Paying for career training can feel intimidating, but scholarships can help lighten the load.10 Unlike student loans, scholarships don’t need to be repaid, which makes them one of the most valuable forms of financial aid available. In this blog post, you can learn how to find and apply for scholarships you may be eligible for.
Why Scholarships Matter for Trade School Students
Whether you’re a recent high school graduate, a military member transitioning to civilian life or an adult changing careers, scholarships can make training for your future more achievable.
By easing financial burden, qualifying for scholarships can help you pursue a career you truly love; one that uses your hands, challenges your mind and contributes to something bigger than yourself.
Skilled trades technicians keep our world running. They fix the vehicles that move our goods, repair the machines that harvest our food, build and maintain safe infrastructure, and even support the growth of renewable energy.
By reducing out-of-pocket costs, scholarships can give you the freedom to focus on learning the skills that matter most, preparing you for a meaningful, hands-on career after graduation that serves both you and your community.1
“An education is a valued asset, and there are many ways to help you finance your educational aspirations,” says Alex DeJesus, a Senior Director of Financial Aid at UTI.
Recent developments in trade school scholarships:
In recent years, there’s been growing national attention on trades careers as stable, in-demand paths, prompting private organizations to get involved and do more.
For example, TechForce Foundation plans to award a total of $6 million in scholarships and grants by the end of 2025 to aspiring technicians. This is far more than their $1 million in previous years!
Jon Vesley, the president & chairman of TechForce Foundation, shared, “When America desperately needs skilled technicians, we need to push ourselves, industry and donors to do more...”
And with scholarships already listed for Spring 2026 award terms with organizations such as SkillsUSA, now is a great time to begin your search.
What Types of Trade School Scholarships Are Available?
There’s a common misconception that you must be academically gifted to qualify for scholarships. That's false.
There’s a scholarship for nearly every type of student, interest, gift and demographic. Common scholarship categories include:
- Skill-based scholarships: Available to students who can display hands-on technical skills.
- Need-based scholarships: Awarded to students who demonstrate the greatest financial need.
- Program-specific scholarships: Offered for specific fields of study, such as automotive, diesel or welding.
- Military and veteran scholarships: Awards for active-duty service members, veterans and their dependents.
- Local and community scholarships: Many civic groups, nonprofits and trade associations offer regional funding opportunities.
- Merit-based scholarships: Awarded for academic achievement, leadership or community involvement.
How To Find the Best Scholarships for Trade School
The search process takes time, but it’s well worth the effort. To find trade school scholarships you may qualify for that fit your background and goals, start with these seven steps.
1. Use online scholarship databases
Online databases make it easy to search for scholarships that match your career interests, location and unique experiences. You can filter by trade school programs, financial need or even military status.
Try these trusted resources:
- CareerOneStop: Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, this database lists thousands of verified opportunities.
- TechForce Foundation: Dedicated to building future technicians in skilled trades, like automotive, diesel and aviation, TechForce makes the search easy.
- Fastweb and Scholarships.com: Both allow you to build a personal profile and get matched with scholarships tailored to your interests.
- Scholly Scholarships: An app that simplifies the process by curating eligible scholarships for you.
These tools are updated regularly and can help you discover lesser-known awards.
“The internet has made it easy for students to find scholarships,” Alex DeJesus says. “However, keep in mind there are scholarship scams out there. If the website requires you to pay money to apply for awards, steer clear.”
2. Browse trade school websites
Trade schools like UTI maintain updated lists of scholarships you may be eligible for on their website, including opportunities specific to your age, region and industry.10
3. Ask your high school guidance counselor
If you’re a current or recent high school student, your guidance counselor can be a valuable ally. Counselors often receive scholarship announcements from local companies, civic organizations and state education agencies. They can also help you gather required documents like transcripts or recommendation letters.
4. Contact local employers
Many employers, especially in technical industries, offer scholarships, tuition reimbursement and early employment opportunities to help support workforce development. If you’re currently employed or know where you’d like to work, ask whether they offer education assistance programs for trade school students.
For example, some automotive manufacturers and dealership networks fund scholarships for future technicians. These awards not only reduce costs but also help you build professional connections early.
5. Research scholarships offered by professional associations
Industry associations often provide scholarships to encourage skilled trades training. Explore scholarships offered by organizations related to your field of interest, such as:
- ASE Chairperson’s Scholarship
- ASE-Busch Memorial Scholarship
- Women in Auto Care scholarships
- American Welding Society scholarships
- SkillsUSA scholarships
- mikeroweWORKS Foundation scholarships
6. Tap into community groups
Don’t overlook local resources. Community foundations, rotary clubs, veterans’ organizations and faith-based groups frequently fund scholarships. These smaller scholarships might not get national attention, but they can add up quickly and have less competition.
