If you’re about to graduate from high school or looking for a new career, you should be exploring all of your options. While a four-year degree from a traditional college or university may be the right choice for some people, it’s not the only path to a great career and professional future.
hvAs our name implies, we focus on careers at All-State Career. We create change in Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia communities by helping students acquire the trade skills and knowledge that are highly valued in today’s marketplace. Trade schools offer some solid advantages over a four-year degree program, but prospective students often have some misconceptions. Let’s dispel a few common myths.
Trade School is for People Who Didn’t Get into College
MYTH! Actually, trade school is for people who know what they want to do and would prefer to start their career as soon as possible instead of spending four years in a traditional college or university. In fact, many career education programs can be completed in a year or two. Students learn important skills that prepare them to enter highly competitive and critical fields. Trade school students begin learning their field of study right away… and they get to begin practicing hands-on skills early in their program.
Trade Schools Aren’t Challenging
MYTH! Trade schools prepare students to enter the workforce, which includes a combination of in-class and hands-on training. Technological advances in many essential fields mean that students in programs like Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) need computer skills so they can install, troubleshoot and repair complex systems. Plus, students have opportunities to participate in internships that provide real-life experience. Additionally, students need to develop strong interpersonal skills to they can more effectively deal with customers. Trade Schools like All-State Career help students learn to practice active listening skills so they will able to ask the customer questions and explain service options.
Trade Schools Don’t Offer Financial Aid
MYTH! School can be expensive, and traditional colleges have entire offices devoted to financial aid. So do trade schools. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. As a student, you may qualify for grants, loans, and even scholarships. And trade school is often less expensive than a traditional four-year college education.
Trade School Graduates Won’t Get Good Jobs
MYTH! As technology continues to make equipment more advanced and tools more sophisticated, the knowledge required to install, maintain, troubleshoot and repair these systems becomes more complex. As a result, the job of trade technicians has become more sophisticated and in-demand. In HVACR alone, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says job opportunities for HVACR techs are expected to be good over the next decade. In fact, in some parts of the country, HVACR technicians are hired into entry-level positions immediately upon graduating.
The bottom line is that the Skilled Trades including HVAC, welding and more, are great options for students who want to pursue a rewarding career path with lots of potential for growth. And All-State Career can help you get started. Click here for more information or call us today at (855) 834-4580 and speak to one of our career counselors.