There are so many trade school programs in the world today that it can be tough to figure out which one is best for you. While you can choose a traditional brick-and-mortar school, the growth of online education also you can attend a school halfway across the country without even leaving your house.
Trades schools are among the best investments you can make in your life. Aside from learning a new skill, trades are also among the most employable fields. Whether you’re a trained, HVAC technician, plumber, electrician, or technician, there will always be demand for your line of work somewhere. In fact, HVAC technicians make better money than school teachers, right out of trade school with less training.
The best way to get into the trades is to attend one of the best trade schools. There, you can learn all the information and skills you need to perform your job to the best of your abilities.
What are trade schools?
A trade school, or vocational school, is a specialized educational institution that focuses on a single skill-based vocation. It is any post-secondary educational institution that offers training for a specific job. Students attend a trade school program to learn the skills needed for their chosen career path, such as welding, business administration, or computer repair.
Trade schools are focused on quickly preparing students to enter the workforce in a skilled trade.
Trade school programs typically last between two and four years. Their curriculum is primarily focused on a technical job and the skill set it requires. A wide variety of options exist for those interested in attending a trade school. For example, some trade schools cater to personal service and entertainment careers, such as those in culinary arts, filmmaking, music production, and radio and television broadcasting. Others have programs in business administration or paralegal studies. Schools for the commercial arts, including graphic or Web design, are also common.
In the area of healthcare, there are trade schools for nursing, radiology technology, and other healthcare technology careers. Some schools concentrate on technology like computer technology or mechanical engineering. Students might also attend a trade school to start careers in welding, electrical work, carpentry, and furniture upholstery.
Best trade schools in the US
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Locations: Clarkston, GA; Covington, GA; Decatur, GA
Georgia Piedmont Technical College has three separate campuses and is the “oldest and most respected of Georgia’s 22 technical colleges” according to their vision statement. It was specifically listed as having the number one HVACR program by collegechoice.net. They also offer other top-notch field service training programs under their Industrial Technologies area of study.
It offers training in automotive technology, building automation systems, commercial refrigeration, air conditioning technology, and welding & joining technology.
North Central Kansas Technical College
Location: Beloit and Hays, KS
North Central Kansas Technical College (NCK Tech) offers its students a healthy mix of programs. Whether you’re looking to get into the classic trades fields, like plumbing or carpentry, or you’re interested in the medical field, NCK Tech has all the courses you need to graduate with employable skills.
NCK Tech is among the best-regarded trade schools in the central region of the country. From in-demand trades, like elevator or equipment repairs, to niche fields, like agricultural equipment technician, NCK Tech offers their students the ability to get certified with a respected institution.
East Valley Institute of Technology
Locations: Mesa, AZ; Fountain Hills, AZ; Apache Junction, AZ
East Valley Institute of Technology has a mission statement based on training a qualified workforce to meet the market-driven needs of business and industry. Right now, that market demands more skilled workers in fields like HVAC, electrical work, and plumbing. They have three different locations in Arizona and a focus on trade specializations.
Lancaster County Career And Technology Center
Location: Lancaster County, PA
The Lancaster County Career and Technology Center (LCCTC) is a trade school and technical college. They focus on giving their students the best opportunity to find work in their chosen field. LCCTC has many programs for trades students, including HVAC technician certification.
LCCTC offers a wide selection of programs, from heavy equipment operating licenses to welding and manufacturing certifications. Although these are not the most popular trade programs, they are among the most in-demand in the job market.
Lakeshore Technical College
Location: Cleveland, WI
Lakeshore Technical College (LTC) is a leader in the new trades fields, such as robotics technicians and wind energy technicians. These programs have identifiable job prospects when completed, such as wind turbine repair operators.
LTC not only offers trade programs but also offers apprenticeships, which can be an excellent way to improve the skills learned at a post-secondary institution. With a worthwhile apprenticeship, you’ll be out on a job site with all the needed skills in no time.
Western Wyoming Community College
Location: Rock Springs, WY
Western Wyoming Community College prides itself on being a constantly evolving institution, responding to student feedback and market needs. They are a member of the Academic Quality Improvement Program and provide many different pathways for finding your perfect career.
It offers training in:
- Automotive Technology
- Diesel Technology
- Electrical Technology
- Industrial Maintenance Technology
- Mining Maintenance Technology
- Natural Gas Compression Technology
- Oil & Gas Technology, and
- Welding
Ivy Tech Community College
Locations: Indiana (40 locations)
Ivy Tech Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association. With over 40 locations around Indiana, they are very committed to enriching Indiana’s technical field. They do a great job of hosting comprehensive programs for Building Construction Management, Building Construction Technology, Diesel Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and HVAC.
Their electrical work program is rated number one in its field by collegechoice.net.
