As the 2022-2023 school year winds down into its last few months, many high school students are faced with an inevitable reality: the future. Whether it be moving away from home, serving a mission, finding new jobs, or deciding if/when/where you would like to further your education, this means making big decisions! With so many choices, these decisions can be tough and bring much stress. However, when choosing an option that you will progress in and enjoy — there is no wrong choice.
Out of all of the options available to you, one that is growing increasingly popular is trade school! However, even when it offers a wide variety of programs taught by skilled instructors, this kind of education is oftentimes looked down upon. Why? To answer this question I investigated both the positive and the negative sides of attending a trade school.
Negatives of Attending Trade School
According to veryinformed.com, there are 11 reasons why attending a trade school puts you at a disadvantage. Some of these reasons are included below.
- Only job-specific training is offered: While a four-year university will provide you with a “well-rounded” education, trade schools offer only training that allows you to excel in a specific type of job. This limits opportunities for growth and forces students to make sure that this job is something they can commit to long-term. It is said that “they produce graduates who lack versatility when they enter the workforce.”
- Trade schools come with many expenses: While they are often viewed as the cheaper option when it comes to postsecondary education, trade schools actually come with many expenses that are comparable to that of a four-year university.
- Career growth opportunities are limited: Those who complete trade school programs are most often hired into entry-level positions. Because of this, they are unable to advance significantly because of limited training and experience. “Particularly where management positions are concerned, those jobs are more likely to be offered to candidates who have a bachelor’s or graduate degree.”
- Students are met with stiff job competition: Trade schools offer training in popular programs such as plumbing, electricity, medical technology, dental hygiene, welding, construction, and HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). Because of this, many graduates will end up competing against their peers for these jobs. “Particularly in crowded fields, this can lead to over-saturation of certain local job markets.”
Some of Its Positives
If you’re not familiar with trade schools, or already agree with the statements listed above, look into these advantages of attending a trade school, provided by provided by cvtc.com.
- You’ll focus solely on your career: While this was argued above, cvtc.com actually sees this as a benefit. They explain that students “who attend four-year schools are required to complete their general education in subjects like math, English, physical education, and history. Trade colleges do not require students to take these subjects before moving into classes that focus on what they’ll actually do in their chosen line of work.” Because they run their programs year-round, students don’t have to wait until a new academic year begins to start their desired program.
- Smaller class sizes: Because trade colleges typically have smaller class sizes, you will have a more personalized experience and a chance to get to know other students — which is useful in group projects. “It also allows for hands-on training and means that your professors will have the time to give you one-on-one attention.”
- Career guidance: “In many cases, trade school instructors have connections in the fields in which they teach, letting them guide you toward certain companies and even hiring managers.” This can be helpful as you search for jobs after graduation.
- Student adaptability: Trade colleges better adapt to students who don’t “fit” the standard profile of those admitted into universities. They generally accept students as long as they have a high school diploma or a GED. “Along with this, those who have been out of school for years may prefer to attend a trade school instead of a traditional one because class scheduling is more accommodating as many of them are parents.”
For another point of view, see also forbes.com.
As you can see, there are both advantages and disadvantages to attending a trade school. By talking with your parents, school counselor, teachers, and peers, you can decide whether this would be an option that’s suitable to you and the goals in which you hope to obtain in the future.
– by Hailee Eyre
Feature image courtesy Pavel Chernonogov.
Hailee Eyre – Panguitch
Hailee Eyre is a journalist at The Byway. She attended Southern Utah University in the fall and is pursuing a career in the medical field. Her favorite topics to write about are those that intend to inspire others, providing motivation as means to better yourself or the world around you. In her free time, Hailee loves to be outdoors, whether it be hunting, fishing, boating or hiking.
Hailee is currently serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Pennsylvania and New York Church History Sites Mission.