Soon after receiving your diploma at high school graduation, you'll likely start thinking about which direction to take your future. With many post-secondary education options available, including trade or technical schools and 4-year colleges, it's important to educate yourself on each one.

Before deciding on the path you want to take, ask yourself the following questions as a way to help narrow down your options and find the one that makes the most sense to you.

How long do I want to go to school for?

In an accelerated program format at trade and technical schools, students learn the skills they need to get into the workforce quickly. For example, you could enroll in a program and begin applying for jobs after graduation all within a short, 12 month period.

What types of classes am I interested in?

In some cases, traditional college students spend up to two years of general study before beginning to learn about their primary career interest. From day one, most trade and technical school students take classes that directly prepare them with the knowledge and skills needed to be successful at their future jobs.

How do I like to learn?

There are many different ways that students like to learn. A trade or technical school education combines traditional in-class learning with hands-on training in industry-modeled labs. Classes at universities might be taught in lecture halls with limited hands-on opportunities.

After answering the questions above, check out these facts and figures about colleges and career schools. The studies show...

As of December 2021, 41.3% of new college graduates were underemployed¹

About 75% of trade school graduates enter careers related to their field of study²

Traditional college costs about three times more than a trade school education³

Earning a bachelor's degree from a 4-year institution can take 5 or 6 years⁴

Trade programs are often completed within 6-24 months⁵

There is no better time than the present to put the value of technical or trades schools on the map as a viable path to career success. Completing an education in skilled trades, healthcare, or information technology can prove for many to be a successful return on your time and money! Schedule your Porter and Chester Institute campus tour to learn more about our programs and to see our industry-modeled labs!
 

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1. https://www.degreechoices.com/blog/trade-school-statistics/
2. https://skillpointe.com/news-and-advice/6-reasons-consider-trade-school-...
3. https://www.degreechoices.com/blog/trade-school-statistics/
4. https://www.coursera.org/articles/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-bachelo...
5. https://toptrade.school/how-long-does-trade-school-take/