Trade School After Highschool Essay Example

Do you know what two of the most popular education options are for after highschool? The answer is college and trade school. Trade school, sometimes referred to as vocational school or training, is a fantastic option to further education after graduating. It offers many opportunities to those looking for  hands-on learning and work experience. Additionally, since earning a certificate at a trade school often takes less time than a traditional four year degree, many people work in these fields as a source of steady income while continuing their studies in less financially stable categories. This not only allows for peace of mind, knowing you have job security while continuing studies for passions, but also usually well surpases base pay even as a starting point. Highschool graduates or anyone interested in a career change should consider attending a vocational school.

One thing that attracts many people to this type of schooling is the abundant options of career fields they offer training in. Some of the most common are electrical engineering, plumbing, and auto mechanics. Electrical engineers often earn well above minimum wage, typically averaging out anywhere from 60 to 120 thousand dollars a year. Their jobs mainly consist of rewiring equipment, inspecting electrical components, and installing wiring and lighting systems. Plumbers generally earn around 40 to 65 thousand a year. Their main jobs are working on water, gas , or other piping systems.  Auto mechanics also make anything from around 40 to 65 thousand a year and their typical day consists of inspecting and repairing vehicles, machinery, and light trucks. 

Furthermore, attending a vocational school is generally cost effective. Most trade schools only require a highschool diploma, GED, or equivalent to apply. Some schools even offer scholarships or financial aid programs similar to that of a typical university. If money is still an issue, trade schools also work with Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and other government funded programs. These programs provide need-based grants to help low income students with their education costs. Many trade schools charge lower tuition rates than four-year colleges and the ability to earn a certificate in 1-2 years also allows students to enter the workforce in less time. Paying lower tuition rates for less time overall makes trade school an exceptionally affordable alternative to traditional universities. 

In addition to that, after completing  vocational training, there are numerous ways to utilize and apply that knowledge to your career. Since most trades are essential for modern day society to function smoothly, there is always a plethora of local businesses operating for these purposes. This makes the traditional route of applying to a local shop in your field rather easy. While this is possible without prior training, having a certification makes applicants look much more promising and more likely to be chosen considering no training would be required for them. However, some people go the route of creating an independent business. Owning a business enables entrepreneurs to enjoy the freedom of controlling their day to day work schedule and hours. The general public will also often hire an independent contractor with a certificate in the chosen field over someone with no qualifications or verifiable experience.

Having seen the benefits of  vocational training, it is evident that trade school is a good option to further personal education after highschool. It teaches useful life skills that can be used for various purposes. Professions such as electrical engineering, plumbing, and auto mechanics are a necessity in today's society.This ensures that work in these fields will almost always be available. The ability to complete the certification in a minimal amount of time also offers extra opportunities such as pursuing other hobbies or passions that might otherwise affect your financial stability negatively. In conclusion, in a society that sees almost 4 million newly minted college alumnus every year , with 69% of those graduating with student debt,  it is easy to understand why more and more people are deciding  to forgo university and skip directly to learning a trade that offers financial stability, reasonable work hours , and opportunities to pursue lifelong goals and personal growth.