What Is Trade School? A Parent’s Guide
Trade school is a hands-on educational path your teen can choose after high school.1, 18
Unlike a traditional college, trade schools skip many of the typical prerequisite courses that increase program length. Instead of sitting through courses like psychology and history or electives in humanities and fine arts, students get skills-based training. For example, a trade school student might learn to wire an electrical panel or troubleshoot an engine while their peers write essays.
Most programs take a year or less to complete. Students typically graduate with a certificate, diploma or associate degree, and depending on the school and program, they may earn industry-recognized certifications.
What Is Trade School?
A Parent’s Guide
Trade school is a hands-on educational path your teen can choose after high school.1, 18
Unlike a traditional college, trade schools skip many of the typical prerequisite courses that increase program length. Instead of sitting through courses like psychology and history or electives in humanities and fine arts, students get skills-based training. For example, a trade school student might learn to wire an electrical panel or troubleshoot an engine while their peers write essays.
Most programs take a year or less to complete. Students typically graduate with a certificate, diploma or associate degree, and depending on the school and program, they may earn industry-recognized certifications.
Trade School May Be the Right Fit If Your Student...
Learns best by doing, not just reading
Wants to get ready for the workforce quickly
Enjoys learning and building with their hands
Benefits for your teen
Hands-on training builds confidence your teen can carry into the real world
Faster training could mean a faster path toward a career than traditional college1
Smaller class sizes where instructors know their name (no more than 30 students)
Various class schedule options
Debunking the Myths About Trade School for High School Students
Recent research shows that twice as many parents are considering vocational schools than their children. That gap often comes from outdated ideas teens may have about what trade school really is today. Let’s clear those up.
It’s for students who want to learn hands-on.
Trade school is not a backup plan. For many families, it’s an intentional path that saves time and can lead to a meaningful career path.1
Some college students switch to trade school.
It requires discipline and motivation--students are learning complex, hands-on skills that employers rely on every day.
It's for students who want to start pursuing a career faster.1
Hands-on lab training requires deep focus.18
Safety and professional standards set a high bar.
Students learn to use real industry-standard tools.
In many programs, students train and prep to test for specialized certifications that require skill and knowledge needed in industry.
Students learn the same skills used in the industry, taught by instructors with real-world experience.
Many trades, like HVACR and diesel are tied to essential services that communities rely on daily.
As more industries seek ways to automate tasks, techs will be needed to service and repair automated systems.
Tradespeople are vital to the U.S. By 2033, total technician employment is projected to exceed 1.9 million nationwide.38
Only 41% of 2024 college grads found entry-level jobs in their fields.
Careers Your Teen Can Pursue After Trade School
Disclaimer: * Not entry-level salary and is dependent on factors like experience, location, certifications and employer compensation.
Trade School vs. College
Compare the time, cost and outcome of trade school vs. college to see which path is a better fit for your teen.
Trade School | College |
|---|---|
Cost Invest in training that takes 2 years or less and be prepared for a career sooner | Cost Often requires 4+ years of tuition with 48% of grads saying they feel unprepared for entry-level jobs in their field. |
Training time 2 years or less | Training time 4+ years |
Learning Style Blend of hands-on and classroom learning that connects theory with real-world application | Learning Style Theory-focused, with hands-on application often delayed |
Outcome Specialized, career-ready skills | Outcome Broader education enhances general knowledge |
How Much Is Trade School?
Trade school tuition depends on the institution and program. Universal Technical Institute (UTI) is a trade school with nationwide campuses. We provide transparent cost breakdowns by city and program. Click the link below to see trade school costs.
Get Trade School EstimateFAQs on How to Pay for Trade School
If your family qualifies, federal financial aid can help cover the cost of your teen’s trade school. Completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the first step in finding out if your teen is eligible for grants, loans or work-study. Here’s how to get started:
- Create an account at studentaid.gov and set up your FSA ID—a username and password you’ll set up to log in to the U.S. Department of Education’s website.
- Gather documents like Social Security numbers, tax returns and W-2s.
- Start a new FAFSA form for the correct school year.
- Enter personal details exactly as they appear on official records.
- Add schools your teen is interested in attending, using the correct school code (usually found on the school’s website).
- Provide financial information. You can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to import tax data.
