Graduating from high school can be a scary time because you have to make decisions that will have a significant impact on your life. Making these decisions while you are in high school are especially scary because there is a lack of real-life experiences and there is a lack of information in the sense that the most popular after high school options are talked about. By the time you graduated you have probably heard many conversations about various colleges but no talk about trade schools and while trade schools are not for everyone. It is important to look in to all of your after high school options.
Most Important Facts About Trade Schools
Trade school is a rather broad term that can refer to any schooling involved with several industries that use hands-on work and skilled labor. Most trades have strong unions that help to protect the pay of workers who are in the industry. The following facts will help you to see exactly how you could benefit from choosing to go to a trade school rather than a university.
Trade Schools Take Less Time Than Four-Year Universities
Time is money. If you were to look at the amount of time you have to invest before the degree starts to pay off, the trade school would come out ahead in most cases in comparison to university educations. Most trade schools are completed in less than two years compared with a minimum of 4 to 5 years at most four-year universities.
Trade Schools Can Cost 10 Times Less Than a University Education
Not only will you be wasting less time if you go to a trade school, but you will be wasting less money on it as well. University educations have been skyrocketed in their cost over the last several decades, thanks in part to the abundance of federally subsidized student loans available to most students today. Instead of going to an expensive four-year university, you could get an education that gives you the same earning potential at a trade school for 1/10 the price.
The Trade Industry Is Experiencing a Faster Than Average Job Growth Rate
One of the most significant reasons people go and get more education after high school is to get a good job. The thing with the University education is that today there are so many people out there who have degrees; it is not very much in your benefit in comparison to everyone else if you have one.
Trade unions have reported that fewer young people are entering into the profession then there are new job openings. This means that there is a crunch in the labor supply, and the likely pay raises will increase shortly.
Trades are not going to leave anytime soon as there will always be demand for skilled labor. If you are looking for a career in an industry that will have guaranteed job security and this is about as good as you can get in today’s society.
You’ll Make as Much or More With the Trade as You Would With a Degree
Most people hesitate to go to a trade school because they believe they will learn more if they go to university. The truth of the matter is that many people who work in the trade industries can earn even more than their fellow countrymen who went to university instead.
For the most part, the average wages in trade will be higher than in other industries in the area.
Learn Hands-On Skills
Many jobs today do not require you to learn how to use your hands for anything. There is something very satisfying working with your hands on a project until completion. Working in the trades will give you this experience daily.
Choosing between college or a trade school is only the beginning towards the path to adulthood. Here are some tips to make you more successful in whatever path you take.
- Tracking Expenses: It is important to track all of your expenses such as your rent, internet, Oncor utility, food and any other expenses that occur each month. Tracking your expenses is the first step at being able to budget and better manage your money.
- Saving Money: One of the biggest struggles in your younger years is usually surrounding money and the lack thereof. A key to alleviating financial stress is learning simple ways to save money such as: canceling subscriptions, dining in, skipping the coffee shops, implementing energy efficient tactics to save on energy bills, etc.
- Self- Care: The time after high school is usually fast paced and very busy not allowing much time for yourself. It is important to stop and smell the roses and invest in yourself. You cannot pour from an empty glass so it is important to refuel every once in a while by implementing positive self care practices such as a hot bath, meditation, going for a run, gardening or going on a mini shopping trip within reason.