Are you thinking about a career in the Trades? You’ve always like to work with your hands, after all, and a four-year degree program sounds long and unnecessary to you. Trade School, on the other hand, can teach you and send you off into the working world sooner. It offers a great opportunity to learn a specialized skill that can be used across a variety of industries. It’s knowledge that will always come in handy and will always be needed. What else didn’t you know about Trade School?

Here are the top 3 things you probably didn’t realize:

1. In Trade School, You’re Taught by Industry Professionals

When you walk into a trade school classroom, you are in qualified hands. You’ll usually be taught by a group of instructors who are also industry professionals with years of experience. This is important for three reasons:

• You Get Up-to-Date Training: You’ll learn how to do things the right way, using the most current methods and technologies.
• You Learn from their Wisdom: Instead of just learning from a textbook, you have the advantage of someone else’s experiences. They can share stories from the field that can help you know what to do when you encounter issues on the job. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructors questions and to get their advice.
• They Have Industry Connections: Your instructors worked in the industry, so chances are that they have a lot of connections in the field. Build a positive relationship with your teachers so they may be able to tell you about job opportunities or introduce you to people who will.

2. From Trade School, You'll Have a Faster Route to the Workforce

Unlike a traditional college degree, which can take four or more years to complete, a training program in the trades can take as little as one year to complete. Less time in school means a faster route to the workplace. Those friends of yours who opt for the four-year path will still be in school as you’re ready to embark on your new career.

An added benefit to trade school is that most trades programs offer several sessions throughout the year and admit students on a rolling basis. This means that you won’t have to wait for the typical spring and fall admission cycles—you can start your training whenever you’re ready.

3. Trade Schools Offers Career Services

A trade school may not operate like a traditional college or university, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t offer some of the benefits of one. Many trade schools, including Porter and Chester Institute, offer both student services and career services to help you succeed in the classroom and beyond. Our student services staff include Career Program Specialists who can help you determine which trade program would be the best fit for you and Educational Funding Specialists who can walk you through the financial aid options that might be available for you.

Once you near the end of your program, our Career Services Advisors can help you prepare for the job hunt. They can give you tips on how to write a resume and cover letter, and they can conduct mock interviews with you. The best part is, even if you need help after graduation, our career services advisors will still be available to help you.

Now that you know the trade secrets of trade school, are you ready to enroll? At Porter and Chester Institute, we offer career training in the Electrical, Electronics, HVACR, and Plumbing fields. Fill out the form to learn more.