- Review, sign and submit with your FSA ID. Once you do, you’ll get a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing your info.
- Connect with the Financial Aid team at the trade school your teen is interested in for more help.
Tip: Completing the FAFSA is free. Submitting early can increase your chances of receiving aid so your teen can start training sooner.
Yes, some trade schools collaborate with employers who may offer tuition reimbursement or early employment programs.
For example, UTI teams with employers to offer an early employment program nationally and within our local markets. In this program, participating companies may offer select students 20-30 hours of paid work per week while they’re still in school.36 Once they graduate, they may be considered for full-time employment.
Some employers also participate in our Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Program, where they may offer incentives like hiring packages, student loan repayment assistance, or sign-on bonuses to qualifying graduates who end up going to work for them.14
The costs of trade school programs and four-year programs can vary greatly. Some trade school programs may cost less than a four-year degree, and the length of training is often shorter. This means graduates could be prepared to pursue careers in the workforce faster than those who go to college for four years.1
Your teen can find and apply for trade school scholarships and grants on platforms like Scholarship Universe and TechForce Foundation. Many trade schools also offer their own scholarship and grant opportunities.
For instance, UTI makes over $15 million in scholarships and grants available to students who qualify each year.10 Some of these opportunities are for high school students and grads specifically. Browse UTI-specific scholarships and grants here: https://www.uti.edu/financial-aid/scholarships-grants
Yes. Many schools offer payment plans so families can break up tuition costs into smaller payments over the time of training. This helps make paying for training more manageable.
Important Questions to Ask When Exploring Trade Schools
Choosing a trade school is an important decision for your teen’s future. Asking the right questions can help you compare schools with confidence and see which one best supports your child's goals. Use this list as a guide when exploring your options:
- Is your school accredited?
- What certifications or licenses can my student earn?
- What kind of experience do your instructors have?
- Can we tour the campus and observe training?
- How long will it take to train?
- What tools, technology and equipment will they learn with?
- What are your graduation rates?
- Do you offer continuing education post-graduation?
- How do you stay up to date with the industry changes?
- How much does it cost?
- What financial aid options are available?
- Do you offer payment plans?
- What job search assistance do you provide?
- What is your job placement rate?
- Do you partner with employers?
- What tutoring or academic support is available?
- How do you support alumni?
How to Support Your Teen’s Decision
Parents play a big role in building students’ confidence in their high school graduation plans. Here are practical ways you can guide them through the decision-making process:
Start the conversation early: Ask about their interests after high school and listen without judgment. Even if they aren’t sure yet, keeping the door open helps them feel supported.
Make a list of their strengths: Sit down together and list out their talents, hobbies and classes they enjoy.
Encourage hands-on experiences: Shop class and makerspaces can give your teen a taste of what hands-on work is like.
Connect them with role models: If you know a mechanic, electrician, welder or other skilled worker, ask if your teen can shadow them for a day.
Explore tools and resources together: Take a career quiz, browse trade school programs online or virtually tour a school they're interested in!
Reassure their decision: Remind your teen that choosing trade school is not a “lesser” option. It can be a path toward a meaningful and respected career that can grow with them.
Why UTI?
When you consider trade school, you want to know that your teen will be safe, supported and set up for success. UTI has built a strong reputation by focusing on what matters most to families:
Safety and Belonging:
Parents can feel confident knowing their teen is learning in a supportive, secure environment with strict safety standards.
Tutoring and Mentorship:
Academic support is available at every campus, plus guidance from instructors who have been in their shoes.
Industry Relationships:
Employers trust UTI to train their future techs. These employers may help shape our curriculum, provide tools and/or recruit our grads.
Job Search Assistance:
Career advisors are available to help students build résumés, practice interview skills and connect with employers.
Housing Resources:
College housing providers are available to help students find safe, structured living options near the campus.
“Their support that they provided to her throughout this year has just been fantastic here at Universal Technical Institute. I couldn't be happier as a mom knowing that she's here supported, knowing that she'll be successful in what she wants to do.”
Katie Shenk
Parent of UTI Grad
Get Your High School Graduate Started
Deciding what comes after high school is a big moment for any family. The most important thing you can do is explore options together, ask the right questions and find a path that fits your teen’s strengths and passion.
Download this guide to share with your teen or take a closer look at UTI for a glimpse into trade school.
