10 Reasons Why a Technical School May Be Right for You

Article adapted from Indeed.com

10 reasons to attend a technical school

At times it can feel like a traditional college education is the only option after high school. However, depending on your goals, financial situation and ideal career, a technical school could be right for you. Here are a few reasons to attend a technical college:

1. Career-focused: Technical colleges prepare students for specific careers. This is very different from universities, where you'll get a more general education, with the flexibility to change paths if you decide to. If you know what you want to do and it requires a fair amount of hands-on training, a technical school may be a good choice for you.
   

2. Less costly: Because technical programs are typically less time-intensive, the cost of tuition is usually significantly less than a community college or university. Some trade schools build the cost of books into tuition, making it even more cost-effective.
   

3. General education for your career: At a technical college, even the general education courses are designed to educate and benefit you in your chosen industry.
   

4. Practical practice: Universities tend to take a more theoretical approach, where trade schools focus more on the practical. Technical colleges offer students opportunities to experience what their future workplace might be like. The primary way they do this is by offering internships to their students, which allows them to work in their field and gain some valuable on-the-job training.
   

5. Admissions requirements: Getting into a university can be competitive, and a lot of focus is put on an individual's GPA and test scores. Gaining entrance into a technical college, however, can be less stressful. Admissions requirements for most programs are more relaxed than a university or community college.
   

6. Flexible and convenient: As with universities, a majority of the programs at a technical college will require students to attend weekday classes, but there are other options available. Many programs offer weeknight and weekend courses as well, which is ideal for individuals who are working while attending school. Taking night or weekend classes may be more convenient, and it allows students to take their time to get through the program at their own pace.
   

7. Job placement before graduation: Technical schools put a lot of emphasis on career development by offering seminars that focus on subjects like how to find and get a job, how to create an effective resume, useful job hunting tips and how to communicate with a potential employer. The instructors at most technical colleges are industry professionals who can offer useful advice and have connections in the field. Whether it be through internships or job fairs, students are put in contact with potential employers before graduation.
   

8. High employment rate: The programs that trade schools offer typically point toward occupations and industries that are expected to be in high demand by the time students graduate. Additionally, students train for jobs that require someone to be physically present. This decreases the likelihood that these positions could be outsourced or automated in the future.
   

9. Specific studying: At colleges and universities, students are required to take courses outside of their area of study. For example, most degrees require students to study a foreign language or take statistics regardless of what they will ultimately do day-to-day in their field. Unlike community colleges or universities, students attending a technical college only take courses that relate to their specific field of study.
   

10. Smaller classes: Class sizes at trade schools tend to be smaller, allowing for more individualized and attentive training from instructors.