Have you spent hours looking for the perfect college for you or your son or daughter to attend?
Look at official brochures and websites and you will see descriptions of beautiful campuses, accommodations including game rooms and lounges, pools available for use throughout the semester, exciting experiments possible in a hi-tech laboratory etc., etc.
Do you really want to pay for amenities that you may never use? Is the amount of choice provided overwhelming? Perhaps it would be best to scrap the idea entirely.
Yes, for a moment, put aside your thoughts of which 4-year college to attend and focus instead on the prospect of streamlining your options by considering a technical or trade school.
A trade school may provide you with the skills you need to make a living doing what you love. Trade schools have numerous benefits that differ from those associated with going to a regular 4-year university, and sometimes they lead to careers with better job security.
Have you always had an interest in gardening? You can make a living as a gardener/landscaper going to a gardening and landscaping school.
Trade schools allow you to skip the general education that 4-year universities require. Rather than take general education classes needed to accrue the required number of credits for a 4-year degree, you can dedicate more time to getting hands on experience in your chosen field.
Go to a trade school, and you will get a highly focused curriculum that allows you to develop specific knowledge and skills, from the very general and basic to highly specified and professional. Educational programs are intensive and focused, so students are guaranteed in-depth knowledge that is delivered by professionals with extensive experience in the same field. Trade school students also are encouraged to develop their problem solving skills in ways related to issues that may arise during employment.
Trade school saves time
Most trade school degrees and certificate programs can be completed in less than two years; a much shorter time than the typical four to five years spent at university.
Trade school saves money
Because going to a Trade School saves time, it also saves money. Families in the United States spend on average $32,000 dollars a year on one child’s college education. Multiply that by four and you may emerge as a graduate with years of debt on your shoulders. In contrast, the amount you pay for a trade education is significantly less, ranging from $4,000 to around $30,000 for the entire certificate or degree.
Trade school may provide a greater chance of employment
Getting a four-year college degree will not guarantee you a job upon graduation. Most employers require candidates with education and some experience and established skills that will enable them to hit the ground running within the working community. Depending upon your desired career path, a trade school degree may help you hit the ground running more effectively, more quickly and more economically than will a four-year degree.
Yes, it is true: If you attend a trade school, you will miss out on the “college experience.” But, trade school will provide you with a very intense and focused education in a positive learning environment and can considerably increase your chances of getting a good job upon graduation, all while potentially saving you up to 50% of the money you would have spent on a traditional college education.
“Make today’s efforts pay off tomorrow. That’s what my two-year degree from Porter and Chester did for me. It opened the door to an awesome career and a great future.”
Tony G. (quoted above) got a trade school degree from the Porter and Chester Institute. He didn’t have much, but that didn’t stop him from doing what he wanted to do – and he thanks his trade school education for much of his success. Trade schools provide a complete and well-rounded education for much less money than and time than what is required to complete a four-year college degree.
Is a trade school right for you? That depends upon your career goals. So, be smart. Do your homework when researching college options. You just might find that a trade school is the best choice for you. The choice is yours, make it smart.
About the Author
Ray Holder is a career coach. After completing his education from Porter and Chester Institute and working for 15 years in other fields, he now helps people from high school age to those in their thirties and beyond make sound career decisions.
