Trade School vs. College: Your Guide to Vocational Education
As we discussed in a previous post, college is not the only path to success. More families and students are exploring vocational schools as an option. So, what are trade or vocational schools anyway?
Vocational schools, also known as trade schools or career colleges, give you the exact skills and know-how you need for a specific job, helping you get career-ready faster than the 4-year college route.
What sets them apart is that they offer:
- Hands-On Learning: Practical application through workshops, labs, or realistic simulations, focusing on learning by doing over lecture-style teaching.
- Focused Curriculum: Designed to provide skills directly applicable to your student’s chosen career, focusing on practical application versus theoretical knowledge.
- Expedited Job Entry: Vocational programs usually have a shorter duration, ranging from several months to two years, which allows graduates to jump into the workforce and start making money sooner than those on a path towards a four-year degree.
- Industry-Relevant Skills: These programs are developed in collaboration with industry professionals to make sure that the skills they are learning are current and in demand by employers, maintaining their value and relevance.
- Strong Employment Prospects: Vocational and Trade School grads often find great employment opportunities, with many institutions also offering job placement assistance.
Here are some examples of what your student can study at a trade school. We’ll be highlighting various career options in detail in future posts, so stay tuned!
🛠️Skilled Trades: Electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, automotive technician.
⚕️Healthcare: Licensed practical nurse (LPN), medical assistant, dental hygienist, phlebotomist, surgical technologist.
👩🏻💻Technology: IT support specialist, web developer, cybersecurity analyst, graphic designer.
👩🏽🍳Culinary Arts: Chef, baker, pastry chef.
💄Beauty & Wellness: Cosmetologist, esthetician, massage therapist.
🗂️Business & Office: Administrative assistant, paralegal, bookkeeper.