Trade School vs. Community College: The Differences

Highereducation is the foundation of everyone's dream career. Today, students havemore options than just a four-year bachelor's degree to build a better future. Drivenby the rise of trade careers, trade schools are increasingly becoming thechoice of many students.

About 70% of construction companies all over the country are having difficulty finding qualified workers with trade skills to hire, says The Associated General Contractors of America.

The fastest-growing occupations between 2018 to 2028 are expected to have roots in trade skills, according to recent statistics. Paying higher than average, solar photovoltaic installers and wind turbine service technicians are among the highly popular skilled trade occupations with projected growth rates of 63% and 57%, respectively.

What does this mean for aspiring students? The demand for skills trade occupations offers ample opportunities for a rewarding and fulfilling career. Students can expect to land a job as soon as they graduate, and most of these pay well.

Students who wish to learn a trade can consider entering a trade school or community college. Both offer programs that can help jump-start their future careers. Trade schools and community colleges provide more affordable tuition rates, not to mention that most of their classes are also flexible enough for working adults.

Thisarrangement can also give them enough time to think about their options,whether it is entering the workforce after they graduate or proceeding to abachelor's degree in a four-year university.

What Distinguishes One from the Other?

While bothtrade schools and community colleges can provide a good foundation for a careerin the trade, it is still ideal for getting to know what makes them differentfrom each other. This way, students will be able to weigh their choices andsettle for the best option.

Sometimescalled the technical or vocational school, a trade school is an institutionwhere students can acquire a hands-on education in a specialized career. Careerscan be in the field of carpentry, woodwork, construction, plumbing,electricity, and many more.

Communitycolleges, on the other hand, deliver a type of coursework that is compatiblewith that of most universities. These institutions prepare students for a four-yearcollege.

Theirdifferences between the two are apparent in the following fields: coursework,learning environment, length of study, method, cost, and financial aid. Thefollowing is a more in-depth take of each option.

Since tradeschools are more specific and specialized in a chosen career field, programsoffered usually do not include general courses. While it is common to haveclassroom lectures, most programs involve practical applications of theknowledge they have learned. This allowsstudents to jump straight into the profession they choose, letting themcomplete the program at a much faster track.

Unlike tradeschools, community colleges are mostly theory-based and include more lectures.Since they provide a more rounded education, students can expect to completecourses that are not entirely related to the field of their choice. This mayinclude mathematics, communication, humanities, and even writing courses. Thatis why community colleges can be used as a stepping stone to a 4-year degree inother universities and colleges.

As mentionedbefore, trade schools are more hands-on. They emphasize practical learning,encouraging the first-hand experience of the things one learns inside theclassroom. The curriculum often focuses on the skills that can better preparethem for their job. Students can be sure to get their money's worth if they arelearning an in-demand trade skill.

On the otherhand, students from community colleges are expected to spend a lot of time onclassroom lectures as well as hands-on experience, depending on their field ofchoice.

CompletionTime

Another obviousdifference between trade schools and community colleges is the length of timethat a student needs to complete the program.

While it varieson the program, trade schools usually offer certificates and diplomas thatwould require less than two years for completion. Some programs only require afew months to a year to complete because of the specific focus on a particularskill, making it easier and more efficient for students to get the requirementsthey need to land a job.

Communitycolleges offer programs that usually take two years to complete. However, manystudents take as long as four years to complete their degrees. This must bebecause of the extra or general courses that they need to consider before theycan graduate.

It is more andmore common for today's modern age to offer online classes. While there are alot of community colleges with 100% online classes, most of the trade schoolprograms require physical presence.

Trade schoolsemphasize practical learning that involves machines, equipment, and other toolsthat are in the school itself. Most of these are expensive and cannot be foundat home. Modern and high-powered tools are housed in schools so students needto attend face-to-face classes to learn how they work. Students may also be allowedto practice their skills through on-the-job training.

There are manyprograms in community colleges that are fully available online. There are alsooptions for part-time or full-time classes.

The averagecost of a trade school program is $33,000. Community colleges, while slightlymore affordable than most traditional colleges and universities, can still costa lot more, usually exceeding $10,000 per year. The length of time it takes fora program to complete can also make a significant difference. Because tradeschool programs can be completed in two years or even less, they also cost lessoverall.

