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This article was originally posted Feb. 16, 2016.Obtaining a university degree has long been viewed as a necessary first step to a successful career. And although four-year institutions are still the gold standard for post-secondary education, they aren’t for everyone, and they certainly aren’t the only way to gain valuable professional skills.
Trade schools can be a smart, viable alternative when choosing an educational path. Here are seven reasons you should consider a trade school over a four-year college.
1. It costs less
Way less. Considering that most trade schools offer two-year programs, you're paying for two years rather than for four. That's a no-brainer.
The costs for both private and public colleges have skyrocketed in the last ten years, and they don't seem to be coming down anytime soon — with most bachelor degrees exceeding $100k. For many, that is a lot of debt to take on early in life. By comparison, lifehacker.com reports that the average trade school degree costs $33,000. Add to that the two years worth of additional salary you gain by not being in school.
2. Classes are smaller and more focused
For the most part, the first two years at a four-year school are filled with big general education classes covering a broad range of subjects. This is great if you're looking for a more well-rounded education.
For people who know what they want and are looking to quickly become experts in a specific field, a trade school might be a better option: classes are smaller, have better student-teacher interaction, and are geared toward a specific career path. These classes are much more focused, and they can provide a deeper knowledge base in a certain area you wouldn't necessarily get with a four-year college.
3. Trade schools can offer a compelling career path
The demand for skilled workers is increasing, especially in the IT, tech, healthcare and manufacturing industries. Employers need workers with high-precision skills, and as the demand for these jobs goes up, so does compensation. Because skilled labor is concentrated in very specific areas, many employers will pay more for that expertise.
According to this article by the Huffington Post, for example, a salary survey by IndustryWeek found that manufacturing managers earned an average salary of $99,643 while the median was $86,000.
According to Prepscholar.com, potential careers with a trade school degree include:
- Electrician: View career info / Browse jobs
- Dental Hygienist: View career info / Browse jobs
- Plumber: View career info / Browse jobs
- Paralegal: View career info / Browse jobs
- Nurse: View career info / Browse jobs
- Graphic Designer: View career info / Browse jobs
- Welder: View career info / Browse jobs
- Cosmetologist: View career info / Browse jobs
- Chef: View career info / Browse jobs
- Massage Therapist: View career info / Browse jobs
- Pharmacy Technician: View career info / Browse jobs
4. Trade school graduates find competitive salaries
In the long-term, getting a bachelor’s degree or higher generally pays off (the key word being “generally”). According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, bachelor’s degree holders earn a median annual salary that’s a little over $11,000 higher than trade school grad. However, when you consider the debt that university students accumulate and the fact that a trade school graduate can enter the workforce two years earlier, it’s not a terrible trade-off.
5. Trade school jobs are harder to export
Many jobs that come from a trade school education aren't naturally susceptible to being exported due to the nature of the work. Healthcare technicians, carpenters and electricians, for example, are among the most in-demand in the United States. For most of these jobs, their physical presence is required, offering little to no risk of being moved and given to workers in another country.
6. Trade schools can provide job placement assistance
Many employers tend to prefer trade school graduates. Employers know that vocational training equips students with the skills needed to excel in a particular field, especially when they're looking to fill a position with a specific skill set.
In order to connect skilled workers with employers, many trade schools now offer job placement assistance in the specific industry they're trained in. This ensures a smooth transition for both the graduate and the employer. Résumé writing, interviewing and networking skills are also offered by many trade schools to help new graduates in their job search.
7. Trade schools offer flexible learning
Trade schools are known for their flexible learning options as they usually offer a slew of online classes and evening/night classes. And although traditional four-year schools are starting to catch on, they’re not quite at the same level of flexibility just yet. This makes learning easier for students who are already working or who have limited time in their daily schedules to attend physical classes.
The bottom line is that both 4-year colleges and trade schools work best for different reasons, and both options are great in their own way. It really depends on the individual and what path makes the most sense for them.
Whatever path you decide to take, KSL Jobs is the place to find that perfect job.