I'm considering going to trade school after high school, and I'd like to know what kinds of jobs I can train for. Are there specific programs for different trades, and how long do they typically take to complete?
There are plenty of job opportunities that you can train for at a trade school. Here are a few examples:
1. Electrician: Most electrician training programs take about 4 years to complete and combine classroom work with extensive on-the-job training, often as a paid apprentice.
2. Plumber: Similar to electrician training, plumbing programs usually involve both classroom and hands-on work. They can take between 2-5 years, depending on the complexity of the work you're learning and your state's licensing requirements.
3. HVAC technician: Training programs for heating, ventilation, and air conditioner repair and installation specialists can take between 6 months to 2 years.
4. Automotive technician: Auto tech programs can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete, and cover a wide range of topics from inspection and maintenance to advanced electronic systems diagnostics.
5. Welder: Welding programs are typically about 7 months to 2 years long and can provide you with the skills and certifications necessary to work in various industries like construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
6. Dental hygienist: These programs usually take about 2 years to complete, and teach you how to clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide other preventive dental care.
7. Paralegal: Paralegal programs generally take 2 years to complete and arm you with the knowledge and skills to assist attorneys in legal research, drafting documents, and organization of records.
The training for these jobs typically involves a combination of classroom learning and hands-on training, with coursework that encompasses safety practices, technical skills, and basic principles related to the trade.
Lastly, certain programs may require an apprenticeship or externship after completing the program to gain practical experience in the field before you start working independently. Do keep in mind that licensing requirements vary by state and trade, so you should look into the specific requirements for your field of interest in your location.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.