What Can You Go to Trade School For? | Trade School Examples

Trade School Options

Have you been wondering what type of training trade schools can provide? From hands-on training for various career paths to industry relationships, trade schools offer unique benefits you need to know about.

Trade schools offer specialized programs that often provide hands-on training in specific fields of work. Trade school programs also can be completed in a shorter amount of time compared with a four-year college. This can be helpful for those wanting to be prepared for the workforce as soon as possible.

What do trade schools offer? There are a wide variety of trades that students can choose from, including welding, automotive technology, health care administration and culinary arts. No matter the program, the expectation is that their education will help them to be prepared for an entry-level career in that given field after graduation.

The transportation industry offers numerous career opportunities for trade school graduates, with programs available in aviation maintenance, automotive technology, diesel technology, collision repair, marine technology and motorcycle mechanics.

Knowing what trade school programs are available can help you have a plan of action when looking to enroll. Keep reading to learn about some of the many fields you can pursue at a trade school.

What Can You Learn at a Trade School?

Trade schools are designed to offer students training to gain the skills needed when pursuing a profession once they graduate. Learning these skills can come from a combination of instructor lectures and hands-on training in a lab environment. Some schools also offer online training, which can be great for those who need the flexibility.¹⁸

So, what do trade schools teach? There are a variety of education paths and opportunities out there for students to pursue if they decide a trade school is right for them. With thousands of different programs, there’s something for everyone.

What Trades Are There?

Here are some trade school program examples:

• Welding
• Automotive technology
• Diesel technology
• Collision repair
• CNC machining
• Marine technology
• Motorcycle mechanics
• HVACR
• Health care administration
• Information technology
• Dental hygiene
• Criminal justice
• Business
• Photography
• Cosmetology
• Culinary
• Massage therapy

The programs offered at trade schools can vary from broad, generalized topics that can be applied to an industry to programs that can be specialized further to those seeking advancement in a given field.

Different Types of Trade Schools

Trade schools come in various forms, each specializing in different areas to cater to a wide range of interests and career paths.

Some trade schools focus on technical trades like automotive repair, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) and welding. Others specialize in health care fields such as medical assisting, dental hygiene or nursing. There are also trade schools dedicated to culinary arts, cosmetology, graphic design, construction trades like carpentry and plumbing and even IT and computer technology.

These diverse types of trade schools offer tailored programs designed to provide training and hands-on instruction in specific industries, preparing students for careers in their chosen fields.

What Trade School Certifications are Available?

Trade schools offer a range of certifications tailored to various industries and trades. These certifications validate the skills and knowledge acquired through specialized training programs.

Common certifications available at trade schools include automotive technology certifications for mechanics, electrical certifications for electricians, plumbing certifications for plumbers, culinary arts certifications for chefs, health care certifications for medical assistants or phlebotomists and many others.

These certifications not only demonstrate proficiency in a specific trade but also may enhance job prospects and credibility within the respective industry. Trade school certifications are often sought after by employers seeking skilled and qualified professionals in various fields.

Career Opportunities for Trade School Graduates

When thinking about pursuing higher education, it’s important for students to know what their options are going to be once they graduate. There are many different career opportunities that trade school graduates can choose from within their respective fields.

Here are some examples of jobs commonly pursued by trade school grads:

• Dental assistant
• Massage therapist
• Makeup artist
• Hairdresser
• Chef
• Licensed practical nurse (LPN)
• HVAC technician
• Electrician
• Plumber
• Elevator mechanic
• Radiation therapist
• IT technician

In addition to these occupations, some of the most popular career paths for trade school graduates are associated with the transportation industry.

Transportation Careers & Trade School Programs

The transportation industry is going to remain important over the coming years and offers a range of career opportunities for those who attend a trade school. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are more than 67,000 estimated average annual automotive job openings in the U.S.⁴¹

Many grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Some potential entry-level jobs in this industry include:⁷⁷

• Automotive Service Writer
• Automotive Technician
• Aviation Maintenance Technician
• Collision Repair Technician
• Diesel Technician
• Marine Technician
• Motorcycle Technician
• Power Generation Technician

So, what trade school program should you take to train for these types of careers? Universal Technical Institute (UTI) has several program options that include:¹

• Aviation technician training: Students who want to prepare for a career in the aviation industry can enroll in the Airframe & Powerplant Technician program to explore topics such as aircraft troubleshooting, powerplant lubrication systems and turbine engine operation. In addition, students and graduates are prepared to test for FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification.^79,128
• Automotive Technology: Students will be able to maintain and repair different kinds of vehicles once they’ve completed this 51-week program.⁷ Career opportunities for graduates include entry-level technician roles that can eventually lead to service management positions. Students can also enroll in a Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training (MSAT) program that helps prepare them for jobs with specific manufacturers.
• Diesel Technology: If a student pursues training in diesel technology, they can gain the skills needed to become a diesel mechanic. Course topics offered include everything from diesel engine service and repair to preventative maintenance. Diesel techs can find themselves working in a range of settings, from trucking companies to road crews and auto body shops.
• Collision Repair & Refinish Technology: Those pursuing training in collision repair can be taught the skills needed to restore and reshape a range of vehicles. Students will gain knowledge on the proper procedures and parts needed to repair vehicles.
• Marine technician training: Students with a passion for the water can attend MMI and train as a marine technician. The 51-week program will give hands-on training when it comes to marine product service, repairs and more.^7,18 Careers marine technicians can pursue include anything from becoming a boat rigger to working as a dealership technician or electrician.^1.3
• Motorcycle Technician Training: In just 48 weeks, students can train as a motorcycle technician at MMI and learn everything they need to enter the field.⁷ Courses include everything from engines and transmissions to vehicle maintenance. Students are prepared to work in a range of settings, including dealerships, police departments and custom bike shops.