Exploring Vocational Schools Near Me

  • Vocational schools train students for career-ready jobs in fields like nursing, culinary arts, IT, cosmetology, automotive technology, electrical work, plumbing, and construction.
  • To find vocational schools that are right for you, you should research thoroughly online, check their accreditation, consider job placement rates, read reviews, and visit in person if possible.
  • Vocational schools typically cost between a few thousand to tens of thousands depending on your program. However, there are financial aid options available.

Choosing where to go after high school is a big decision, and college isn’t the only option. If you’re looking for something different—something hands-on, focused, and tailored to specific skills—vocational schools might be the perfect fit. Vocational (or trade) schools offer shorter, career-specific programs that can lead to high-paying careers.

You might already be asking yourself, “What vocational schools are near me?” In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about vocational schools: their benefits, costs, available programs, and how to find the right one for your future.

What Is a Vocational School?

Four-year degrees aren’t the only option for secondary school. Vocational schools are an alternative to traditional colleges and offer focused, hands-on training for specific careers or trades. Vocational schools often prepare students for their jobs in two years or less—and at a fraction of the cost compared to colleges. There are different types of vocational schools available, such as:

  • Trade Schools: Focused on trades like plumbing, carpentry, welding, automotive repair, and HVAC.
  • Technical Schools: Focused on technology-driven fields such as information technology and electronics.
  • Career Colleges: Focused on fields in healthcare, cosmetology, culinary arts, and business.

What Are the Benefits of Vocational School?

Here are several of the top reasons students choose vocational school:

  • Hands-On Training: Instead of sitting in class all day, you’ll actually be doing the work you are learning.
  • Quicker Entry Into the Workforce: Since most vocational school programs are two years or less, you’ll be job-ready in a fraction of the time it takes to get a four-year degree.
  • Affordable Education: Vocational schools are typically much more affordable than four-year colleges since you’ll save on time, tuition, housing, and books.
  • High Demand for Skilled Trades: The demand for skilled workers in trades like healthcare, technology, and construction is constantly growing. In this case, you’re likely to find job stability once you’ve earned your certificate.
  • Flexible Learning Options: If you are having to balance school with other commitments, vocational schools offer online classes, night classes, and even hybrid options to make it easier.
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What Can I Study at a Vocational School?

Here are some popular vocational school programs and their salaries (from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics):

Air Traffic Control

Responsibilities:

  • Guide planes in the air and on the ground.
  • Manage traffic on runways and taxiways.
  • Give pilots takeoff and landing instructions.
  • Coordinate flights with other control centers.
  • Call for help in emergencies.

Median Salary for Air Traffic Controllers: $137,380

Automotive Technology

Responsibilities:

  • Inspect, maintain, and repair cars
  • Explain car problems and repairs to customers in a way that makes sense
  • Follow checklists to check all the important stuff
  • Handle basic maintenance like changing oil, checking fluids, and rotating tires
  • Use computerized tools to figure out what’s wrong with a car

Median Salary for Auto Technicians: $47,380

Construction Management

Responsibilities:

  • Estimate costs and set budgets.
  • Create work schedules.
  • Explain plans to the team.
  • Work with architects and engineers.
  • Track progress and share updates.

Median Salary for Construction Managers: $104,900

Cosmetology

Responsibilities:

  • Cut, dry, and style hair.
  • Wash, color, lighten, and condition hair.
  • Suggest highlights, lowlights, and Ombre looks.
  • Apply hair extensions.
  • Hold consultations with clients to understand their needs and wants.

Median Salary for Cosmetologists: $35,080

Culinary Arts

Responsibilities:

  • Menu planning.
  • Food preparation.
  • Look at recipes and find ways to minimize costs.
  • Make sure food is fresh and that the kitchen is sanitized.
  • Hire and train the kitchen staff.

