Do Trade Schools Really Help You Land a Job?

I'm seriously considering enrolling in a trade school, but I’m worried about job prospects afterward. Does attending a trade school actually increase your chances of getting hired? Any personal experiences or stats would be super helpful!

Trade schools can indeed help you land a job upon completion of your program. This is largely because vocational and trade schools focus on imparting practical skills that are directly applicable in the job market.

There are two key advantages that might lead to increased job prospects. Firstly, the hands-on educational approach fosters a comprehensive understanding of a specific trade. This practical training can make you highly skilled and specialized in a particular field, which can be attractive to employers.

Secondly, many trade schools have connections with local industries and employers, which often results in strong job placement programs. Some even guarantee internships or apprenticeships during your education, which not only provide real-world experience but could lead to job offers post-graduation.

According to data from the National Center for Education Statistics, about 86% of students who completed occupational programs at a 2-year institution in 2016 were employed within six months of completion.

Additionally, jobs in many fields that require trade or vocational credentials are projected to grow. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that jobs for electricians, a field often taught at trade schools, are expected to grow 11% between 2023 and 2033, which is much faster than average for all occupations.

Remember that job prospects can vary depending on your field of study, the demand for workers in your chosen trade, and your geographical location. It's important to research jobs in your specific field of interest to better assess potential job prospects.