As you anticipate the end of your years in high school, it is time to look into the future and figure out whether you will go to a trade school or to college. You need to establish what your goal is in order to make the right decision. Colleges usually offer programs that run for between 2 and 4 years. Their main focus is on critical thinking and not on teaching a vocation or trade. They will be teaching you how to solve problems, analyze and carry out research. This education is not geared towards a specific labor market. There are several differences between traditional colleges and vocational schools as follows:
- Duration – Trade school programs tend to run for shorter periods of time. Usually, they last between a few months and 2 years. Should you choose to go to a traditional college, you can expect to be in school for between 2 and 4 years depending on the degree you will be pursuing.
- Curriculum – Trade schools tend to teach you particular skills that you will be required to use in a particular vocation. This means that they will impart trade specific knowledge to you. With a traditional college, the education is quite broad. Usually, it is theoretical information with little or no hands on experience.
- Cost – Vocational schools tend to be less expensive than traditional college. Whereas a traditional college can charge about $20,154 every year, a vocational school only costs on average $8,116.
- Earnings – Those who hold a Bachelor’s degree tend to earn slightly higher than those who hold a vocation certificate or diploma initially. However, with time and experience the playing field levels out.
- Job opportunities – Those who have gone to vocational schools have excellent job prospects when it comes to entry level positions. Someone with a Bachelors degree will likely have access to the higher level positions. With time though, promotions in one’s area of trade can also lead to supervisory and management positions.
As you continue thinking through your choices, there are several questions that you should definitely ask yourself. It is important to ensure that you are doing what is best for you at all times. If you are good with your hands and have a passion for that particular area, you should consider following your passion. To pick between traditional colleges and trade schools, answer these questions honestly:
- Is there a specific profession you are interested in?
- If so, have you found out what qualifications are needed to go into that profession? Is a vocation degree okay or do you need a four year degree?
- Are you looking for hands on training for a specific career or for a broader education that is keen on academic research and critical thinking?
- Are you able to persevere and do you have the drive to finish a four year degree? If not, would it be easier to take a shorter program?
- Do you have the finances needed to cover your education should you choose to go to a traditional college? Is financial aid available to you?
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