From a young age, you’ve most likely been encouraged by your parents, family members, and friends to attend a four-year college after graduating high school. There’s this misguided thinking today that the college path is the only way you can have a rewarding, well-paying, successful career.
However, that’s not always the case — your path depends on your life goals, skill set, and finances, just to name a few considerations. Choosing to attend a trade school over college is a valid option to consider, especially over the next few years and because no society can function without skilled trade workers.
The current job market is thriving with many great jobs that don’t require a degree from a university and because skilled workers to fill these jobs are in such high demand, finding employment will likely not be a problem. See the list below.
- Welders
- CNC Machining
- Technicians
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Automotive repairers
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Radiology technicians
- Cosmetologists
- Chefs
- Sound engineers
- Computer programmers
- Builders
- General contractors
There are countless sustainable jobs you can obtain skills for through a trade school certificate and it’s important that prospective high school graduates and other interested job seekers are aware of the opportunities and benefits that come with choosing a trade school over college.
Benefits of Attending Trade School
1. Time
It takes two years or less to complete a trade school program versus a four-year college degree. For many, this is a very attractive benefit because you will be able to get your foot in the door with a great organization faster and build up experience, leading to career advancement.
2. High Demand
The growing worker shortage is creating an increasing number of well-paying job opportunities with upward mobility across many industries for skilled workers. Now is a great time to invest in trade school if college isn’t the route you want to take. By the time you finish your program, there will be plenty of jobs to apply for, all thanks to the baby boomers who are set to retire in the coming years.
3. Costs
Investing in trade school can save you time and money, something all high school grads are looking for. Because trade school typically only takes two years and you have to take fewer classes it can save a surplus of money. The average American has $127,000 in student loan debt, but those who opt for trade school average around $33,000 to earn a degree and end up saving $94,000. This sounds like a no-brainer!
4. Direct Experience
Something most colleges don’t have is a hands-on experience. For students who attend college, they oftentimes have to search and apply for internships to gain work-related experience to help them land a job after graduation. When you attend a trade school, you get relevant hands-on experience in class, giving you the confidence and knowledge you need to jump straight into the workforce.
5. Career Guidance
When you attend a trade school there is also career guidance. With the demand for skilled workers, it can feel overwhelming to find the right job opportunity that matches your skillset. many trade schools connect their students with staffing firms as a career resource. Having an expert staffing firm that specializes in manufacturing and logistics can help you find a job that suits your goals right away.
Is Trade School Right for You?
Before you feel pressure to follow the status quo and go to college, ask yourself a few questions to figure out if trade school is right for you. Answering these questions will lead you in the right direction and help you form a strong case for your decision between a trade school or four-year college degree.
- How important is the cost when it comes to making education decisions?
- Do you know what career you want to pursue and does it involve a skilled trade?
- When do you want to join the workforce?
- Do you like to learn with hands-on experience?
- How long do you want to be a student?
Trade school is a great option and if you’re graduating high school this year and you’re a hands-on learner who is ready to jump into the workforce. You should also seriously consider trade school if you’re already in the workforce and looking to make a career switch into the skilled trades.
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