If you’ve ever considered pursuing a trade as a career, you may have also considered receiving a trade school education. A trade school education or formal training is often a necessary part of a career in a trade, no matter what type of trade it may be. But is a trade school education worth it? The answer to that question depends greatly on the career path you’d like to pursue, the field you’d like to enter, and what kind of future you envision for yourself. If you want a career in a specific trade, the simple answer is likely, yes.
Are Trade Jobs Worth It?
So is trade school education worth it? If you’re interested in a career path that includes long term job security and solid pay, a trade job may be a good fit for you. Trade jobs involve investing your time into learning the trade itself. They also involve investing money in the right trade school or training program. But if you can find a career you truly have a passion for and has stable pay with potential for growth, the effort and investment will be more than worth it.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has compiled data on salaries for various types of jobs. Some examples of some trade jobs and their accompanying average annual salaries are below:
- Electricians ($56,180)
- Elevator installers/repairers ($84,990)
- Ironworkers ($53,650)
- Construction/building inspectors ($60,710)
Your salary as a trade worker will depend greatly on where you’re located and the trade you enter.
Advantages to Trade Schools
One of the benefits of entering a trade is that they’re made up of jobs that generally won’t be replaced by automation any time soon. The decision to embark on a trade job is a secure one. Once you’ve identified a trade you’d like to practice, your next step should be to identify a training program. Here are the advantages of attending a trade or vocational school.
There are trade schools with programs in a variety of career fields. Whether you want to enter manufacturing, health care, cybersecurity, or home improvement, there are plenty of career choices available to anyone looking to take up a trade. It all depends on your own specific interests and skill set.
Additionally, many trade schools can offer expedited programs that can give you the skills and information you need to perform in the role in a short period of time. Some trade schools offer you the opportunity to start a career in as little as seven months.
Finally, a trade school education allows you to hyper-focus on your chosen career path in a way that four-year colleges may not. With a trade school education, you’re committed to learning about your craft without taking unrelated classes.
Financial Aid For Trade School Education
As mentioned above, pursuing a trade school education represents an investment of time and money. It also represents an investment in yourself and your future. There are also measures you can take to offset the price of education, making it an even more cost-effective decision.
The federal government offers guidance on the different types of financial aid prospective students can pursue. There are a number of potential options for you depending on the trade school you enter, including aid from the following:
- Federal government
- State and/or local governments
- The school you plan to attend
Of course, knowing how to save and budget will help you manage your funds you can put toward a trade school education. But understanding financial aid is the first step in your training process, as it can help offset the cost associated with your trade school education.
Trade School Education Requirements
The trade school education requirements you face will obviously depend on the specific trade you pursue as well as the school you attend. However, most vocational training programs require a high school diploma. They may also ask you to participate in job training in order for you to learn the skill associated with the job itself. Most trade schools do not require a four or two-year college degree. They may require you to undertake some sort of apprenticeship before or during your time at school.
That doesn’t make learning a trade any less challenging. But what it does mean is that obtaining a trade school education doesn’t have the same barriers that traditional postsecondary education may have. Starting the path to a trade school education begins with finding the right trade school and exploring what prerequisites may exist for that particular industry.
So why are trade schools better than other alternatives? Technical schools typically have the instructors and curriculum customized specifically for completing the task itself. They can also help understand how to get started in the industry you’re entering. Trade schools provide attendees with technical skills they can parlay into careers.
How To Apply For Trade School
When figuring out how to apply for a trade school, first you must conduct research to find out your available options. Perform a trade program and school search to see what trade schools are available in your area with programs supporting the profession you want to enter. Then look into the trade school’s application process via their website and determine what requirements you’ll need to fulfill for entry.
While searching for the right trade school, it’s important to consider a school that A) has a wide variety of trade programs, or at the very least, a trade program in your field of interest B) is located in your area and C) provides you with flexibility by offering hybrid online classes and accommodating scheduling. That’s why you should look to Southern Careers Institute if you’re looking for a trade job. Founded in 1960, SCI offers a multitude of different programs in numerous career fields both online and on campus.
SCI can help you on your path to a rewarding professional transition. Apply for trade school with SCI. For more on how SCI can start you on your new career journey, contact us today.
Sources
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/home.htm
https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/programs/
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types
https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/
https://southerncareer.wpengine.com/financial-aid-services/kinds-of-financial-aid/
This article was published on: 06/11/20 9:00 AM
* SCI does not guarantee employment or a starting salary upon graduation, completion, or withdrawal from SCI. As an accredited post-secondary institution, SCI has various federal financial assistance programs available for students who qualify and are enrolled in SCI programs. This does not apply to seminar students.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
