Trade School Education: Learning New Employment Skills

Posted by David R. Wetzel Jul 8, 2009

A trade school or vocational school is a school in which students are taught the skills needed to perform a particular job. Traditionally, trade schools have not existed to further education in the sense of liberal arts, rather to teach only job-specific skills.

This purely vocational focus began changing in the 1990s toward a broader preparation that develops the academic and technical skills of students, as well as specific job skills.

Nationally, trade school enrollment and share of the total education market has been growing for years. Nearly 2.25 million students attended in 2006-07, about nine percent of the total market of 25 million students, according to trade group Career College Association.

Enrollment between 2003-04 and 2006-07 increased by 12 percent in programs shorter than two years, 18 percent in two- to four-year programs and 48 percent in programs that last four years or more, the group reported.

"Our sector grew from about two percent of higher education in the mid-90s to about 10 percent even before the recession," said Harris Miller, president of the Career College Association. "Rapid growth becomes kind of hyper growth when the economy slows and when more people begin to return to school."

Trade schools now offer associate degrees, which include liberal arts education. While some schools may earn accreditation from national or specialized accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a growing number of trade colleges have the same regional accreditation as traditional post secondary institutions.

A trade school is a great way to get the job of your dreams in an affordable manner. If you do not have the money up front, do not worry, as you can apply for loans and grants just as you would for any other school you want to attend. Job placement is very high for students who attend and complete trade schools.

Resources

Education Requirements for the Skilled Trades

Career Education in Critical Technical Fields

Career Education and Vocational Education Benefits

Wind Turbine Technician Education