Technical schools, commonly referred to as trade schools or vocational schools, are educational institutions that provide specialized training in very specific career paths. Commonly, these paths include hands-on trades and skilled labor jobs, in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and the culinary arts. The beauty of technical schools is that they offer students a highly career-focused curriculum, with practical experiences that prepare them to enter the workforce fast. Technical school programs typically take two years or less to complete.

However, there are also potential disadvantages to technical schools, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons. Technical schools can be great for those looking for a short-term college experience but may lack the education needed for long-term career growth. Additionally, technical schools are limited in their program offerings and, as a result, their career outcomes.

If you are considering a technical school to level up your skills, it’s important to do your research to ensure this type of school can help you reach your professional goals. Technical school is a good choice for some, but it is not the right move for everyone. To help you make this important decision, we’ve compiled a list of the advantages and disadvantages of technical school below.

We’ve also provided an alternative option to consider as you explore your educational options.

The Advantages of Technical School

There are many advantages of technical school, particularly for those who are seeking quick entry into the workforce, who know exactly what they want to do with their career, and who require a flexible, fast-paced program to get there. Technical schools are also great for people who are changing or expanding their career in certain trades, but require some added skills-based education.

The main advantages of technical school are as follows:

• Fast entry into the workforce:

Most technical school programs can be completed in less than two years, and some in just a matter of months. This allows for quicker entry into a career than the traditional, four-year college route. This also means a faster path to gaining real-world experience and earning a salary.

• Hands-on skills training:

A technical school curriculum is primarily job-oriented training, meaning students develop and practice the skills they need to work in their field of choice. For example, students in a welding program will learn various welding techniques and apply them to practice, through hands-on experience with industry tools and equipment.

• Low tuition costs:

Because technical schools are shorter-term, and because they do not typically have a college campus or extensive services for students, they often boast low tuition costs. Technical school can therefore be an affordable option for those requiring some postsecondary education.

• Simple admissions process:

Unlike applying to a college or university, the process of getting into a technical school is relatively straightforward. Most technical schools simply require that applicants have a high school diploma or GED, and be at least 18 years old. Some programs may require an admissions test (such as healthcare options, which sometimes require completion of the TEAS examination). Also, while this is not formally in writing, it’s recommended that candidates have a good idea of their career goals and, therefore, program of choice.

• Various scheduling options:

Technical schools recognize the value of career preparation, but most won’t expect you to give up your current job to make time for classes. As such, you’ll often find that technical schools offer flexible scheduling options for students to maintain their part-time or full-time jobs while going to school. Classes may be offered on the weekends or during the evenings to account for other obligations. However, because of the hands-on nature of technical schools, most programs require in-person learning. Be sure to check with prospective schools to confirm their availability.

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The Disadvantages of Technical School

While technical schools offer valuable career training, they are not the best fit for everyone. For example, technical schools can be limiting for those seeking upward mobility in their careers, who are unsure what they want to do professionally, or those who are pursuing careers that require a college degree. As you consider your options for higher education, it’s important to closely consider your educational and career goals to decide if attending a technical school is the right choice for you.

Below are some of the common disadvantages of technical school:

• Financial aid barriers:

While technical schools boast affordable tuition rates, they do not typically offer financial aid packages for students in need. This is in contrast to colleges and universities where scholarships, grants, loans, and more. Technical school students may apply for federal aid, but typically find limited financing options.

• Lack of degree options:

Technical schools typically offer certificate awards and diplomas upon graduation. Some technical schools might offer professional credentials for specific careers. While a few technical schools offer associate degree options, that’s the highest level of education possible in these institutions. No bachelor’s or master’s degree programs are offered.

• Limited career growth:

Due to the limited degree offerings, there is only so far you can take a technical education. While it’s true that graduates will be qualified for an excellent job after graduation, they may find trouble growing in that position over the years. Many managerial positions, for example, require a bachelor’s degree.

• Limited program offerings:

Technical schools offer a specific roster of programs, geared towards hands-on trades that require manual, mechanical, or technical skillsets. You can explore examples of technical school programs here. If you don’t see one that sparks your interest, keep doing your research. It’s possible your program of choice is not available at a trade or technical institute.

• Non-flexible skills training:

As noted above, technical schools are great because they offer students the opportunity to master the skills needed for the workforce. Students benefit from hands-on training in these specific areas. However, at the same time, technical school curriculums lack the general education courses that develop the “soft” skills that employers look for: communication, ethical decision-making, social sciences, and more. The benefit of this broader education is you develop a more versatile skill set, that can be applied to several different professions and industries.

• Non-transferrable course credits:

As you consider your long-term career path, is there a chance you will go back to school in the future? This is important to ask upfront, as one hurdle of technical education is that the credits earned do not transfer to a college or university.

• Strict class requirements:

While technical schools often consider student availability in class schedules, they do require students to be on campus while completing their coursework. Additionally, because of the shorter programs at technical schools, they typically require full-time study (whereas some colleges offer part-time classes for working students).

The Best of Both Worlds: A Career-Focused College or University

Career-focused colleges and universities are a great alternative to technical schools. These institutions are known for their career-oriented programs, practical skills training, and services to support students in their career trajectories. When compared against technical schools, they offer more flexibility and accessibility for students, with:

• A range of flexible scheduling options, including full-time/part-time classes, accelerated programs, and online or hybrid class offerings (on top of evening or weekend courses)
• Financial aid packages for the majority of students who apply
• The ability to add on to your education, with transferable credits and advanced degree options, including bachelor’s and master’s degrees
• Various certificate and degree programs, covering a broad range of career outcomes
• Wide skills training options, with both hard and soft skills honed in the coursework

Career-focused colleges and universities, like Goodwin, blend the advantages of technical schools with the benefits of college to provide students with a flexible, fast-paced, career-oriented education and a clear pathway into a job they love.

To learn more about the benefits of career-focused education, or to request information about Goodwin University, please contact us online today. Let us help you launch your career goals!