Exploring Careers Through Trade Schools

I'm considering going to a trade school after high school. What kinds of careers do trade schools prepare you for? Are there specific industries where trade school graduates are more in demand?

Attending a trade school can prepare you for a wide variety of careers, especially in fields that require specific technical expertise. Careers you can pursue after trade school often fall into categories such as healthcare, skilled trades, technology, and culinary arts.

Healthcare careers from trade schools can include roles such as dental hygienist, occupational therapy assistant, or medical sonographer. In the skilled trades category, careers such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, or automobile mechanics are common outcomes. Technology-focused trade schools can prepare you for roles such as IT specialist, cybersecurity expert, or network administrator. In the culinary arts, you might study to become a chef, pastry artist, or restaurant manager.

In terms of demand, some of the most in-demand trade school careers are in the healthcare industry. With an aging population, roles like dental hygienists, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, and medical imaging technicians are expected to grow faster than average. Additionally, skilled trades such as HVAC technicians and electricians also face a high demand, as these are careers that can't be outsourced and require localized expertise.

In technology, the continuing evolution and increasing importance of technology in all aspects of life mean that roles in IT and cybersecurity are also high in demand. Meanwhile, the culinary arts can offer excellent opportunities depending on the market and your specialization, though it's a competitive field.

In general, predicting exact job prospects can be challenging because it depends on local job markets and broader economic trends. It can be helpful to research the specific fields you're interested in to better gauge future job prospects in your desired area.