Are there jobs that pay for trade school?

I've heard that some jobs might offer to pay for your trade school training. Does anyone know how common this is, and if so, which industries or companies provide such opportunities?

Yes, some companies and industries do offer programs that cover the cost of trade school or provide on-the-job training which equates to a trade school education. It's a win-win for both parties: the company gains a skilled worker trained to their standards, and the employee earns a degree or certification without incurring the usual educational costs.

One major sector that supports this investment is the automotive industry. Companies such as BMW, Chrysler, and GM have established apprenticeship and training programs that help workers become certified automotive service technicians.

In the field of healthcare, many hospitals and healthcare networks offer tuition assistance or reimbursement programs for employees pursuing a career as a licensed practical nurse (LPN), registered nurse (RN), or other specialized healthcare roles.

The manufacturing industry also offers opportunities. Many companies provide apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Siemens, for example, runs a robust apprenticeship program in the U.S. that trains individuals in various specialized roles within the company.

Utilities companies, such as those in electric services or telecommunications, often create partnerships with trade schools or have their own schools to train lineworkers and other technical roles.

Many companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs as part of their benefits packages, which allow employees to attend school while working part-time or maintain their full-time job while taking vocational classes in their off-hours.

However, keep in mind that these programs often come with commitments such as maintaining a certain grade point average or working for the company for a set period after graduation. Be sure to understand the specifics of any program before committing. Companies generally expect the employee to commit to the company in return for their investment.

Start by researching companies in the industries you're interested in and looking at their employment benefits. You might also want to review job listings in your desired field to see if any mention trade school sponsorships or partnerships.