7. Check with trade school financial aid offices
If you’re already enrolled, you can still apply for scholarships! Many trade schools, including UTI, have financial aid teams dedicated to helping students find and apply for scholarships and grants.10
How To Apply for Trade School Scholarships
Once you’ve found scholarships you’re eligible for, start applying! Be sure to pay close attention to the application process, as it varies from one opportunity to another. Here’s a general step-by-step approach:
- Review eligibility and deadlines carefully. Missing even one requirement can disqualify you.
- Gather materials early. Common items include transcripts, recommendation letters, proof of enrollment, and essays, if required.
- Tailor your application. Avoid copying and pasting the same response for every scholarship. Show genuine interest in the sponsor’s mission.
- Submit before the deadline. Give yourself time to proofread and make sure all required attachments are included.
- Follow up. Some organizations confirm receipts or request additional materials, so keep an eye on your inbox.
Pro Tips for Winning Scholarships for Trade School
Scholarships are earned through persistence and preparation.
“The reward far exceeds the time it takes to fill out the application for any scholarship a student can apply for,” says Ted Groff, Associate Vice President of Career Services at UTI. “I always put it in the context of having a student job before school starts. If students look at it that way, they can make a lot more per hour than they ever will in most jobs.”
Get started with these steps:
Apply for multiple scholarships
It’s true: There's strength in numbers. The more scholarships you apply for, the more likely it is you’ll receive an award. And try not to neglect the smaller dollar-amount scholarships! These are usually the least competitive but can add up quickly.
Search for scholarships that fit you
Yes, there’s a scholarship for almost everything — funeral services, beef ambassadors, even students with the last name “Gatling,” or close enough, “Gatlin.”
With so many unique opportunities out there, chances are there are several that fit you. Explore the tools mentioned earlier on the page to find your matches and apply. Casting a wide but focused net can dramatically improve your odds.
Build strong connections with mentors
Ask teachers, supervisors or community leaders for recommendation letters early. A personal endorsement can make your application stand out from the others.
Stay organized
Create a spreadsheet of deadlines, requirements and submission dates. This helps you stay on top of multiple applications at once. A quick Google search can help you find a free template to do so!
Get personal with your essays
Think about what makes you... you, and then share it. Brainstorm why you’re choosing a hands-on career, how you’ve overcome challenges or what excites you about the trades. Authenticity often beats perfect grammar.
Maintain a positive online presence
Scholarship reviewers may look at your social media. Consider setting up a LinkedIn profile to make it easy for reviewers to find you while showing your dedication to building connections within the industry. Keep all other profiles professional and highlight your achievements.
Ask for help
Ask a trusted peer to review your applications. If you’re a high school student, lean on your guidance counselor and/or teachers. Ask those who’ve received scholarships what worked for them.
If you’re already enrolled at a trade school, reach out to your scholarship department for help. You can contact the UTI Scholarships Department at (800) 859-7249 or email scholarships@uti.edu.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trade School Scholarships
When do I start applying for scholarships?
Some deadlines fall nearly a year before classes start, so start applying as early as possible. If you’re still in high school, you can begin as soon as junior year!
Do all scholarships require an essay?
Not all. While some applications include essays, others may ask for videos, interviews, simple forms or even more fun — a hands-on competition!
Are there scholarships for adults returning to school?
Yes. Many organizations and employers offer scholarships for career changers pursuing technical education. For example, UTI offers the Imagine America Scholarship specifically for adult learners who qualify.10 You can apply for it on the Imagine America Foundation website.
How do I get any scholarship money I qualify for?
Most scholarships send funds directly to your school to cover tuition and fees. Others may issue checks directly to you.
How does a scholarship affect additional student aid?
Scholarships typically reduce your estimated cost of attendance. If this is the case, your school will typically lower your financial aid package to account for the change, but it shouldn’t increase your total end payment.
Can I apply if I am already in trade school or college?
Absolutely, many scholarships are open to current students and can be based on progress or current academic standing!
Explore Trade School Scholarships With UTI
Skilled trades professionals play a big role in keeping our world running. They maintain vehicles, work on systems that power essential industries, and build the infrastructure that connects communities. If you’re interested in preparing to join this workforce, start by exploring scholarships and grants that can help make your training possible:1,10 UTI Scholarships & Grants.
Sources
https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/scholarships https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackkelly/2025/04/22/the-booming-job-market-for-skilled-tradespersons/
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.