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Unlike four-year colleges or even a two-year community college program, a trade school education can take as few as six months. Depending on the trade you choose and certification you pursue, the length of time may vary from 6 to 24 months. For example, a medical assistant program may take nine months to complete, while a culinary program might take a year. The difference between that four-year degree program and a trade school, though, isn’t just the length of time it takes to finish. A degree program requires lots of courses that have little to do with your future career, but trade school courses are all about what will help you be successful in your chosen trade.

Understanding Trade Schools

A trade school, also known as a vocational school or a technical school, provides hands-on, skills-based training for specific jobs. The goal is to quickly prepare you for a new career, so you get out into the workforce and start earning a living. The curriculum is comprehensive, but concise, covering what you most need to know to understand the job you will soon hold. There are no general education or elective courses.

Trade schools can prepare you for multiple careers. Whether you want to follow a path to a career in welding, HVAC, machining, or healthcare support, there’s a vocational program that can help you get there. Interested in vehicles? A trade school can prepare you for jobs in automotive technology, collision repair and refinishing, and transport refrigeration. Or are you an aspiring chef? Culinary programs often fall under the trade school umbrella, as do cosmetology programs. And if you are more tech savvy, a technical school can help prepare you for an IT career.

Benefits of Trade School

There are several benefits to attending a trade school, including a faster timeline to graduation and entry to the workforce. Do these other benefits interest you?

• Focused education specializing on what you need to perform your job
• Hands-on training and experience using industry standard tools and equipment
• Small class sizes and individualized attention
• Opportunity for industry certifications and licenses
• Entryway into in-demand skilled trades
• Networking opportunities with instructors and fellow students
• Soft skills training such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem solving

Trade School Program Length Examples

Trade school program lengths can vary depending on the skills you need to acquire, the regulations of the industry, and the laws in your state. Some programs accept previous credits, certifications, and prior work experience which might accelerate your completion. Whether you attend full or part-time, days or evenings can also affect how long it takes you to complete your program. And many programs have required internships which adds to the length of the program. Here are some examples of fields you can study and approximately how long it takes to complete the training program:

• Nail Technology - 5 months
• Automotive Technology - 14 months
• Aesthetics - 8 months
• Medical Assisting - 9 months
• Dental Assisting - 10 months
• Computer Systems Support - 10 months
• Machining and Manufacturing - 10 months
• HVAC - 12 months
• Welding and Metal Fabrication - 10 months
• Electrical and Electronics - 12 months
• Cosmetology - 11 months
• Culinary Arts - 12 months
• Practical Nursing - 12 months
• Automotive Collision Repair - 13 months
• Diesel and Truck Service - 14 months

Trade School Application Process

The trade school application process is less cumbersome than the college admission process, but there are some basic requirements that you need to meet to be accepted. You need to be at least 18 years of age and have earned a high school diploma or a GED. Some vocational schools may ask for your GPA and/or letters of recommendation. You also need to fill out an application and pay a nonrefundable fee. Make sure to fill out your application completely and accurately. If you have work experience related to your chosen training program, military experience, or an industry certification, highlight them. Include letters of recommendation from teachers or former supervisors.

Note that you don’t need to know which program you want to enter when you apply to a trade school. If you are unsure about the career path you want to take, an enrollment advisor can collaborate with you to identify a good fit once you are admitted to the school.

Is Trade School Right for You?

If you’re anxious to start working in a skills-based career, trade school may be the right fit for you. Training at a vocational school can provide you with practical skills that can be applied across industries. It can get you to work faster and has less barriers to entry than a four-year college.

To find the right school consider your innate abilities and interests then look at programs offered at area vocation schools. Is there anything that seems a good fit? Look at the school’s graduation rates and find out where their graduates work. This will help you see how well students are trained for their new careers.

A good vocational school will also offer career services to help you prepare for the job search. They can provide services such as resume and cover letter workshops, mock interviews, and resources to aid you in the job search. The goal is to set you up for success in your chosen industry.

If you’re ready to explore what trade school has to offer, contact Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ´óÈ« Tech today. We offer a variety of training programs in the skilled trades, automotive, health sciences, culinary, cosmetology, and information technology industries. Our comprehensive curriculum is taught by instructors with industry experience. Many programs are also offered in blended learning formats for flexibility and convenience. Fill out the form to learn more.