Trade schools are institutions or programs that teach specialized trades such as welding, carpentry, or electrical technology. These careers often require certifications or specific supervised hours on the job. Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, prepare students to enter professional fields that require specialized training. Professionals who attend trade schools include electricians, dental hygienists, veterinary technicians, and plumbers.
A trade school is an institution that teaches and provides practical training on how to perform a specific job or trade. Rather than requiring students to take previous classes that are irrelevant to the career they choose, these programs focus on the skills and education needed within that specific career. This practical approach can give students the confidence and competence they need to enter the workforce and establish themselves in the careers of their choice. Choosing to attend a trade school can be a great option for those who are sure about their chosen career path. There are many benefits to attending a trade school instead of a traditional four-year university.
Trade schools provide students with the training they need to enter their specific field, where they can hopefully find long-term success. Most vocational schools offer a more comprehensive education focused on professional preparation, rather than focusing on a particular profession. A report from the Center for Education and Workforce at Georgetown University examines the labor market value of associate degrees from community colleges and certification programs from trade schools and technical schools. Trade-school graduates typically graduate with relatively little or no student debt and tend to earn higher salaries later on. Certain trade school programs require students to provide their own tools in preparation for their classes. At the end of the day, the goal of a trade school program is to provide people with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to confidently enter the workforce, which isn't always the case with four-year programs.
If cost is a factor that deters you from choosing college as a means of education, trade school may be the right fit for you. The Oxford Dictionary defines a “trade” as a qualified job that requires special training, and that's precisely what you'll get when you choose an education at a trade school. In some cases, trade schools offer evening classes so that students can work full or part time during the day.