editor While society’s emphasis on college still exists, 57% of Americans say that a college education is not worth the exorbitant expenses. Meanwhile, technical and trade school enrollment has seen continuous growth since 1999. If you are considering enrolling in a vocational school program, know that this path can usually get you closer to achieving your career goals for less than a traditional 4-year degree. Vocational schools can give you career-training opportunities that allow you to be competitive in the job market and start the journey to your dream job.
Understanding the Vocational Path
First, it is important to define vocational schools as an umbrella term for trade and technical schools. Vocational school is usually a type of postsecondary education that provides students with specific and career-focused training, most often in hands-on fields. When students complete their vocational training, they typically receive a vocational degree, diploma, certificate or specialized trade certification.
The terms trade school, vocational school, and tech school have loose meanings that refer to career training institutions. Technical schools sometimes refer to institutions that award associate degrees and certifications that may be recommended to start specific technical jobs. Trade schools tend to focus on labor-focused industries, like medical assistants or electrical technicians. They aim to equip students with the base-level certifications or on-the-job service hours to begin working in their chosen fields.
You can choose from a range of vocational school programs. Just a few examples of these hands-on fields include:
- Medical Billing and Coding
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Clinical Assistant
- Business Administration
- Information Technology Support Specialist
- CDL Training
- HVAC and Basic Refrigeration
- Surgical Technology
Vocational Career-Focused Training Vs. Four-Year Degrees
Many students choose vocational schools as an alternative to four-year liberal arts colleges. While colleges may require students to take broad core curriculum classes, vocational school students start by learning applied knowledge and skills that will directly translate to their career fields. Vocational programs often take just one or two years to complete, sometimes for less cost of college. Vocational schools can teach students public speaking skills that are essential for success in the workplace. While vocational students do not typically take exploratory courses, they may graduate faster with a diploma or degree that will help them enter the job market sooner.
Choosing between vocational school or college depends on your specific situation and goals. If you are thinking about applying to a vocational school, here are five things to consider:
1. Length of Program
Career training at career-focused learning institutions is becoming increasingly attractive in today’s ambitious and fast-moving society. This has pushed people to want to graduate faster in a program that prioritizes employment preparation over a well-rounded education. If your goal is to begin work with the credentials that may be required as soon as possible, compare programs for your field to find programs that give you what you want in the shortest period.
2. Flexibility and Convenience
Many students work or help support their families while attending vocational classes. Does your program of interest require you to take classes in person, or are there other options? Does it offer night classes or weekend classes? Your career choice may also require you to gain internship or externship experience. Consider your own schedule and research the requirements of your chosen career to grasp your preference for hybrid, blended, and in-person programs.
3. Pricing
On average, traditional college may cost more than vocational schools. This means that some vocational school students can complete their programs with less debt while often having the opportunity to enter the workforce sooner. For these reasons, vocational students may find themselves in better financial positions down the road compared to four-year degree students. Be sure to thoroughly understand your potential programs’ tuition price, financial assistance, and the student debt you are willing to incur.
4. Post-Graduate Employment
If traditional college costs are overwhelming, it is even more imperative to get an education that can be quickly put to use for full-time employment. If you wish to earn certificates that can be used as proof of your skills for employment, vocational training might be for you.
When choosing between different vocational school programs, look at each school’s employment statistics or data reported by the school about its graduates. Vocational schools enhance your career by providing you with the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your chosen field. How many students successfully found employment related to their education post-graduation? Does the school help students find their positions, or does the school work with employers to more effectively help find employment for its students?
5. Your Goals and Skills
Are your skills more practical than academic? Does your chosen field require specific technical training? Do you already have a career goal in mind and want to start working as soon as possible? Assess your goals, aspirations, and skills to see if vocational school is the right path for you. Types of scholarships for vocational schools include merit-based, need-based, and identity-based awards. While vocational school is narrower in scope than a traditional four year college, many vocational students already know their career goals and do not want two years of exploratory courses.
Research your career field to see if your dream job requires a certificate, diploma, or associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Many people want to obtain a certificate quickly and start working as soon as possible, leaving the option of earning a higher-level degree for career advancement to a later date. However, others achieve at least an associate’s degree to increase their employment opportunities and career advancement. If you are unsure about your options, visit your local career center to talk with counselors who are aware of the level of education that may be required for various career fields.
Most education will cost time and money. If you plan on making that investment, choose an education program that will help you achieve your specific career goals, and not because it is the generally accepted path. Use these five considerations to guide your research on high-quality education for vocational and skills-based careers that fit your goals and unique circumstances.
