A vocational school, also known as a trade school, is a post-secondary educational institution offering hands-on training to prepare students for actual work in a specific field. Trade schools in Texas (and nation-wide) offer a streamlined approach to education, focusing on developing a particular knowledge base and skillset. They allow you to skip general education classes and take classes specific to the skills you’re looking to gain.
Trade schools offer certificates and degrees in fields like medical and health sciences, information technology, automotive engineering, and cosmetology. Trade school certificates and degrees can lead to well-paying jobs like mechanic, pharmacy technician, electrician, welder, cosmetologist, and computer technician.
The Benefits of Trade School in Texas vs. a Four-Year Degree
When discussing trade schools, first we must recognize the benefits of a four-year degree. For some, attending for a four-year college seems like an automatic choice after graduating from high school. The most apparent reason is the higher income. According to a MarketWatch survey, the average bachelor’s degree graduate with little experience earns $46,900 annually, when compared to the $37,100 annual starting salary of an associate’s degree or trade school graduate, which is a 26 percent difference. Additionally, there are some career paths for which a four-year degree, or beyond, is a requirement.
On the other hand, the benefits of going to a trade school are immense. Trade school is a great way to launch your career and perhaps pursue a bachelor’s degree in the future, hopefully employer-paid. Here are some benefits of attending a trade school in Texas, or anywhere.
Shorter Programs
It takes two years or less to complete most trade school programs, significantly less time compared to the four years you have to spend earning a four-year degree. Less time in school means you may enter the job market sooner, getting more hands-on job experience, and progress in your career.
Real World, Skill-Based Learning
Another benefit of a trade school is the hands-on, skill-based preparation you’ll receive. A trade school’s education curriculum emphasizes practical training and knowledge for a career rather than the general and theoretical education of a four-year degree. At trade schools, the goal is to prepare you with industry-specific training to succeed both in the classroom and on the job.
Cheaper than a Four-Year Degree
The average tuition cost in trade schools is significantly lower than what students pay for a bachelor’s degree. Going to a trade school in Texas also means you’ll graduate two years earlier than a bachelor’s graduate, so you won’t have to pay for those additional years of college and take out fewer student loans. You can also work part-time remotely to help pay for school, further bringing your costs down.
Career Services and a Focus on Helping Graduates Find a Job and Connecting with Employers
Trade schools pride themselves on their ability to place their students in jobs right out of school. They have counselors whose only job is to find and connect their students with employers after they earn their degree or certificate.
Well-Paying Careers
There are many lucrative careers you can begin with a trade school degree. For example, the median pay for Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks in Texas in 2019 was $40,630.
Trade School in Texas
At Southern Careers Institute, we offer various trade courses that can help you break into a rewarding career. Our admissions staff will guide you on the program matching your unique personality and career goals.
If you’re looking for a trade school in Texas, Southern Careers Institute may be the right fit for you. You can enroll in an online program or take classes at any of our conveniently located campuses in Austin, Corpus Christi, San Antonio (North Campus), Brownsville, Pharr, San Antonio (South Campus), Waco, and Harlingen. You can also enroll in hybrid classes that blend online learning and in-person physical learning. Learn more about the benefits of trade school programs at SCI Texas.
This article was published on: 01/6/21 12:01 PM
* 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.
