Clarifying the Meaning of Trade School

Hey everyone, I am starting to explore my options for after high school and someone mentioned a 'trade school'. Can someone describe what a trade school is and how it differs from a traditional college or university? Thanks in advance!

Sure, happy to help clarify that for you!

A trade school, sometimes referred to as a vocational school or technical school, is an educational institution that focuses on teaching skills directly related to specific jobs. The major difference between a trade school and a traditional college or university lies in their educational approach and purpose.

Trade schools are designed to equip you directly with skills you need for a specific job in a shorter period of time, often within two years. The courses at trade schools are typically more hands-on and focus on practical training. Trades can cover a variety of fields such as culinary arts, hospitality, healthcare occupations, automotive repair, cosmetology, plumbing, electrician work, and many others. Basically, you're learning a specific set of skills for a particular occupation.

On the other hand, traditional colleges or universities offer a broader, more generalized education that lasts usually four years for a bachelor's degree. Here you'll explore a variety of different subjects through general education requirements and also delve deeper into a specific field of study (your major). They tend to emphasize critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and other general skills that can be applied to various careers, providing a wider range of job opportunities after graduation.

In choosing between the two, it could depend on your career goals, learning style, and personal preferences. If you prefer a more hands-on, practical approach and want to enter the job market quickly, a trade school could be a good fit. If you want to study a wider range of subjects and have a more academic style of learning, traditional college or university might be the better option.