A trade program, also called a vocational program, uses a practical, hands-on approach to prepare students for specific trades like plumbing and automotive. These programs are usually shorter and more affordable than a degree, allowing graduates to get to work sooner. Moreover, with smaller class sizes, promising job prospects, and direct industry connections, they serve as the ideal stepping stone to further a student’s career. That said, enrolling in the right vocational school is important.
Ferris State University
Ferris State University is known for its education programs with a special focus on hands-on learning. The university has several career and technical education programs that help students find employment immediately after they earn their associate degree. These programs are offered across different colleges of the university. Some sought-after trade programs to explore include Graphic Communications offered by the College of Business, Early Childhood Education offered by the School of Education, and Automotive Service Technology and Heavy Equipment Technology offered by the College of Engineering and Technology.
Lake Area Technical Institute
The community college offers several apprenticeship programs that allow students to master trades with high job demand. The programs offer a mix of theory and on-the-job, hands-on training at participating businesses or industries. Some career-focused education programs offered by Lake Area Technical Institute include building trades technology, welding technology, and diesel technology. Each program has its own course outline and duration, and some may be eligible for financial aid and GI benefits. Students who want skilled trade certifications can look for short-term programs like tractor trailer truck driver and certified nursing assistance.
Ivy Tech Community College
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Ivy Tech Community College is among the top trade schools in the country with various apprenticeship programs. Its Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) apprenticeship program is especially sought-after, offering training in roles like carpentry, brick layering, elevator construction, and painting. Students can also take skills training classes in fields like environmental management, logistics, and manufacturing and earn an industry certification.
Central New Mexico Community College
This community college offers over 80 programs to help students earn a degree or certificate. Some of these programs are highly skill-based and designed to help one find employment quickly, such as construction management technologies, diesel equipment technology, and carpentry. Central New Mexico Community College also offers job training in public safety and community services, such as law enforcement officers and fire science.
Western Wyoming Community College
Another community college, Western Wyoming has 31 certificate courses for students interested in short-term education in specialized fields. Each certificate program helps students build occupational skills. Moreover, the credits earned during the certificate course can be applied toward an associate degree if the student chooses to further their education. The certifications span across industries like manufacturing, arts, social science, business, and technology. There are also interdisciplinary certifications, like fitness leadership, preschool development and entrepreneurship, and wilderness skills.
Center for Employment Training
The Center for Employment Training (CET) offers job training programs that last between 6 and 9 months. It follows an open-enrolment policy, meaning students need not wait for the semester or quarter to end to enroll—one can enroll anytime and start job training right away. Some trades the CET offers include cleaning service & maintenance technician, construction & building maintenance, HVAC technician, electrician, green building construction skills, and welding fabrication.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College
The trade school offers over 180 degree, diploma, and certificate programs. Its Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is commonly approved by technical colleges and takes 18 to 24 months to complete. The diploma programs take at least a year to complete. Likewise, the Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) programs last less than a year. Depending on their preferences, students can pursue either a degree, diploma, or certification in fields like automotive, business, computers, and media.
Ranken Technical College
According to the Ranken Technical College website, on average, each student has more than five job opportunities when they graduate, and most programs take two or fewer years to complete. Some program divisions students can explore include electrical, automotive, construction, manufacturing, and information technology. Ranken Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, while the business programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Furthermore, the automotive programs are certified by Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Midwest Technical Institute (MTI)
This institute has several vocational training programs of varying durations. For instance, a pipefitter program takes ten months to complete, the welding craftsmen just seven, and the HVAC/R technicians nine. It’s also good to know that Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. One of MTI’s goals is to offer its students the skills necessary to gain entry-level employment in a selected field. This is achieved through hands-on training in labs to mirror real working environments. Furthermore, MTI’s Financial Aid Team offers personalized support to students applying for federal financial aid. They also familiarize students with all the funding options, including scholarship opportunities.
Pennsylvania College of Technology
This college is a national leader in applied technology education. Some of its most popular trade programs encompass engineering and engineering-related technologies, like automated manufacturing technology and mechatronics. Students can also sign up for programs like construction trades, welding technology, business, management, marketing, and computer and information sciences. Firefighting and related protective services are also part of the available coursework.
