Trade Schools—What Are They?

Hi fellas, I've heard some peeps talk about 'trade schools' a lot recently. But I'm kind of unsure as to what they exactly are. Are they like colleges but for specialized trades or careers? Can anyone fill me in?

Hello! Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, are institutions that provide focused, career-based training programs. Unlike traditional four-year colleges or universities, trade schools focus solely on equipping students with the skills necessary for a specific job or career path.

One useful way to think about trade school is like college, but instead of taking a variety of classes to get a broad-based education, you're mostly studying one trade and really honing in on the practical skills needed to succeed in that profession. Common fields covered in trade or vocational schools include nursing, culinary arts, electronics, automotive repair, cosmetology, and computer technology, among others.

Each program typically takes two years or less to complete, which makes them a quicker route to employment than universities. They are a great path for students who have strong interests in a specific field and want a direct route into a career, without the more 'academic' route traditionally followed at university level.

However, while trade school graduates often have an easier time finding entry-level jobs in their field, they may miss opportunities for advancement that a bachelor's degree can provide. It's a matter of choosing the best option for your professional and personal goals. It's good to carefully research and consider which course of study would fit your needs and ambitions best before making a decision.