I've been thinking about skipping college and heading into a trade. What's the best way to learn a trade without a college degree? Should I go for an apprenticeship, or are there other pathways to follow?
There are indeed a few pathways to consider if you're leaning towards learning a trade out of high school:
1. Apprenticeships: These provide hands-on experience by allowing you to learn while working. You become an employee of a company or an individual master craftsperson and typically earn a paycheck while you learn the trade. The ApprenticeshipUSA program can connect you with national apprenticeship opportunities.
2. Technical and Vocational Schools: These are post-secondary schools that teach the skills necessary to perform a certain job. Typically, such programs carry a duration of 2 years or less and provide you with a certificate upon completion. They are more structured and offer a curriculum that combines both classroom instruction and hands-on training.
3. Trade Unions: Joining a trade union can open doors for training opportunities through union-sponsored apprenticeship programs. These programs usually run for a few years and provide both class education and on-the-job training.
4. Online Learning: Websites like Coursera or Udemy offer vocational courses that can get you started in certain trades. However, keep in mind that true proficiency in trades often comes from hands-on experience, so this might be a starting point that leads to other training opportunities.
Each route has its own advantages so what's best for you could depend on your specific situation and trade of interest. Be sure to research the norms within your desired trade as well, as expectations can vary greatly from one industry to another.
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