Vocational schools, trade schools, or technical schools are types of educational institutions that, depending on the country, can refer to secondary or post-secondary education designed to provide the vocational education or technical skills needed to complete the tasks of a particular and specific job. These schools focus on developing students' technical skills in specialized, mechanical and health-related trades. For example, at MTI trade schools in Illinois, welding students receive hands-on training in welding workshops that simulate real work environments. A trade school provides students with the knowledge needed to begin a career in a field that requires technical knowledge and practical experience.
Unlike a four-year academic university, trade schools don't require any classes or credits that aren't fully related to the job in question. Most trade schools offer some type of scholarship, grant, or loan opportunities to help offset the cost of training. Trade schools focus heavily on equipping students with the relevant skills they need to get the initial job they want. Some trade schools are highly specialized and offer different variations of training in a single field.
Most importantly, a trade school offers practical training to prepare students for real work in the field of their choice. If you're looking to enter the skilled trades industry, a technical school can offer the practical training you need to start a new career. Different types of trade schools and training programs will have different costs that are unique to that program, location and specialty. Therefore, it is important to research and compare different options before making a decision.