In community colleges,graduates can expect to earn certificates, diplomas, or associate and evenbachelor's degrees. Most of the associate programs are widely credited and canbe accepted in many universities and colleges. It is not surprising that manycommunity colleges are considered as a stepping stone for a 4-year collegeeducation.

Trade schools,on the other hand, usually only offer certificates and diplomas. It is an idealchoice for a more skills-focused nature because it provides a straightforwardpath to the career one wants to build upon, eliminating the need for generaleducation units and the like.

Most communitycolleges have available scholarships. They also have options for loans andgrants from both private and public organizations. Many community colleges havethe opportunity to take out student loans from the federal government.

Trade schools offer the same, but scholarships are mostly field-specific. Their programs cost considerably less as well. Many employers who want to have their workforce trained and equip them with more updated skills shoulder the cost of their trade school education. Also, it allows them a more flexible schedule to enable working students to juggle their job and school responsibilities.

In the grandscheme of things, however, either of the two is considerably cheaper comparedto a traditional university or college.

Pros and Cons of Trade

Schools

Trade schoolsare an obvious choice for many students who do not have the means for atraditional education from a college or university. Just like otherconventional higher education institutions, trade schools offer various pathsfor a successful and promising future.

Most of themoffer certificates and diplomas to students straight out of high school orworking adults looking for opportunities to upgrade their skills and getcertified for their respective fields. These fields include but are not limitedto carpentry, graphic design, healthcare, culinary arts, and cosmetology.

Throughattending trade schools, students are equipped with the necessary knowledge andskills they needed for their chosen jobs.

Trade schoolshave both benefits and disadvantages for many students:

Relevant, Career-Focused Skills

In tradeschools, students are taught practical skills that relate directly to theirchosen field of interest. Apart from the classroom lectures, which areconsiderably less, they are provided with ample hands-on training. Most ofthese training opportunities take place in settings that are similar to theworkplace.

Trade schoolshave little general education course requirements and, in most cases, none atall. Furthermore, students are also given limited opportunities for jobplacements after they graduate. Many employers look for individuals who havegained specialized knowledge from trade schools to bridge the employment gap.

Affordable Cost

Completing tradeschool programs cost considerably less than many full-time college programs. Addthe chance for loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid, and the tradeschool cost can cost even less. Since they also require a shorter length oftime to complete, students can also save a considerable amount of money. Theycan avoid paying for massive student loans after they graduate.

Short Time to Complete

Numerous tradeschool programs take two years or less to complete. Consequently, studentsdon't spend as much time as they would in regular colleges. Instead, they can bepart of the workforce and start earning money quickly.

Ideal Class Sizes

Because trade schools usually enroll fewer students per class, classes usually have a lower teacher-student ratio. The instructors give each student a generous amount of attention. Most classes also offer flexible schedules, which means they can attend their classes in the evening or night while working a job during the day.

Narrow Scope of Job Opportunities

Time restraintsand a narrower field contribute to a limited scope of job opportunities fortrade school graduates. Many employers give more value to college degrees sincethey demonstrate a capacity for a long-term commitment.

While thedemand for trade school skills is high nowadays, there will come a time thatthe popularity of their chosen field will decline. To avoid being stuck in alow-paying career and instead pursue another, they will need to earn anothercertificate or diploma.

Limited Options for Schools

Unlike collegesand universities, trade schools are not as many. They also vary in focus andspecialties. As a result, students have limited choices to pick from. Thismeans students would not have much choice of quality institutions as well.

Tuition Rates Can Vary Widely

Although tradeschools are generally cheaper, some institutions can cost higher than theothers. Some trade schools have tuition rates that go as high as $20,000 peryear. One's residency also matters. Students who live within the state canenjoy considerably lesser tuition while those who reside out-of-state will haveto pay more. Students are advised to do some research and see about the tradeschools they want to enroll in to ensure quality and affordability.

Less Exposure to Generalized Education

Most traditional colleges offer general education classes like communication, mathematics, humanities, and history. Generalized education expands the student's knowledge base and equips them with the necessary information that may be outside their field, but which may come in handy in the future. Trade schools, on the other hand, offer no such opportunities. Students miss the chance to explore generalized interests and limit their scope of learning to their chosen fields.

