High school graduates face a myriad of options after graduation, including college, trade school, and the workforce. While college has long been considered the traditional path to success, trade school offers a viable alternative that can lead to a fulfilling and lucrative career in the skilled trades.
The Growing Demand for Skilled Workers
The demand for skilled workers in the United States is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is expected to increase by 10% from 2019 to 2029, while employment in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations is expected to grow by 7%. This growth is driven by several factors, including:
- An aging workforce: Many skilled workers are nearing retirement age, creating a need for new workers to replace them.
- Increasing construction: The construction industry is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by factors such as population growth and the need for new infrastructure.
- Advances in technology: New technologies are creating new job opportunities in the skilled trades, such as in renewable energy and robotics.
Benefits of Trade School
Trade school offers several advantages over traditional college, including:
- Lower cost: Trade schools typically cost less than college, making them a more affordable option for many students.
- Shorter duration: Trade school programs typically take two years or less to complete, allowing students to enter the workforce sooner.
- Hands-on training: Trade schools provide students with hands-on training in their chosen trade, giving them the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
- Job placement assistance: Many trade schools offer job placement assistance to their graduates, helping them find employment in their chosen field.
Types of Trade Schools
There are a variety of trade schools available, each offering its own unique set of programs. Some of the most common types of trade schools include:
- Vocational schools: Vocational schools offer programs in a variety of trades, such as automotive repair, construction, and plumbing.
- Technical schools: Technical schools offer programs in more specialized trades, such as electronics, welding, and HVAC.
- Community colleges: Community colleges offer trade programs along with other academic programs, such as associate’s degrees and vocational certificates.
Choosing the Right Trade School
Choosing the right trade school is an important decision. Students should consider the following factors when selecting a school:
- Program offerings: The school should offer a program in the trade that the student is interested in.
- Reputation: The school should have a good reputation for providing quality education and job placement assistance.
- Location: The school should be located in a convenient location.
- Cost: The school should be affordable for the student.
Careers in the Skilled Trades
The skilled trades offer a wide range of career opportunities. Some of the most common jobs in the skilled trades include:
- Construction workers: Construction workers build and repair buildings, roads, and other structures.
- Electricians: Electricians install and repair electrical systems.
- Plumbers: Plumbers install and repair plumbing systems.
- HVAC technicians: HVAC technicians install and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
- Welders: Welders join metal parts together using heat and pressure.
Salaries in the Skilled Trades
Salaries in the skilled trades vary depending on the trade and the experience of the worker. However, skilled workers can earn a good living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for construction and extraction workers was $49,480 in May 2021. The median annual salary for installation, maintenance, and repair workers was $56,380.
Conclusion
Trade school after high school is a viable path to success in the skilled trades. With a growing demand for skilled workers, trade schools offer students the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to enter a high-paying and rewarding career.
