When most people think of career preparation, they think of attending a college or university. For many, however, trade school might be a much better option. Between direct attention from teachers, better job security, and a lower cost, trade school has a lot of advantages that traditional higher education options lack.
Prism Career Institute offers some insights into these trade school benefits and why it might be a better option for you.
Direct Attention from Teachers
One significant advantage of trade school is class size. The average class size at a community college is between 25 and 35 students. At a university, classes can be even larger. Many university classes sit over 50 students, while certain introductory courses might teach up to 300 students at once. In contrast, many trade schools have class sizes of 10-25 students only.
Because trade schools have much smaller class sizes, the participants are guaranteed far more one-on-one time with their instructor. Nobody can hide in the back or be left to their own devices as they might in a college or university setting. Instead, the instructors can focus much more energy on each of their students, personally guiding and supporting their learning to ensure the highest level of success.
Enhanced Job Security
Second, trade schools often assist your job placement in a way colleges and universities cannot. A trade school is focused on preparing its students for a specific role and industry, equipping them with skills that may directly translate into the job students are working toward. Students don’t need to worry about whether their education will meet the needs of their future employer. They know they have exactly the skills they’ll need to find gainful employment after graduation.
Not only does this method allow most students to find a job quickly, but it also leads to better job security in the long term. Studies have shown that skilled occupations tend to be more stable than others, as these professions aren’t as drastically affected by economic slumps. In some cases, trade school graduates even have a higher income than college or university grads. Someone with healthcare training, for instance, may earn more than someone with a bachelor’s degree in arts, psychology, or education.
Shorter, More Affordable Programs
Perhaps the biggest advantages are the length and price of trade programs. For instance, a bachelor’s degree takes four full years to complete. A public college for in-state residents is often the most affordable option, costing about $10,000 per year, while the average private college tuition is almost $37,000 per year. Multiplied by the four years of the program, it adds up to graduating with a lot of student loans to pay back.
In contrast, a trade school program usually takes about one to two years to complete depending on the trade. That’s less than half the time a student would spend at traditional colleges or universities. Many of the programs also come at a price comparable to that of a public college, and with only one to two years to commit to school, that’s tremendous savings. Plus, students graduate and can enter a career sooner.
Ask About Trade School at Prism Career Institute
If trade school is starting to sound appealing to you, then it’s time to find out more. Prism Career Institute offers career-focused programs at campuses in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as well as in Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, New Jersey. Visit our campuses to see what we have to offer or contact us today to learn more about trade school benefits.