Median Salary for Chefs: $58,920

Dental Hygienist

Responsibilities:

  • Provide preventive care for patients.
  • Clean teeth and look for signs of oral diseases.
  • Apply sealants and fluoride to protect teeth.
  • Take and develop dental x-rays.
  • Share findings with the dentist.

Median Salary for Dental Hygienists: $87,530

Electrician

Responsibilities:

  • Install and maintain wiring, controls, and lighting.
  • Read blueprints and technical diagrams.
  • Fix or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
  • Follow building regulations and electrical codes.
  • Train and guide workers on electrical installations.

 Median Salary for Electricians: $61,590

HVAC/R Technology

Responsibilities:

  • Install, maintain, and fix HVAC/R systems.
  • Set up electrical components and wiring.
  • Talk to customers about system issues.
  • Replace or repair damaged parts.
  • Suggest maintenance repairs.

Median Salary for HVAC professionals: $57,300

Information Technology

Responsibilities:

  • Assist computer users and organizations.
  • Analyze customers’ computer problems.
  • Setup or repair computer equipment.
  • Guide customers through problem-solving steps.
  • Install and train others on new hardware or software.

Median Salary for IT/Computer Support Specialists: $60,810

Nursing Assistant

Responsibilities:

  • Provide basic care to patients.
  • Help patients with bathing and getting dressed.
  • Serve meals and even help patients eat.
  • Move patients between beds and wheelchairs.
  • Check vitals.

Median Salary for Nursing Assistants: $38,200

Plumbing

Responsibilities:

  • Fix problems with plumbing systems.
  • Estimate costs for clients.
  • Read blueprints and follow building codes.
  • Decide what materials and tools are needed.
  • Test and inspect pipe systems.

Median Salary for Plumbers: $61,400

How To Find Vocational Schools Near Me?

Not sure where to start when it comes to searching for vocational schools? Here’s some tips on how to find the best one for you:

1. Research Online

Start by searching for vocational schools near you using free online tools. You can enter your zip code and even filter by the program you’re interested in—like automotive tech, healthcare, or culinary arts. Read into each program and make sure it aligns with your goals, like program length, curriculum, and graduation rates.

2. Check Accreditation

Accreditation is a must and ensures the school meets high-quality standards. You can check if the school is accredited by looking at its website or checking the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) directory.

3. Consider Job Placement Rates

High job placement rates can help you feel confident in your job stability after you graduate. When researching, check to see what percentage of graduates find jobs in their trade. This can help you make an informed decision!

4. Read Reviews

What better way to see if you’ll like a school than by reading reviews from other students just like you! Reading reviews is a great way to see what the school is really like, from campus culture to the quality of teaching.

5. Visit Campuses In Person

If possible, visit the schools you’re considering. This gives you a chance to see the facilities, talk to instructors, and get a feel for the learning environment. This is also a great time to ask any questions you may have!

How Much Do Vocational Schools Cost?

Depending on the program and duration of your time in school, private or public, you can expect your tuition to be anywhere from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Affordability and Transparency List, the average tuition for public two-year programs was between $3,973 and $16,878 per year. It’s important to note that public vocational schools generally have lower tuition rates than private ones.

How Can I Pay for Vocational School?

Trade schools work the same as colleges and often offer financial aid programs to help students cover the cost of their education. This includes scholarships, grants, and loans from the government, educational institutions, or private organizations. You can apply for federal financial aid by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). From there, you’ll know how much you’re eligible for. You can also use a free search tool like the one on College Raptor to find scholarships tailored to what you need.

Should I Go to Vocational School?

Only you can make that decision for yourself! However, if you prefer a focused industry related to your career goals, desire hands-on training, want something more affordable, or hope to enter the workforce quickly, then you may want to continue researching vocational schools or talk to your counselor. Remember, the right path for you is the one that makes you excited and lines up with what you want for your future!

Want to see what other schools might be a good fit for you? Check out the College Raptor College Match tool to explore your options.

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