Demanding Schedule

Since mosttrade schools aim to prepare students to be part of the workforce at a muchquicker time possible, students typically have rigorous coursework. Schedules-wise,they use more breaks, too. Month-long breaks between semesters that let allowthem to catch their breaths are fairly uncommon. Trade school requires focus,attention, commitment, and hard work at a shorter period.

Pros and Cons of Community Colleges

Also known asjunior colleges, community colleges offer significant incentives to students. Itis ideal for those who want to explore their options first before committing toa 4-year university program on a schedule that works for them. This is wherethey can complete general courses while they weigh their options, allowing themample time to figure out what to major in or which institution they will obtaintheir degree.

Most communitycolleges are more affordable than universities and colleges that offer 4-yeardegree programs. As a preparation for a more long-term college education,community colleges are an ideal choice. They help prepare students on a pathleading to 4-year undergraduate degrees.

In the US,students can choose from more than a thousand community colleges all over thecountry. Interested students can weigh the pros and cons of attending onethrough the following:

Smooth Transition to 4-Year College

Communitycolleges are known to ease the transition to college and adult life. Some highschool graduates are uncertain of the best career path to pursue. While tryingto decide on their career path, they can attend a community college.

This move willgive them some time to grow into the idea of a four-year college. They canconsider what to major in and which university to enroll. Parents do not needto worry about paying massive amounts of money when their children are stillundecided about their future career path. In the meantime, students can exploretheir options and get their feet on the ground.

Cheaper and More Affordable Tuition

Just like trade schools, community colleges are more affordable as opposed to 4-year universities. Students can save as much as 50% or more of their educational cost in their first two years. This will buy them and their parents more time to prepare for the more rigorous financial demands that a 4-year education entails. What is more, most community colleges are accredited, which means general education courses can be transferred when students finally decided to move to a 4-year college.

Flexible Class Options

Communitycolleges provide a more flexible class option. Students who attend communitycolleges can take on part-time jobs while pursuing their education. Communitycolleges offer more night classes than most universities. Students also havemore class schedule options with less workload.

Learning Institutions are Closer to Home

Most states havetheir community colleges, giving easy access to students who want to pursuetheir higher education. Attending one in the local area will cut down costs ontransportation and housing. This arrangement also allows them to fit theirclasses with their schedules. They can take on a part-time job in theirlocality and attend their classes at the same time.

No Option for 4-year Degrees

While mostcommunity colleges can help one transition to a 4-year university, it is,unfortunately, a means to get one halfway there. To acquire a 4-year education,students need to go to an accredited 4-year university or college. Communitycolleges are mostly designed to provide two years of instruction that can beused for a 4-year undergraduate degree in another institution. Most of theoptions are for specific certifications in many vocations that are integral forjob advancements.

Inadequate Campus Life Experience

Most community colleges allow students to fit their education around their life; hence campus life is not a priority. While there are opportunities to take part in athletics, organizations, and clubs, they are not integrated into campus life. Students who prefer an energetic social atmosphere will find attending a community college lacking.

Limited Degree Program Options

Students whowant to explore many options for majors will find that community colleges havemore limited scope compared to 4-year institutions. Most local communitycolleges only provide a handful of degree options to choose from, usuallyoffering those that lead to more popular occupations. Specialized classes aresadly not as common.

Credit Transfer Challenges

While most colleges and universities accept transfer credits from community colleges, there are cases when one encounters difficulty in doing so. Often, this happens when students go out of state or fail to acquire an associate degree. Their credits might not translate as well to some 4-year universities. In most cases, they might be required to retake some of their classes or go through an exam. There are also limits to transfer credits, with 90% credit transfers allowed at most.

3 Top Trade Schools in the U.S.

Known as the leading provider of training for automotive programs for 53 years, the Universal Technical Institute is one of the best choices for students who want to earn a certificate or diploma in their chosen skills-trade field. This educational institution spreads out to 12 campuses all over the country, with three campuses found in California.

