I’m interested in attending trade school. How do I get started?
Trade school is trending. As this Newsweek article explains, there has been a resurgence of interest in trade and vocational education in the past few years.
According to the National Student Clearinghouse, fields experiencing the most significant growth include construction trade courses, which increased enrollment by 19.3 percent; culinary programs, which jumped 12.7 percent; and mechanic and repair trade programs, which saw an increase of 11.5 percent from spring 2021 to 2022.
Indeed, learning a trade is one of the quickest ways to enter the middle class. Workers can move from jobs that pay minimum wage to pipe fitting or welding careers, with an average starting wage of $22 an hour. And trade school programs can usually be completed in less than 12 months.
If you think you might be interested in attending trade school to further your education and achieve your career goals, we have some essential tips to get you started.
What is trade school?
Trade school is any post-secondary education program focusing on job-specific training through hands-on learning and classroom instruction. It is also referred to as a vocational school. The word “vocation” means a person’s employment or main occupation.
Popular trade school programs in Ohio include nursing, information technology, automotive services, welding, and cosmetology.
There are generally two options for learning a trade. The first is schooling through a vocational or trade school program, like those offered at Great Oaks Institute of Technology or Southern State Community College in Southwest Ohio. The second is through an apprenticeship program.
An apprenticeship program is offered directly through an employer and functions like a trade school, but you work for the employer while learning your trade. The great part of an apprenticeship is that you are paid for the time you work and learn on the job. Apprenticeships are registered through the state, and you can search for them online.
How do I pick a trade to learn?
We have students who come to The Chatfield Edge and know exactly what trade they want to learn. We have others who come to us who only know they want to work with their hands and don’t want to sit at a desk, but beyond that, they aren’t sure what trade might be best for them.
Choosing a trade to learn is like choosing an academic field of study. You need to consider what type of work interests you and your strengths and weaknesses. Other considerations for choosing your future career: What is the potential salary? What is the job demand in the area where you want to live? What trade school programs are available near you?
Open-house programs and in-person visits to the vocational schools have benefited many of the students we work with. Having the opportunity to experience the job and training first-hand and talk with other students and instructors in the program helps them confirm what program of study will be best for them.
The benefits of post-secondary education, whether through trade school, a certificate program, or a traditional degree, are clear.
The U.S. Department of Education estimates that by 2027, 70 percent of jobs will require education or training beyond high school.
If you are ready to pursue an education beyond high school, like trade school, but aren’t sure where to start, The Chatfield Edge is here to help. Let us help you explore education opportunities and get started today.
