What to Expect when starting trade school

How Do Trade Schools Work?

If you’re thinking about enrolling in trade school, you’ve probably asked yourself this question a few times already. Is it like college? Will I be in classes all the time, or is it more hands-on?

Let’s clear things up.

First, trade schools offer a more focused approach than traditional college. “Trade schools provide customized training for specific trades or vocations, such as plumbing, welding, or culinary arts,” says Kodi Wilson, director of the National Technical Institute’s Las Vegas campus and a licensed plumber.

Instead of picking a major, in trade school you’re choosing a career path or highly-specialized skill to learn. In addition to classroom time, you’ll likely have workshops, labs and safety training, and learn about the industry you’re going into.