Showcasingstate-of-the-art industry facilities, strong partnership with industry leaders,and excellent training that align with the requirements of employers, studentscan be sure to acquire and gain knowledge and skills that are integral to theirinterests and field. They can be assured to be better trained and preparedbefore joining the workforce.

Students canexpect hands-on training at a faster pace, allowing them to earn money within ayear or less. The school has a strong relationship with many employers from significantmanufacturers, dealerships, and local shops.

Their programsvary and are known for their quality education. Students can learn automotivetechnology, diesel technology, and welding technology, among many others.

Brownson Technical School, located in Anaheim, California, is rooted in the back shop of Don Brown's business in 1984, an HVAC and appliance repair instructor who shared his rich experience in the field to aspiring students.

With the helpof his son, Don Brown has developed and built a course with integrated hands-ontraining, enabling students to learn a highly technical career in a shorterperiod. The school has earned a reputation for excellence in the HVACvocational industry. They offer two HVAC programs to students: one for thosewho want to learn the skills of HVAC Technician, and the other is a pathway forHVAC certification.

Anotherdistinction of Brownson Technical School is its offer of DDC (Direct DigitalControls), computerized control for industrial, commercial, and homeinstallations. It is one of the knowledge and skills valued by employerslooking for trained and certified HVAC technicians.

In Brownson, students can be assured of quality education and training that can help them land meaningful careers and employment in the field of HVAC. They offer a competency-based approach to teaching, providing students with the same level of excellence as they progress through their careers.

Students shifting career paths or strengthen their existing skills in HVAC can consider attending HVAC Technical Institute in Chicago, Illinois. This technical school focuses on training and preparing students by equipping them with practical skills that can be applied in air conditioning, ventilation, and heating workplace.

The schoolprovides personal instruction that significantly helps students to learn atdifferent speeds. They limit their class sizes to 20 students per instructor,ensuring that students will be able to receive ample training that they need tosucceed. Upon graduation, students can receive R-410A safety certification andan EPA section 608 universal license. These certifications are integral inproviding them with skills to work and build a career as soon as they leave theschool's doors.

Studenteducation at HVAC Technical Institute, however, does not end when one acquirescertification. To stay up-to-date in the skills game and upgrade their competenciescan always enroll back in one of their previously completed HVAC classes.

3 Top Community Colleges in the U.S.

A private, non-profit school, Lake Area TechnicalInstitute is located in Watertown, South Dakota. In 2017, it was awarded Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. It has a large variety of specializations, all of which can be accomplished in two years.

The distinctive technical education offered by this community college helps students land a job in a high-demand career field. The programs are cutting-edge, equipping them with highly qualified skills and training needed for their roles in the workforce. As leaders in technical education, the school integrates the latest technology and methods in delivering quality education to meet global workforce demands. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Some of theirchoices include disciplines in the field of agri-business, agri-production,commodity merchandising, energy technology, aviation maintenance, high-performanceengine machining, human services technician, law enforcement, communityhealthcare, cosmetology, diesel technology, and many more.

Opening its doors in 1961, Columbus Technical College is one of the three technical schools in Georgia to pilot engineering technology programs when it offered an Associate Degree in Applied Technology. Every academic year, the college enrolls nearly 5,000 students. They award associate degrees, diplomas, and technical certificates, boasting job placement rates in the 95% range.

With more than100 academic programs of study, Columbus College helps students gain valuablehands-on experience and skills that can strengthen their capabilities for asuccessful future. Some of the courses and programs on offer include AirConditioning Technology, Automotive Collision & Repair, AutomotiveTechnology, Carpentry and Cabinetmaking, Dental Hygiene, Drafting Technology,Cosmetology, Welding, and Major Appliance Repair and Technology.

Located in southeastern Washington, Walla-Walla Community College serves as the educational and cultural hub in the region. Currently, the college enrolls 13,000 students for the academic school year.

In thiseducational institution, students can earn degrees and certificates in 20different fields, including in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, Healthcare, GeneralStudies and Humanities, and Mechanic and Repair Technology.

Students also get financial aid options. Roughly 40% of undergraduate students at Walla-Walla Community College received grants or scholarships. The school also offers an open admissions policy and credit for life experiences.