What's a Trade Job?

Many students in high school, especially seniors, are starting to think a lot about what their future will hold.

Where will I attend college? What do I want to major in? What do I want to do for a career? These are all questions that cross the minds of students at some point. However, some students decide to go to trade school, which is a less thought of option. What is a trade school you might be asking? A trade school, or technical school, is a postsecondary institution that is designed to train students for specific jobs in skilled trade careers. Oftentimes they only offer two-year programs as opposed to four years.

Before I go on, there is nothing wrong with going to a four-year institution. For me to say there's something wrong with it would be hypocritical! However, there are a lot of students who see this as their only option after they graduate high school. There are many different options after high school. I know some people who went to a four-year college, some who attended a two-year college, some who completed a two-year degree and then transferred onto a four year degree, or entered the workforce. Choosing to go to a trade school or enter the workforce is just as great! However, there are some benefits about attending a trade school.

One benefit of trade schools is that you can start whenever is right for you. That means that you don't need to wait until the spring or fall semester to apply for a degree program. You will also have smaller classes, meaning that you can get a better connection with your professors. It also means that you'll be able to develop your skills better than if you were in a larger class. Although the classes are smaller, you will have peers who have the same interests as you. Accomplishing goals, especially in college, is much easier when you have friends around to support you, especially friends with the same interests! You can form study groups, help each other with class work, celebrate each others successes, and help one another when needed.

Another benefit is that you are likely to get a job right after you graduate or very soon after. Many trade schools specialize in certain skill areas. They also oftentimes have staff who help students find employment once they earn their degree. You will also be able to find internships and industry training that's specific to your field so that you can be successful in class and with your future job. Trade schools want to provide their students with the best training possible, so they usually stay up to date with new technologies and trends in the areas they teach. This will make sure that you are the most prepared you can be for a future job!

With a trade school, you will also be getting a degree or certificate faster, meaning that you can land a job and start making money quicker. The most amount of time it takes to get a degree or certificate from a trade school is usually two years. Going to trade school is also a much cheaper option. College tuition has slowly been on the rise within the past few years. Research shows that about 42.9 million people in America currently have student loans. Of those people, the average amount of student loan debt is $30,000. Those loans often take years to pay off. Since trade schools don't require as many classes, you'll be able to save a lot of money while obtaining your degree. Once you have a job, you will still be making more than those with only a high school diploma.

No path that you take after high school is the right or wrong one. If you choose the one that works best for you, you will be successful! I'll leave you with some wise words from my high school shop teacher:

"So they leave school in two years with no debt, and typically have a great paying job already lined up.Trade school also benefits our society as a whole. Let's face it we need people who design, build, repair, and cook things (among others) and our local trade schools are preparing our students to fill those roles!"