College isn’t the right path for everyone, despite what you were told in high school. A college degree program is long and can be quite costly. This is why trade schools are becoming increasingly popular.
Throughout the country, vocational schools experienced a 4.9% increase in enrollment across various programs from 2020 to 2023. By offering faster and more affordable programs and the chance to jump right into a lucrative job, these schools are quickly becoming the first choice for many high school graduates.
But what is trade school exactly, and how do you know whether it’s the right path for you? Here’s what you need to know about your trade school options.
What Is a Trade School & Is It Right for You?
A trade school, also called a vocational school, offers hands-on training for success in a particular field. These institutions emphasize teaching practical skills and job-specific knowledge, making the process faster and much more affordable.
Consider your unique circumstances and assess your goals. For example, are you looking to enter the workforce as quickly as possible and start earning quickly? If so, then a trade school may be the solution. If you prefer hands-on learning and have a clear career goal, this path is ideal for you.
Exploring Your Options in Vocational Education
There are a variety of trade school options to consider and you can find most types of trade schools in nearly every large metropolitan area. You can choose from mechanical trades like an electrician or a plumber, which you can pursue at schools like Triton College and Ivy Tech Community College. Construction is another option; some examples of trade schools in this field are St. Joe Valley Building Trades in South Bend and the United Brotherhood of CarpentersTraining Center.
You can find legal trade schools as well, such as Generations College in Chicago, and schools that focus on the culinary arts, like Washburne Culinary & Hospitality Institute. There are even healthcare trade schools like Ross Medical Education Center.
For those who are interested in cosmetology, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture can offer the comprehensive training you’re searching for. Whether you’d prefer to focus on nail technology, esthetics, or barber school, Tricoci provides hands-on training you need from experienced professionals.
Types of Programs and Courses Offered
So what is trade school like in terms of course content? Different trade schools will offer a variety of programs and courses.
A mechanical trade school can provide programs focused on automobile technology, welding, HVAC repair, electrical, and even pipefitting. Other types of vocational schools, such as those for healthcare positions, have programs that include dental assisting and pharmacy technology.
Tricoci University of Beauty Culture offers various trade school courses, with specific options varying by program. If you’re interested in cosmetology, for example, you’ll have classes on hair design, nails, color processing, and skin care. With esthetics courses, you can learn advanced skin care techniques, brow lamination, waxing, and more.
Those interested in a career in nails can enroll in our nail technology courses including manicures, pedicures, sculpting procedures, wraps, light-cured gels, massage of hands/feet, as well as business courses. Our barber program will teach you professional hair cutting, facial hair grooming, skin care, style trends, and business management.
Benefits of Choosing a Trade School Path
When you choose a trade school like Tricoci University of Beauty Culture, you’re starting on a dynamic and efficient pathway to a successful career. And, you’re skipping the higher costs and longer timeframe of a traditional college degree. Tricoci University specializes in vocational training for highly sought-after fields such as cosmetology, esthetics, barbering, nail technology, and even eyelash technology.
This focused approach offers you hands-on, practical skills that directly apply to your chosen profession. This means that once your complete your state’s licensing process, you can jump right into the workforce after completing our program (without the mountain of student debt that often comes with a regular 4-year degree).
Beyond the immediate economic advantages of rapid employment and financial stability, vocational training in the beauty industry offers significant social benefits. TUBC graduates enjoy a high degree of career flexibility, with opportunities to work in diverse settings, become entrepreneurs by opening their own businesses, or even pursue roles as educators or influencers.
The beauty industry fosters creativity and personal expression, allowing professionals to build strong, lasting relationships with clients by helping them look and feel their best, boosting confidence and contributing positively to their well-being. This blend of practical skills, entrepreneurial potential, and personal fulfillment makes trade schools the perfect choice for many people just like you!
FAQs about Trade School Options
What Exactly Is a Trade School, and How Does It Differ From Traditional Colleges?
A trade school is an institution that offers job-specific training and hands-on experience. The programs are typically much shorter and more affordable than those you get at traditional colleges.
What Kind of Trade School Options Are There?
There are trade schools that offer programs in mechanical, construction, legal, cosmetology, culinary arts, IT, and many more fields.
Are There Different Types of Trade Schools?
Yes, there are many different types of trade schools, each specializing in various industries. These can range from highly specialized programs like cosmetology or culinary arts to broader fields such as automotive technology, healthcare, information technology, and construction trades like plumbing and electrical work.
How Can Tricoci University Help?
If you don’t think the traditional college route is right for you and you’re interested in the beauty industry, Tricoci University of Beauty Culture has the top-notch programs you need to reach your goals and embark on a successful career. Ready to take the first step? Contact our admissions team to learn more or to schedule a tour of a campus near you today.