Is Trade School Right for You?
Are you looking for career alternatives to a traditional college degree after high school graduation or GED completion? In today’s job market, there has never been a better time to become a skilled craft worker. Trade schools are a great option for students who want to learn a practical set of skills and begin a well-paying career in a shorter period of time.
What are the Benefits of Trade School?
As opposed to a four-year degree, trade school tuition is oftentimes more affordable and the programs typically require that you take courses specific to that career, so the time it will take to complete the program is shorter, ranging from a few months to 2 years, depending on your chosen field. By entering the job market sooner, you have the opportunity to build experience while making money.
What is the Salary Range?
Many vocational school graduates earn much higher than expected wages, especially as they gain experience in a specialized field. Students should always research the average trade job salaries for their location, because trade job wages vary greatly and depend on several factors such as demand, cost of living, and state or local requirements.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians make an overall annual mean salary of $61,550 nationwide, but some of the highest paying states are as follows: $75,900 in California, $81,650 in Illinois, and $81,340 in New York.
Southern Automotive Womens Forum Scholarship
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: March 20, 2022
Scholarship Description: This program provides financial assistance to women with a minimum cumulative 2.5 GPA who are enrolled or enrolling in a STEM field at an accredited two-year technical program, four-year or a graduate program with a preference for those interested in the automobile and mobility industry.
NASCLA Contractor Scholarship Program
Award Amount: $5,000
Deadline: June 30, 2022
Scholarship Description: This scholarship is designed to help students pursue licenses, certificates and/or certifications in the construction industry preparing them for gainful employment. The scholarship awards include a complimentary package to the NASCLA Annual Conference, including travel arrangements and hotel, and award money toward recipients’ education.
Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: April 30, 2022
Scholarship Description: The S. Carter Scholarship Foundation provides financial assistance to promising individuals proving acceptance into any accredited institution of higher learning. Qualified applicants must be a high school senior, college student, and/or between the ages of 18-25, pursuing studies at a 2-year or 4-year undergraduate program or a vocational or trade school.
PHCC Educational Foundation Scholarships
Award Amount: $2,500
Deadline: May 1, 2022
Scholarship Description: This scholarship is designed to provide educational opportunities to students pursuing a major directly related to the plumbing-heating-cooling (PHC) industry. Scholarships are available to students who are enrolled in a PHCC-approved plumbing or HVACR apprenticeship program, a full-time certificate or degree program at an accredited two-year community college, technical college or trade school, or four-year college or university.