Technical/Vocational School

What is a technical school?

Technical schools, sometimes referred to as technical colleges or technical institutes, provide students with specific classes that prepare them for a particular career or trade. Technical schools offer areas of study in several fields, including:

• Culinary arts

• Fashion

• Cosmetology

• Computer technology

• Automotive technology

• Business administration

Technical colleges offer programs that can take anywhere from less than two years to up to four years, after which a certificate, diploma or associate degree is awarded. Associate degrees that can be obtained through a technical college include an Associate of Arts, an Associate of Science and an Associate of Applied Science.

What is a technical high school?

High school students also have the option of attending a technical school. Students who attend a technical high school are trained in specific career fields in addition to being provided a high school curriculum that teaches math, science, reading, social studies and information technology. Like technical colleges, technical high schools offer training in many disciplines. Students usually take a survey to decide their career path in their freshman year and begin studying on their vocational track in their sophomore year.

Graduates from a technical high school receive an accredited high school diploma as well as training that has prepped them for further education or even a career. Vocational subjects offered at most technical high schools include auto repair, masonry, welding and electronics.

Technical vs. vocational schools

In the realm of trade schools, there are two major types: technical and vocational. Sometimes "technical" and "vocational" are used interchangeably, however, they refer to two different approaches. Technical programs typically result in an associate degree, pre-bachelor's technical degree or certificate, and focus on teaching the theory and science behind an occupation. Adversely, vocational programs usually result in a certificate of completion and take a more hands-on approach to teach the hard skills necessary for a particular job.

Information adapted from "10 Reasons Why a Technical School Might Be Right for You" from Indeed.com