Key Takeaways:
- Vocational education now prepares students for both skilled trades and traditional college, addressing modern workforce needs.
- High school vo-tech programs increasingly aim to blend practical skills with academic foundations suitable for future college endeavors.
- Post-secondary vocational programs often offer transferable credits and associate degrees, making them a cost-effective alternative to four-year colleges.
In this guide, we examine the value of trade school and the benefits of high school vocational education programs to help answer the question, “Is trade school worth it?” Vo-tech schools offer specialized vocational training that can prepare students for the workforce or provide advantages compared to a traditional college path. By exploring trade school vs. college pros and cons, you’ll better understand how the value of vo-tech schools can fit into your goals. Continue reading for resources to explore trade school opportunities in more detail.
The Changing Face of Vo-Tech
Vocational-technical education has undergone significant changes since its inception in the early 1900s. Vocational curricula were created to train students with little aptitude for higher education to perform a skilled trade. However, these trade school programs garnered a stigma over the years. The students placed into these programs were often viewed as “less than” students in traditional college-prep programs. But times are changing!
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According to The Washington Post, vocational programs are now expected to train students in a skilled trade and prepare them for traditional college more than ever before. Today’s workforce is much different from it was in the early 20th century, when vocational programs were initially conceived. Gone are the days of training students to perform a single job for one company throughout their working tenure. An individual typically works in multiple roles and may have several careers throughout their lifetime.
Trade School and Vocational High School Programs
Vocational and trade school programs at the high school level are varied. Still, most are trending toward preparing students for both their selected applied trades and for traditional college programs they may pursue in the future. The key is to gather as much information as possible about the vocational programs available in your area. Research the extent to which the local secondary vo-tech programs will prepare you to eventually pursue a four-year degree at an accredited college or university. You may need to travel outside your immediate area to find a vocational program that offers both academic and hands-on training.
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Post-Secondary Vo-Tech Programs
Vocational education at the post-secondary level enables the trade school student to earn a living wage in a relatively short period. However, the student may eventually choose to continue his education at another institution of higher learning. This is why there is inherent pressure on today’s vo-tech programs to offer transferable credits in addition to applied skills credits. Additionally, many post-secondary vocational technical programs provide an actual transferable Associate’s degree, and not just a certificate of program completion. Should the student decide to pursue a four-year degree at a later date, he would enter the four-year program as a junior.
Related: Important Considerations for Trade School Graduates
One of the most outspoken proponents of vocational training is Mike Rowe, host of the “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” and “Dirty Jobs” TV shows on CNN. Rowe is a vocal advocate for vo-tech and trade schools as he points out that a college degree does not make an employee more qualified for certain entry-level jobs, such as a medical assistant or dental hygienist, for example, particularly if the employee has no prior experience in the field. Rowe favors trade schools, apprenticeships, community college, and on-the-job training over traditional college degrees because of the technical skills they teach. He should know because he has done it all, including attaining a four-year degree from Towson University.
Related: Top 25 Trade School Careers
Generally, parents are becoming increasingly discerning about ensuring the return on investment for a bachelor’s degree will actually pay off. A traditional college path may or may not equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the workforce. And it often results in burdensome student loans. You may find that a vocational education provides you with more of the skills you need for today’s work environment than heading right to college, and at a more affordable cost.