Lake Area Technical Institute
Location: Watertown, SD
Lake Area Technical Institute was awarded the 2017 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and has a huge variety of trade specializations, all in a two-year timeline. They boast a high success rate with 98.56% of graduates employed or going on to continue their education after graduating from Lake Area Technical Institute.
It offers training in
- Automotive Technology
- Aviation Maintenance Technology
- Building Trades Technology
- Custom Paint & Fabrication
- Diesel Technology
- Electronic Systems Technology
- Energy Technology
- Environmental Technology
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- High-Performance Engine Machining
- Precision Machining
- Robotics, and
- Welding Technology
Bates Technical College
Location: Tacoma, WA
Although they may not have the greatest graduation rate, Bates Technical College (BTC) makes up for that with its affordable prices. With an average yearly tuition of less than $5,000, BTC is among the most affordable trade schools you could attend in the entire country.
Aside from getting an inexpensive education, BTC offers top-of-the-line programs like heavy equipment technology, HVAC and refrigeration technician, and electrical construction. Not only are these enjoyable fields, but they’re also highly sought after in the working world.
Center for Employment Training
Locations: California, Virginia, Texas
CET is all about improving your existing skills and knowledge to give you a noticeable difference in pay and opportunity. Every program they offer lists the average pay of the people who completed the course and exactly what students stand to get from it. Their most popular field of study is Construction & Building Maintenance, with a specific program for Green Building Construction Skills that deals with more modern building technologies.
It offers training in:
- Construction & Building Maintenance
- Cleaning Service & Maintenance Technician
- Green Building Construction Skills
- Electrician
- HVAC Technician
- HVAC Green Technology
- Machinist Technology, and
- Welding Fabrication
What to expect when starting trade school
Here’s what you can look forward to as a trade school student.
Hands-on learning
The skilled trades require extensive hands-on training. You might learn some history and theory related to your field of interest, but for the most part, your instructors will put you to work.
Expect to participate in hands-on learning and labs during your trade school program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, learn the ins and outs of vehicle brake systems by using real equipment they’d find in an auto garage. Cosmetology students learn to cut and style hair, use modern nail technologies and apply facials—all with in-person training. Instructors, who have typically worked in their trades for years, demonstrate the various techniques and skills graduates will need on the job.
Most colleges or universities don’t employ this learn-by-doing method to the same extent. While some college programs involve labs, these typically occur only two or three times a week.
Small class sizes
Colleges and universities—and especially large public schools—can see roughly 1,000 students in a lecture hall at a time. These huge class sizes make it nearly impossible to form a rapport with your professor or ask questions during class.
You don’t need to worry about running into this issue at trade school. Many trade school classes contain no more than 10 to 25 students. Ultimately, small classes contribute to higher student performance. That’s because students can form relationships with their professors and receive timely, personalized feedback.
Smaller class sizes also lend to individualized learning experiences. Instructors have more bandwidth to give each student dedicated support both in and outside of the classroom—so get ready to get to know your professors and ask them questions.
Structured class days
In a four-year college, students generally follow a relatively inconsistent schedule. They might attend club meetings, take study breaks or head to the dorms to nap between classes. What’s more, college students typically don’t follow the same routine every day.
In a trade school, however, you can expect to follow a more rigid schedule. You might be in school every day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. without much additional time for other activities. That’s because trade programs aim to maximize students’ time in school. In most cases, students can complete their trade program in two years, versus the college student’s typical four. In some cases, trade schools offer night classes so students can work full or part-time during the day.
The benefit of this structured schedule is that students receive intensive training for continuous periods. Following a routine schedule can make it easier to form learning habits that enhance information retention.
List of required materials
Certain trade school programs require students to provide their own tools in preparation for their classes. Required materials vary by program. Learners studying to become mechanics, for example, might be asked to provide their own power tools to repair vehicles.
The cost of required materials may vary as well. Plumbing students can expect to spend around $2,000 on books and materials, which may include rulers, protractors, wrenches and pipe glue. Cosmetology students might spend up to $3,000 on supplies such as mannequins, hair styling products and nail kits. Dental hygienists in training might be asked to bring their own uniforms.
Though the initial costs are high, the investment is worthwhile. Learners should get consistent value from their tools throughout your program and use them almost every day in classes. Most students use the same tools once they begin their careers as well.
Prepare for licensure
Before applying to a trade school program, check your prospective school’s accreditation status. Accredited degrees are more likely to meet professional licensure and certification requirements.
The goal of most vocational programs is licensure. Students work to become accredited or licensed in their respective fields of study. Many trade schools are designed to prepare students to pass professional licensing exams. Electricians, contractors and cosmetologists, among other trade professions, must earn licenses before they can begin their careers.
Some vocational programs prepare students for apprenticeships. For many careers, once a program and an apprenticeship are complete, you’re qualified to begin an entry-level position in your field. Professions like carpentry, sheet metal working and ironworking require students to complete apprenticeships before starting their careers.
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