A technical school is an educational institution that helps students gain the specific knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a definite career path. This is an alternative option for students who don’t want to attend traditional college after high school graduation. If you’re interested in pursuing a particular career, you could benefit from attending a technical school. It’s a great way to enter the professional workforce quickly and more cost-effectively.
Here’s a rundown of what a technical school is, what you can expect from the classes, and the benefits of attending one.
What is a Technical School?
A technical school focuses on equipping students with the technical knowledge and practical skills they need to qualify for a specific career. The curriculum for each course is based on a precise occupational skillset. It’s geared towards students who know what profession they want to pursue and want to enter the workforce immediately.
It can take between one and four years to complete a course, depending on the program. It also costs much less than completing a four-year bachelor’s degree at a traditional college. Students may earn a diploma, associate’s degree, or certification required for certain jobs on completing their chosen course. In most cases, students can start working right after graduating from technical school.
Some high school students may be given the option to attend a technical school during their senior year, too.
Difference Between Technical School and Trade School
The terms technical schools and trade schools are often interchangeably but that’s not correct. Although there are some similarities between the two types of schools, there are also a few differences between them.
Trade schools tend to be more hands-on rather than lecture-based, unlike technical schools, which are more lecture-based. Depending on the school and the particular course, there may be some overlap between lectures and practical hands-on training. This is one reason why the differences between the two aren’t always obvious.
The one distinct difference between the two types of schools lies in the professions they qualify you for. Trade schools qualify students for more labor-related jobs such as auto mechanics, carpenters, and electricians. Technical schools focus on helping students enter fields such as IT, nursing, and design.
Both technical and trade schools are considered “vocational schools.”
What Will You Learn in Technical School?
Programs available vary quite a bit from one technical school to another, but unlike college, classes are focused solely on your intended career path. You will not be required to take general education courses.
When you enroll in a technical school, you can expect to learn the skills necessary to enter a particular field or career upon graduation. This could be in the culinary arts, computer technology, fashion, design, or a similar profession. Some of these careers may require some additional education after high school. However, you generally won’t need to complete another four years or a bachelor’s degree to qualify.
What are the Benefits of Attending a Technical School?
There is a wide range of benefits to attending a technical school. Some to note include:
1. The programs are more specialized
Specialized courses arm you with the knowledge and skills specific to your career. They are more career-focused than normal 4-year college programs and help you earn the necessary certifications or degrees for your career or future education.
2. You’ll enter the skilled workforce quickly
If you know which profession you want to pursue, a technical school helps you start working faster.
3. It creates a foundation for further education in the field
Earning an associate’s degree or certification from a technical school opens up other choices for you. You can start working immediately or you can choose to upskill and go on to earn a bachelor’s in your intended field once you get your associate’s degree.
4. It’s more affordable than enrolling in a 4-year college
Technical school tuition is lower than the cost of tuition in larger 4-year colleges. It also takes less time to graduate from technical school, which reduces the overall cost of your education.
5. You’ll get hands-on experience in your prospective profession
In most technical schools, relevant internships form an integral part of the curriculum. This gives you a huge advantage in terms of practical experience and it opens exciting networking opportunities while enabling you to gain valuable insight into how different companies and industries function.
6. Most instructors are experts in their respective field
Because the curriculum is so specific, technical schools employ industry professionals who are highly experienced in that field. There’s a lot you’ll learn from your professors about the practical aspects of the career you’re interested in pursuing. This can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs. And once you get a job, it will help you perform well.
7. Flexible hours tend to make technical school more convenient for untraditional students
Most technical schools offer flexible hours. Some may offer weekend classes while others may offer night classes. This can be a huge relief if you’re caring for younger children or older dependents or if you’re working while studying. Flexible hours allow you to fulfill your personal commitments and reach your professional goals without having to give up on either.
8. Technical schools help students with job placement
Technical schools keep a database of companies looking for employees for certain technical roles. While you will have to apply for each opening yourself, getting a head’s up on available vacancies can help you get a job faster.
Potential Career Paths After Technical School
You can choose from a wide range of career paths after technical school. Of course, the options available to you will depend on the degree you’ve earned. The best way is to start with your intended career path in mind and then choose a course that will qualify you for that job.
Here are some potential career paths you could take:
| Career | Medium Annual Salaray | Projected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| IT Technician | $66,000 | 1.6% |
| Diagnostic medical sonographer | $81,000 | 19% |
| Computer network architect | $126,000 | 5.4% |
| Computer repair technician | $44,000 | -2.1% |
| Food Service Manager | $61,310 | 14.9% |
| Radiation therapist | $89,000 | 9% |
| Cosmetologist | $33,000 | 19.4% |
| Pharmacy technician | $37,000 | 4% |
| Dental hygienist | $81,000 | 11.2% |
| Web developer | $78,580 | 11% |
| Database administrator | $99,890 | 9.0% |
| Mechanical technician | $42,000 | 14.4% |
| Paralegal or legal assistant | $59,000 | 12.0% |
| Radiologic Technologists and Technicians | $65,000 | 8.6% |
| Real estate agent | $49,000 | 4.1% |
Is Technical School the Right Choice for You?
Before deciding on a technical school, weigh the pros and cons of attending each. Assess your needs, wants, goals, and circumstances. A technical school may be a great option for you if you have a specific career part in mind that does not necessarily require a 4-year Bachelor’s degree. It is also worth considering if you’re looking for a way that allows you to upskill while still juggling other personal or professional commitments.
If you need help deciding, check out College Raptor’s free College Match Tool. The tool takes you through a series of questions that helps you find your best college match. Try it now!
