Vocational & Trade Schools: A Growing Trend
Advantages to Learning a Trade
When trying to decide what you’ll do after high school graduation, you should know that attending a four-year college or university is not the only option available to you. Many students are turning to vocational education right after graduation or even later in life.
Vocational and trade educations are popular vehicles to fast-track a well-paying skill as well as offer training suitable for career changers and other adult learners. Do you know what vocational schools offer or how to find one that’s right for you?
Vocational School: Practical vs. Academic
A vocational school, often referred to as a trade school, is a post-secondary institution that operates for the purpose of giving its students skills needed to perform a certain job. Vocational schools teach job-specific skills and are considered to be institutions devoted to training rather than education, practical versus academic education.
Training is related to specific trades, or vocations, hence the name “vocational” schools. Many vocational schools now offer degree-transfer programs. If you enroll in a degree-transfer program at a vocational school, some of your credits may be transferable to a four-year college or university. What does this mean? Students may leverage a vocational education as a useful stepping-stone to a baccalaureate degree.
How to Choose a Vocational Trade School
There are over 300 Vocational Schools to choose from in the United States. So, how do you choose the one that’s right for you? There are several factors to consider when choosing the right fit for you:
- Placement Rate: How many graduates are actually placed in their career field? A high percentage will tell you that the school works hard to prepare its graduates for the work force.
- Student Completion Rate/Graduation Rate: Find out how many students actually complete their programs. This is called “retention rate” and is an indicator to institutional commitment to student education.
- Facilities: Are the facilities up-to-date? Vocational and trade schools often have some of the latest technology and equipment. Avoid those with outdated labs, and training equipment. Remember, in the work place you’ll often be required to jump right in and work on state-of-the-art equipments.
- Services: What “extras” does the school offer? Is there a career guidance office? If so, will they assist you in finding employment once you’ve graduated? Will they help you find internships/co-ops while you’re a student?
- Tuition/Fees: How much will it cost to attend the program? Are there any hidden fees? Is financial assistance available to you?
Remember, you may qualify for federal and private student loans that may help you finance your trade school education.
Vocational Trade School Degrees
If you’re considering a vocational school you’ll discover a range of degrees from which to choose. Most vocational schools award associate degrees, diplomas and or certificates. Most vocations require a particular certification and vocational schools prepare you to take the tests necessary for these certifications.
Vocational Education Career Options: Use the Career Office
Vocational and trade schools offer a variety of programs and they may differ. The career center on campus will be able to assist you in determining which program is right for you. Several career tests are available that your career and guidance counselor can use to guide you to various fields that match your skills.
Although programs may differ at each vocational school, the programs listed below are common to most:
- Computer-aided Drafting (CAD) and Design: learn to prepare technical and digital drawings and plans for builders and contractors.
- Criminal Justice: training for careers in law enforcement and corrections.
- Culinary: food preparation for hotels, restaurants, businesses, etc.
- HVAC: installation, maintenance, and repair of heating, ventilation and air condition systems.
- Information Technology: web design, network security, programming, etc.