Vocational/Trade School vs. College

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Vocational/Trade School vs. College

Whether you choose college or vocational/trade school, both are great options when it comes to furthering your education, but there are some major differences to consider when choosing which works best for you.

What is trade school?

Trade schools prepare you to enter the workforce directly after you complete or graduate from your program. You can expect to receive hard skills training for careers in healthcare, technology, manufacturing, construction, and many more. Once you complete your trade school training/program you’ll receive either a diploma or an industry-relevant certificate of completion.

Trade school may be a great option for you if…

  • You’re looking to focus your education on a single career path as opposed to focusing your education on general studies.
  • You want to focus on learning only the skills you need for your future job or career.
  • Want a more hands-on experience.
  • You’re interested in a shorter time commitment when it comes to furthering your education.
  • Check out the following resource if you’re interested in finding out more information on what careers trade school provides training for: 47 Types of Jobs You Can Pursue After Trade School | Indeed.com

What is college?

College gives you the opportunity to study a diverse array of topics and academic degrees that focus on not only hard skills but soft skills too. While you may choose to focus your efforts on one degree, college allows you to learn about many subjects along the way. Typically, students graduate after four years with majors in fields like business, psychology, communications, education, liberal arts, and more. Once you complete your program, you’ll receive an associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree.

Check out the following resource to learn the differences between hard skills and soft skills: Hard Skills vs Soft Skills: Definitions & Examples

College might be the right choice for you if…

  • You’re looking to gain more general knowledge and develop soft skills.
  • You’re interested in pursuing a career or area of study that requires a degree.
  • You’re exploring your options when it comes to furthering your education. For example, you may go to college with the intent of studying web development, but along the way you discover you don’t enjoy coding. You’ll gain skills in your program that will give you the opportunity to explore other careers or switch to other programs you may enjoy.
  • You’re considering a career that requires a masters, doctorate, or other professional degree. Obtaining your bachelor’s is the first step in the process of gaining those professional degrees. 

Image provided from https://www.zippia.com/advice/trade-school-vs-college-guide/)

Are there differences when it comes to the cost of trade school vs. college?

One of the most challenging things about furthering your education may be the cost. While there are many resources available to youth who are or who were previously in foster care, the cost of furthering your education is an important thing to consider when deciding what program works best for you.

College students accrue on average $28,950 in debt, while those who pursue a trade typically accrue under $10,000. Check out YIP’s resources on different financial aid services available to you if you’re interested in furthering your education:  https://youthinprogress.org/resources/college-continuing-education-and-scholarships/

Image provided from https://www.zippia.com/advice/trade-school-vs-college-guide/

Does pursuing college pay more than pursuing a trade?

There’s no definitive answer to whether pursuing college or a trade pays more than the other. On average, college graduates do earn more, but that isn’t to say that there aren’t careers in trade that pay more than certain college degrees. For example, the average teacher earns just $46,618. Meanwhile, the average plumber earns a more impressive $56,696 annually. It all depends on what career you decide to pursue. Additionally, it’s important to keep in mind that these numbers don’t account for student loans and/or debt.

Tips when exploring your future career path:

  • Take a career assessment: A career assessment is a test that asks you questions about your interests, likes, and dislikes to determine careers that fit your needs. Check out the following resources for the top 10 career assessments: Top 10 Career Assessments in 2022 (Expert-Approved) Find more free resources below!
  • Start to ask yourself what type of program suits you best: Are you looking for a program that’s more short-term or long-term? Are you interested in one specific area of study, or are you interested in exploring your options?
  • Research: Don’t be afraid to research your options. If you’re feeling unsure of what path is right for you, start asking those around you how they decided what choice was best for them. Do you know anyone who works in the career you’re interested in? Did they have to pursue a four-year degree or gain a certificate?
  • Ask yourself what kind of things you need out of a job or potential career: What type of schedule do you need? Do you want a certain salary? Do you need something that’s more hands-on?

No matter what you choose, there are many resources available to you when it comes to furthering your education. Be sure to check out the resources we have here on YIP, and good luck pursuing your educational journey!

Resources:

Check out the following resources for more information on how to distinguish what educational path is right for you:

Factors to consider when choosing Trade School: 6 Factors to Consider When Choosing Trade Schools - InterCoast Colleges

Factors to consider when choosing a College Top 10 Factors for Choosing a College

Free career assessments:

About the Author:
Katarina, or Kat or Rin for short works in healthcare and advocacy. As a former youth with lived experience, one of her biggest goals is to uplift youth voices within the child welfare system and influence policy to reflect better outcomes for youth in care. Her passions surround everything related to the art of storytelling. She loves acting, singing, writing, and reading in her spare time. She sings, plays the guitar, and plays the piano by ear.