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What to Expect From a Trade or Vocational School
Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, offer an affordable and faster alternative to traditional college or university programs. While they may not provide the same opportunities as a bachelor’s degree, they deliver career-focused training, allowing you to quickly enter the workforce in your chosen field.
The average cost of a bachelor’s degree is between $28,000 and $58,000 per year, depending on whether you attend an in-state or private institution. On the other hand, vocational schools or certificate programs offer training for anywhere between $4,000 and $30,000 all together. However, if you're willing to attend a local community college, you might earn a bachelor’s degree for as low as $40,000 over four years, still offering savings compared to traditional options.
So, for high school graduates, choosing an online trade school over a college program means you could graduate with as much as 70% less debt over your head than four-year college degree programs. Learning a skilled job is an excellent choice for those who seek a good paying, rewarding career that has been growing in demand in recent years.
Why Attend a Vocational Trade School?
It doesn’t take much to be successful as a skilled worker. Once you know what you want to be, you find the right vocational school and, after completing the required courses, you'll be ready to start work as a trade worker. The main component is being willing to stay in the same field throughout your career. Many trade workers make a decent income. Most trade workers work a regular nine to five job, Monday through Friday, with weekends off and some are able to set their own hours, such as some carpenters. Truck drivers pick up a load, then travel to their destination and drop it off, so their schedules tend to stretch over days, with longer breaks. Some vocational schools even offer students access to financial aid.
Typical Requirements
One of the good things about vocational schools is that you don’t have to go through all the hassle of the application process that most colleges require from high school graduates, nor are you always required to take the SAT, ACT, etc. Though colleges that include vocational training or vocational education programs do require that you have acceptable standardized test scores.
The only requirements that vocational schools usually have are that you must be at least 16-17 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, and perhaps pass a school entrance test.
Certifications
Vocational schools are an excellent choice for those seeking specialized job training and certifications that lead to fast-track careers. Unlike traditional college degrees, certifications from vocational schools focus directly on skills needed for specific industries, making them a valuable alternative for those who want to quickly enter the workforce. These certifications provide students with hands-on experience in areas such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and business, ensuring that they are job-ready upon completion.
Earning a certification through a vocational school often takes less time than obtaining a degree, typically ranging from a few months to two years, and can significantly enhance job prospects. Employers value vocational certifications because they demonstrate proficiency in the particular skill set required for a specific role, often increasing your chances of landing a job over candidates without formal training. Additionally, certifications can be more affordable than traditional degrees, making them a cost-effective option for many individuals.
Furthermore, certifications from accredited vocational programs are often recognized and respected by industry professionals, providing a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you're interested in becoming a medical assistant, HVAC technician, or web developer, vocational schools offer certification programs that prepare you for immediate employment and long-term career success.
Exam and Experience
All professionals must know their craft. Therefore, each will have specific standardized tests that they must pass at the end of their vocational program to graduate and receive certification or licensing. In addition to the completion exams, there are state or provincial licensing requirements and academic standards to meet for most occupations, which you will have to pass to become state licensed.
The main focus of a technical school is to prepare students for the tests and state exams required to become licensed in their field. For some professions, you can’t just learn certain things on paper, therefore, students must commit to hands-on vocational programs that will help prepare them for their future career goals.
Important Questions to Ask (FAQ)
How long does it take to graduate?
One good thing about vocational schools is that they support their students and want them to graduate on time so they can move on to a profitable career. The higher the graduation rate, the better a job the school is doing in making this a reality. Although they don’t have as many fraternities or parties to keep the students entertained, most trade schools build a strong reputation and maintain enrollment levels by offering valuable student experience.
The length of time it takes to graduate from a trade school varies depending on the program, but most programs can be completed in one to two years. Certificate programs typically take around 6 months to a year, while diploma programs and associate degrees may take 1 to 2 years. Programs that offer more specialized training, such as in healthcare or certain technical fields, may take longer. Trade schools generally offer flexible schedules, allowing students to choose between full-time or part-time study, which can also influence the duration of the program.
What kind of accreditation does the program have?
The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) retains a database of approved vocational programs. Vocational schools may provide training courses that are within their scope of accreditation. State Licensure and accrediting agencies are there to ensure students get a quality education by setting standards that the school has to meet in order to gain their approval. However, schools are accredited by different associations and some are more reputable than others. Therefore, your school's accreditor can affect your education, career, and your salary as, the better the accreditor, the more money you will be offered when looking for a position.
To find out if a schools accrediting agency is nationally recognized, check to see if they are included in the List of Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies offered by the US Department of Education.
Professional Related Organizations
BPA
Business Professionals of America
This is a historic student organization that contributes to the preparation of a world-class workforce through the advancement of academic and technological skills, citizenship, and leadership for students at both Secondary and Post-Secondary level. Business Professionals of America members compete in demonstrations of their business technology skills, develop their professional and leadership skills, network with one another, and get involved in the betterment of their community through good works projects.
DECA
The Distributive Education Clubs of America
The Distributive Education Clubs of America is a national association of marketing education students, provides teachers and members with educational and leadership development activities to merge with the education classroom instructional program.
ER
Educators Rising
Educators Rising is a national career and technical student organization dedicated to cultivating highly skilled educators by guiding young people on a path to becoming accomplished teachers.
FCCLA
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America
Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA), is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. FCCLA has more than 164,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life planning, goal setting, problem-solving, decision making, and interpersonal communication necessary in the home and workplace.
HOSA
Health Occupations Students of America
HOSA is a national vocational student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Occupations Education Division of the American Vocational Association. HOSA's two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and to enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. HOSA's goal is to encourage all health occupations instructors and students to join and be actively involved in the HOE-HOSA Partnership.
NFFA
National FFA
The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
NPAS
National Postsecondary Agricultural Student Organization
The PAS is an organization associated with agriculture/ agribusiness and natural resources offerings in approved postsecondary institutions offering associate degrees or vocational diplomas and/or certificates.
NYFEA
National Young Farmer Educational Association
The NYFEA is the official adult student organization for agricultural education as recognized by the United States Department of Education. With the goal of being America's association for educating agricultural leaders, the association features leadership training, agricultural career education, and community service opportunities.
SUSA
SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is a national organization serving high school students, college students, and professional members who are enrolled in technical, skilled and service occupations, including health occupations.
TSA
Technology Student Association
The TSA is the only student organization devoted exclusively to the needs of technology education students who are presently enrolled in, or have completed, technology education courses.