The real world is hectic, almost chaotic. Competition is fierce. When you apply for a white collar job, not only are there several others wanting that job, you are also faced with the fact that other applicants may have more qualifications and more certifications than you do.
While everyone is clamoring to find a white collar job, a lot of jobs that require skills are always available. Enterprising young adults, even those coming straight from high school and some adults who want to have continuing education and get new skills are now turning to trade schools.
What are trade schools? They are also called vocational schools, career schools, technical schools, vocational trade schools, or vocation and trade schools. These are educational institutions the function of which is to provide students with the right skills to work on a specific job. A graduate from a trade school is awarded a certification or associate degree, which is a requirement if there is a need for a state license for a particular job.
People who realize that they do not have the time to spend fours years or more in college or university to earn a degree are enrolling in trade schools, as they can get a combination of instruction and hands-on training that is job-specific. Some trade courses can last for two years for vocational training, while some skill courses may be completed from a few weeks to six months and up to one year.
Trade schools are very well informed on where the demands are and what skills are needed for each job, and the programs are focused on giving such required training. Most of these trade schools also have partnerships with institutions that can provide job-specific hands-on training so the graduates are not raw when they seek employment. Programs offered range from business courses, building trades, computers, travel and hospitality, creative and design, electronics, legal and paralegal, healthcare, etc.
From this general list, there is a growing demand for skills in the following fields:
- Information technology
- Computer programming, web design, PC repair, support technician
- Dental hygienists
- Physical therapists
- Veterinary technicians
- Auto mechanics and welding
- Cosmetology and skin care
- Healthcare assisting
- Mixology (bartending)
- Culinary arts
- Private investigation
- HVAC
- Plumbing, carpentry and building maintenance
Trade schools may offer limited and more specialized programs.
- ITT Tech which has 100 campuses focuses more on information technology.
Ultimate Medical Academy in Florida offers healthcare programs. Some programs can be completed in as short as seven weeks. - Baltimore International College in Maryland is focused on the hospitality industry.
- Vatterott College (Broadview Heights) in Cleveland, Ohio is focused on HVAC, building maintenance, computer, electronic mechanic and electronic technology.
- Anthem Institute in Illinois offers IT training for as short as eight months.
- The Universal Technical Institute, located in 12 locations in the East and West Coasts, in Illinois, Texas and its main campus in Phoenix, Arizona only offers technician training in motorcycle and marine industries, automotive, diesel, and collision repair. Students benefit from hands-on training through their partnership with International, BMW, Volvo, Ford, Honda and Nissan.
The future is very bright for those who have decided to enroll in trade programs. The demand for their skills is on the rise. According to the US Department of Labor website, IT and other IT-related job growth and job prospects is expected to rise by up to 20 percent from 2048 to 2023. For an in-depth look, you can check the Occupational Outlook Handbook Edition at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.