You’ve probably heard the term thrown around referring to any number of different types of technical institutes and colleges, but have you ever asked yourself “what is a trade school?” You may be surprised to learn that, in spite of all of the different types of schools that the name applies to, the answer is fairly simple and straightforward.
Definition of a Trade School
Trade schools, or vocational schools as they are also commonly called, offer programs that focus on providing graduates with the job-specific skills needed for their chosen career path. Rather than requiring students to study a diverse curriculum made up of different subjects (as is the case with traditional four-year universities), trade schools emphasize only those fields that are relevant to the student’s future profession.
The benefit to this approach is that vocational education students acquire marketable skills that place them at the forefront when it comes time to enter the workplace. Because trade school career programs consist of two years of individualized instruction, internships, and hands-on experience working in the field, graduates are usually viewed as being more qualified for positions in technical industries than are recent four-year college graduates.
Who Goes to Trade Schools?
In the past, a common perception was that trade schools were for young people who couldn’t get accepted into a traditional college. While this may have been true at one time, it is certainly no longer the case today.
Because of the increasing demand for specific technical skills in most industries, trade schools now attract students from every age group and academic background. From veteran workers who want to update their skill set for the 21st Century, to recently-unemployed people who want to change careers, to young people who want to start their professional careers right after high school, vocational education now holds a far broader appeal than at any other time in our history.
What are the Admissions Requirements for Trade Schools?
There is no universal answer to this question, because every trade school has its own admission requirements. It is safe to say, however, that the majority of vocational programs require applicants to hold either a high school diploma or GED. There are some exceptions to this, as certain career programs have no education requirement for new students but, in either case, most technical schools are more than willing to work with applicants to help them meet their admission standards.
How Expensive are Trade Schools?
The truth of the matter is, two years tuition at a prestigious trade school can be more expensive than a four-year education at many traditional colleges. However, when you consider the type of individualized (often one-on-one) training offered by vocational programs, the opportunity to intern or otherwise work in your field of study during school, and the fact that you are directly assisted with job placement (for example, most trade schools in California advertise a better than 70% success rate in placing graduates in a job within six months), the difference in price starts to look like a bargain.
It is also important to keep in mind that many vocational education programs are heavily subsidized by the state and federal government and, as such, offer tremendous financial aid packages to help prospective students pay their way through school. If you would like to attend a trade school but are concerned about the price tag, visit www.FAFSA.gov and fill out a financial aid application to see if you qualify.
Recommended Trade Schools in California!
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You can prepare for a new career with help from Charter College. Our accelerated Bachelors Degree, Associates Degree, and Certificate programs are designed to help you complete your education as quickly as possible. We offer year-round classes and flexible scheduling - study anytime from anywhere. We provide students not only with the technical skills necessary for success, but also job search and placement assistance so you can find new opportunities after graduation.
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You can get started on a new career with Institute of Technology. We offer diploma and associate degree programs for careers in the culinary, technical, medical, business, and legal fields.
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who completed the program, and other important information, please visit our website at www.iot.edu/disclosure.
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