Why Trade School is a Great Option
Why Trade School is a Great Option
There are many benefits to why a trade school is a great option for high school students seeking alternative higher education. While high school counselors from NSHSS attempt to educate students about their trade school options, only 16% of graduating students attend trade school instead of college.
Here are the 5 main reasons high school students should look at the top trade schools.
Alternative hands-on learning methods
Researchers have long held that students learn in different ways. About 65% of the general population are visual learners, and about 5% of the population are kinesthetic learners. Kinesthetic learners are those that learn best with hands-on learning methods. For these students, trade school offers a higher rate of completion and better employment.
In addition, there are 2.8 million students under the age of 18 with learning disabilities and in special education programs. Of these, 20% of students have dyslexia. Dyslexia makes it incredibly difficult for students to excel in college.
The lower overall cost of education
According to the Department of Education, the average tuition and fees for a private trade school are $30,580 in total, while the average 4-year private institution costs about $33,528 per year. This means a 4-year degree costs as much as $102,828 in total.
Many students mistakenly believe that scholarships and grants do not apply to trade schools. Quite the opposite, the Department of Education recognizes the gaps in skilled trades. Most federal grant and loan programs apply to accredited trade schools. The top trade schools in your area will assist you with financial aid packages in the same way as a college.
The NSHSS Community College and Trade School Scholarship is one example of a scholarship and grant program designed specifically for trade school students. There are many such programs available to help students pay for trade school.
Shorter time to completion
There are many reasons one might need to enter the skilled workforce as quickly as possible after high school. For these students, a trade school is an attractive option. Many high-paying trades require less than 2 years of instruction at a trade school to become employed full-time in that field.
Flexible schedules for full-time parents and students
Like community colleges, trade schools often offer classes on nights and weekends for those with full-time obligations. Graduating high school students needing to offer financial support to their households require this flexibility. Full-time parents are also in need of flexible schedules to avoid daycare costs.
More career opportunities
The biggest reason one should attend trade school is that graduates in the skilled trades are more likely to obtain employment in their field. According to Statista, there were 38.1% of recent college graduates underemployed or working outside their field of study as of December 2022. Skilled trade jobs are in high demand, and trade schools work closely with unions and employers in the area to help graduates get full-time jobs in high-paying careers in as little time as possible.
About NSHSS
Since 2002, NSHSS has supported young academics on their journey to college and beyond as they prepare to become the leaders of tomorrow. The mission behind NSHSS is to recognize academic excellence and honor high-achieving students, providing them with the resources and network to excel in college, career, and community. In doing so, NSHSS connects members with global events, scholarships, college fairs, internships, career and leadership programs, partner discounts, and more. Discover what makes NSHSS worth it to student members and how you can get involved.