You might be considering alternatives to the traditional four-year college route, one of which is attending a trade school. While in high school, you can explore some of the various trades available to know if it’s right for you.
Is Trade School Better Than College?
Let’s be clear: trade school is not better or worse than college. Everyone has a unique path, and trade school is only one of many great options! For some it may be the better option with more hands-on learning, shorter classroom time, and lower overall cost to attend schooling. Others may find that it lacks flexibility to change careers later, or they may miss out on the college experience they were hoping for.
It’s up to you to weigh the benefits of attending a trade school before making a final decision.
Types of Trade Schools
There are many types of different trade schools to choose from, including some popular ones like cosmetology school, culinary school, electrician training, automotive technician training, and more. Each trade will require a different level of instruction and hours needed with hands-on learning to gain the necessary experience to begin in the field.
Learn more about finding the vocational school that will fit your needs.
Making the Decision on Which Pathway to Pursue
Deciding what to do after high school is a big decision! The good news is you can use your high school years to better decide where you see yourself in the future. If you are considering a trade, there are things you can do (besides some good old-fashioned online research) that will help you feel more confident in your decision.
- Join a Club
Does your school offer a club that is related to a trade you're considering? If not, maybe you can start one! School clubs can help introduce you to the basics of the industry and help you discover if you are truly passionate about the subject.
For example, a culinary club that gets to compete during the school year might help you decide if you like being in fast paced kitchen environment. You might also be able to hear from chefs in your local area, tour their kitchens, and get advice from them on their journey.
- Job Shadow Someone in the Industry
It never hurts to ask someone if you can job shadow, especially during your school breaks. More often than not, they are happy to let you tag along and show you what a typical day looks like for them while you ask some career-related questions. Start by asking family, friends, or mentors you may know in the industry. If they can’t, see if they can help connect you with someone else.
- Career and Technical Education (CTE) Programs Through Your High School
Many public schools offer CTE programs or courses to high school students, especially in your junior or senior year. When selecting courses, ask your school counselor to see what options are available to you. You’ll likely be required to drive to the local community college or other training center to attend these courses. Some CTE programs allow you to graduate high school with a certificate to begin working right away while others will help you prepare for the next step with hands-on training and instruction.
- Visit Trade Schools
Just like your typical campus tour, you can visit trade school campuses on official campus tours or during visiting hours depending on what the school offers. Look around the campus, ask questions, and see if you can picture yourself there. Do you like the feeling of the instruction rooms? Were the professors you met friendly and excited to help students learn? How far is the campus from home? All of these are good things to consider as you think about attending.
- Ask Trusted Individuals for Advice
You might consider asking some of your teachers, mentors, family, or friends for their thoughts. Specifically ask questions about if they think a trade school environment is right for you. Do they think you’ll enjoy or excel at hands-on learning or the rigor and dedication of one topic? They can also help you weigh some of the pros and cons based on your specific situation.
Take the time you need in high school to explore the benefits of hands-on learning through a trade school! Continue exploring the benefits and your individual needs for continued education to decide if trade school is right for you.
