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Not Into Traditional College? Start Trade School After High School
Not everyone wants four years of college—and that’s okay. Explore hands-on careers you can start training for now at Universal Technical Institute (UTI).1
Why Choose Trade School After High School?
Trade school after high school means less lecture time, more hands-on training and getting on a path toward a career you enjoy.1,18 At UTI, that training comes with even more:
- Focused programs, with most lasting less than one year 7
- Hands-on labs instead of lecture halls
- Instructors with industry experience
- Job search assistance
- Relationships with employers
- Supportive and career-focused campus culture
Trade School Programs
Train to work on high-performance cars, massive turbines, factory robotics—or even aircraft.79 Whatever you're into, UTI has a program built to get you the right skills. Explore our training options and start mapping a career path after high school.
Ways to Pay for Trade School
Worried about the cost? Here’s how we can help you make it work.
Financial Aid Help
First, get help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Once you know whether you qualify for aid, you can build a plan that works for you.10
Help Me Figure Out FundingScholarships & Grants
Next, start applying for grants and scholarships you don’t have to pay back. See eligibility requirements at the link below.
Check EligibilityEarly Employment
Need more help? Participating employers may offer select students 20-30 hours of paid work experience while they train and consideration for full-time employment after graduation!36
Learn More About ProgramsCampuses
Take a look at where you can train. Select a campus to see what it has to offer.
Graduate Testimonials
These grads attended trade school right out of high school and were able to start careers doing what they love sooner than if they had gone the traditional route.
What To Expect From Training
Train with purpose. Graduate with direction.
Training at UTI is different than the typical 4-year college. You won’t be bound to boring lectures. Instead, you’ll spend your time in shop-like labs using real tools on real systems.18 You’ll learn from instructors who’ve been in the field and want to see you succeed.
Find your people. Build your future.1
You aren't just another student here. You’ll train with classmates who share your goals and instructors who know your name. Doubling as mentors, they’ll help you on your journey to becoming a technician employers are looking for. Along the way, you can build connections that last beyond graduation.
WANT TO SEE STUDENT LIFE IN PERSON?
Schedule Campus TourFrequently Asked Questions
Tuition depends on the program you choose. Visit the Cost of Attendance page for a breakdown.
Most UTI programs last less than one year, including Automotive Technology, Diesel Technology, Welding Technology, Robotics & Automation, HVACR Technician and more.
The shortest programs offered at UTI are the Wind Turbine and Industrial Maintenance Technician program. Both require just 7 months to complete, and our Career Services team can help you search for opportunities before you graduate.
This means it’s possible to train and enter the field in less than a year!
It depends on your goals. A four-year college often means general education courses before you specialize. At UTI, you jump straight into career-focused training, graduate faster, and start working sooner.
To train as a diesel mechanic, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED. At UTI, the diesel technician program can be completed in just 11 months, helping you prepare for entry-level roles and certification tests faster.
Yes, you can apply to UTI as long as you have a high school diploma or GED. However, if you are under the age of 18, we require a legal guardian's signature to execute enrollment.23
No, we don’t base admissions decisions on GPA. What matters is your interest in hands-on learning and your commitment to showing up and trying your best every day. If you're ready to train, we’re ready to help you start.
UTI doesn’t offer traditional dorms, but we partner with housing providers who can help you find housing within 10 miles of campus! You can live in off-campus apartments with roommates who also attend UTI, or independently, depending on your needs. Start by visiting our Housing Assistance page.
To become an auto mechanic, you’ll likely need to attend a trade school, where you can learn to use the same tools and technology seen in the field. The auto mechanic students at UTI train in shop-like labs under instructors who’ve worked in the field. This program takes less than one year to complete.
How To Get Started
Still Deciding?
Check out these quick guides with a parent or guardian to learn how trade school after high school could work for you.
© 2025 Universal Technical Institute, Inc. All rights reserved.
1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. 2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures. 6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. 7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete. 10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state. 18) UTI now offers all of its automotive, diesel, motorcycle and marine technician training in a blended-learning format consisting of online lecture courses along with in-person, hands-on lab training. 23) Prior to starting or re-enrolling, Tennessee residents attending the Orlando or Houston campus must provide official high school transcripts, GED scores or state-authorized equivalent exam scores. In addition, all students attending the Mooresville campus must provide official high school transcripts, GED scores or state-authorized equivalent exam scores prior to starting or re-enrolling. 36) Students enrolled in select UTI programs are eligible to apply for the Early Employment Program. Participating employers will contact selected applicants to conduct interviews. Hiring, employee retention and compensation decisions are made solely by the prospective employer. Employer participation and program details are subject to change. For additional information, please contact Career Services. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. 79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.