specialized training programs at vocational schools can be hard to find. You may need to relocate to study at a technical school offering the specific program you are interested in.
Limited Financial Aid Options
Limited financial aid options can pose another challenge for students considering trade school. Traditional college students receive access to grants, scholarships, federal student loans, and other financial aid programs to help them pay for school. Trade school students often have fewer financing opportunities.
Class Competition
When groups of trade school students graduate together, they may find it difficult to land jobs or apprenticeships in their area. Too many graduates in the same field can saturate the local market and cause high competition for entry-level jobs. Research the projected job growth rate for potential careers in your area before choosing a trade school program.
Rigorous Schedule
The accelerated pace of trade school allows learners to graduate and qualify for jobs quickly. However, this demanding schedule may not leave students with much free time while in school. Some trade school programs run year-round with few scheduled breaks. The ability to enter the workforce quickly may outweigh this downside to trade school.
Well-Paying Jobs That Don't Require a Bachelor's
People who have in-demand training within growing industries can sometimes earn more than $60,000 in positions that don't require a bachelor's, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Here are a few examples of those roles, plus the median yearly U.S. compensation for those occupations as of May 2020:
- Air traffic controller: $130,420
- Aerospace technologist or technician: $68,570
- Court reporter or simultaneous captioner: $61,660
- Electronics installer and repairer: $62,020
- Fire inspector: $62,120
- Nuclear technician: $84,190
- Occupational therapy assistant: $60,950
- Theatrical and performance makeup artist: $106,920
We recommend doing research to determine what is write for you, but if you have been wondering what other options you have that doesn't include a four-year college, these programs and possibilities might be for you!
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