What does a vocational school job entail?

I'm thinking about going to a vocational school after high school and I'm curious about the job opportunities I'll have. Can someone explain what types of jobs I might find with vocational school training? Are these jobs in demand?

A vocational school, also known as a trade or technical school, provides focused instruction in a specific set of skills related to a certain vocation. After completing such programs, students often enter into careers directly related to the skills they've cultivated in their training.

An example of a vocational school job could be becoming an HVAC technician. Yes! There is a lot of demand for these types of skills. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows faster-than-average job growth for this field. HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, and vocational programs equip students with the necessary skills to follow this path.

Another example is a dental hygienist, which usually requires an associate's degree from a vocational school. This type of job is also quite in demand, with a growing need for dental services.

Another area where vocational school graduates find work is in culinary arts. Chefs, line cooks, and pastry artists often get their start with training from a vocational school.

Computer and information technology is another sector with employment opportunities for vocational school graduates. IT technicians, web developers, and cybersecurity specialists often emerge from vocational training programs.

Finally, one major field of vocational training is healthcare. This includes roles like Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN), physical therapist assistants, and medical sonographers. Healthcare is a constantly growing field, so jobs in this sector are certainly in demand.

Remember, job demand can also be location-dependent. Some vocations are high in demand in certain regions and less so in others. Be sure to research the job outlook in your desired location before you decide on a vocational program.

Vocational school can be an excellent alternative to a traditional four-year college because it offers specialized training for stable, high-demand careers in a shorter timeframe, which results in the opportunity for students to enter the workforce sooner.