What Is Trade School (and Is It Right for Me)?

Trade schools, or vocational schools, provide hands-on training to prepare students for work in a certain field. Rather than offering general education courses like a college curriculum, trade school classes focus only on the skills and knowledge needed for a specific trade. 

People who attend trade school typically include:

• High school graduates

• Students who want to transfer from college to trade school

• People looking for a career change

• People who have been out of the workforce and want to return

• Veterans

To find out if trade school makes a good choice for you, explore different types of programs and learn about the duration and cost of trade school and the advantages of attending. Also, explore seven examples of jobs for trade school graduates. 

Types of trade school programs

Trade schools offer many different types of programs, such as technical, vocational, and career programs, depending on the field you choose to study. While some trade schools have programs spread across one campus, others have more than one campus to serve a variety of programs. 

Various examples of trade school programs you can choose from include:

• Cosmetology: Learn how to apply makeup, perform manicures and pedicures, and cut and style hair. This program also prepares you for beautician or cosmetology state licensing exams. 

• Carpentry: Learn various construction skills, including wall, flooring, and roofing systems. You'll also get experience with hand and power tools, learn to read blueprints and other construction drawings, and discover the latest safety principles and procedures in carpentry. 

• Culinary arts: Discover how to work in professional kitchens by participating in classes, cooking labs, and on-the-job training. In addition to learning cooking methods, you'll study restaurant accounting, food purchasing, safety, and sanitation. 

• Health care: Learn the skills and knowledge necessary for a particular health care job. Specific health care programs at trade schools include exercise science, massage therapy, medical coding, dental assistance, nursing assistance, and medical assistance. 

• Mechanical: Learn the skills and knowledge necessary to work in a particular mechanical trade. Various mechanical programs you can find at trade school include auto technician, blacksmith, electrician, pipefitter, and HVAC technician. 

Trade school vs. community college: What’s the difference?

Trade schools and community colleges have three key differences: approach to learning, duration, and cost. While community colleges rely mostly on classroom instruction (discussion and lecture), trade schools prepare students through hands-on activity (learning by doing). Community colleges offer associate degrees that typically take two years to complete, and many trade school programs last for one year or less. Due to the shorter duration and the absence of electives in trade school, you can expect to pay less for tuition and supplies than you would if enrolled in community college.

Advantages of attending trade school

Attending trade school offers various key benefits. Explore these advantages in more detail below.

• Simple admissions policy: While colleges and universities usually have fairly strict admission requirements, trade schools often have a more relaxed process. You won't have to complete a standardized test to get into trade school, like the ACT or SAT, but you'll likely have to get a GED if you don't have a high school diploma. Many trade schools also allow open enrollment, which means you can apply for admittance anytime and start classes as soon as a new program begins. 

• Small class size: Because trade schools often have smaller classes than colleges and universities, you'll benefit from more individualized instruction. Smaller class size also provides opportunities for building connections and friendships with instructors and peers. 

• Short duration: If you don't have much time to commit to school, you can gain skills and knowledge quickly in trade school. Depending on your chosen program, you can usually finish your training within one to two years. 

• Career preparation: At trade school, you'll learn by doing the type of work you hope to do in the real world. When you finish your trade school program, you'll likely be ready to enter the workforce immediately. 

• Career assistance: In addition to high-quality training, many trade schools also offer career assistance for soon-to-be graduates. This takes many forms, from help with resumes and interview prep to employer networks and onsite career fairs. 

Potential drawbacks of trade school 

If you're considering attending trade school, it's important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Consider these features to determine if it's the right fit for you.

• Fewer program options: Because many trade schools specialize in certain types of trades, you may have fewer options than you would if choosing a college or university.

• Narrow focus: Trade school focuses on preparing you to enter the workforce in a specific profession. Therefore, you won't be exposed to classes outside your field.

• Intensive class schedule: Trade school programs have an intensive class schedule so they can be completed in a shorter time frame. Although this means you'll enter the workforce sooner, the hours spent in the classroom and skills training may mean less time for outside activities or a part-time job.

How long does it take to complete trade school?

The length of the trade school program depends on your particular program. While some trade school programs take as little as eight weeks to complete, others can take up to two years.

How much does trade school cost?

Trade school tuition is significantly less than college tuition. According to a report from the College Board, the tuition for a two-year or less public institution averages $3,990 per year [1]. In comparison, the average tuition for four-year public (in-state) institutions is $11,260 per year [1]. Trade schools typically beat both of those degree types, with total average costs ranging from $5,100 to $22,300, according to Zippia [2]. 

Please remember that these numbers for trade school and college reflect only tuition fees, not additional costs like books, supplies, or room and board.

7 jobs for trade school graduates

Trade school offers various programs for people with varying interests and abilities. Explore seven different jobs for trade school graduates and their annual mean wages, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [3].

1. Automotive technician

An automotive technician inspects and repairs vehicles. On average, an automotive technician earns $51,940 in annual wages.

2. Chef

A chef oversees food preparation, kitchen management, and staff in restaurants and other places that prepare and serve food. On average, a chef earns $62,640 in annual wages.

3. Dental assistant

A dental assistant helps prepare a patient for dental treatment and assists the dentist during treatment. On average, a dental assistant earns $47,350 in annual wages. 

4. Electrician

An electrician inspects, installs, and repairs electrical equipment. On average, an electrician earns $67,810 in annual wages. 

5. Plumber

A plumber inspects, installs, and repairs pipes and other plumbing systems. On average, a plumber earns $67,840 in annual wages. 

6. Respiratory therapist

A respiratory therapist provides assessment and treatment for patients with breathing problems or disorders. On average, a respiratory therapist earns $80,340 in annual wages. 

7. Welder

A welder fuses metal objects together and repairs cracks or holes in metal objects. On average, a welder earns $47,120 in annual wages. 

How to get started in trade school

When you've made the decision to go to trade school, having a strategy can help you get started. Consider following these steps:

• Earn a high school diploma or get your GED.

• Research trade schools to find ones that offer your preferred program.

• Narrow your research to a few schools and complete the application process.

• Get more information about the school in your admissions interview.

• Secure your spot at your first-choice trade school by taking the required admissions test.

• Commit to your trade school program and work hard.

Getting started on Coursera

Knowing more about trade school and the different professions available to graduates can help you decide if this educational choice makes sense.

When entering the workforce or trade school, you can help ensure career success by taking the Career Success Specialization offered by the University of California Irvine on Coursera. Working at your own pace, you can pick up handy skills to enhance your trade school expertise, like communication, decision-making, problem-solving, project management, and more.