Trade schools historically grew out of the vocational classes that high schools offered. High schools had shop, mechanics, agricultural techniques, and home economics. As earning a certificate or diploma became more important, trade schools began to emerge. When tradesmen came to America, they had apprenticeships. An expert in the making and engraving of silver, for example, invited a boy to be his apprentice and taught him to replicate the work that he did. The apprentice had the experience of watching a master at work. There was no classroom. The apprentice was gradually given more and more tasks to complete. As he became skilled at the craft, he might inherit the master’s business or choose to strike out on his own.
While the master might teach him how to track prices and send bills, the focus was solely on the craft and making money. They didn’t discuss history or philosophy together, nor did they study grammar or language.
The Rise of Vocational Schools
As vocational or trade schools began to take shape in the country, organizations like the 4-H Club began teaching children and teens through hands-on experience with someone actively practicing the craft. High schools also formed similar clubs, such as FFA (Future Farmers of America) and FHA (Future Homemakers of America).
After WWII, there was a widespread belief that everyone needed to go to college—it was part of the American Dream. Eventually, someone admitted that not everyone belonged in college. This didn’t mean they weren’t smart enough for higher education. It might simply mean they preferred working outside, tending to animals, fixing cars or racing them, or helping the ill without pursuing the extensive “book learning” required for an R.N. They might have wanted to be a carpenter. It took time for America to realize that not everyone needed, nor wanted, a college degree.
The early trade schools taught practical skills like carpentry, secretarial work, and mechanics. People who worked in those fields—carpenters, secretaries, and mechanics—were hired to teach the classes. Initially, students could earn a certificate in one to two years. The classes were hands-on, and the students worked with the tools of the trade. Carpenters worked with wood, learning to use different saws and levels, while mechanics worked with engines, etc. In two years or less, students were prepared to enter the workforce. Teachers, often well-known in the community, would provide references, and a certificate from the school served as valuable experience on job applications.
As time passed, trade schools began adding more subjects and evolved into vocational schools. By the 1990s, they had become career colleges. Some of these institutions offered associate degrees, typically about 60 credit hours. If students attended a community college connected to a larger university, they could transfer those credits to pursue a Bachelor’s degree. However, most career colleges weren’t affiliated with a larger university, so students typically stopped after earning an associate degree. Accreditation status played a significant role in determining the value of the degrees.
Career colleges offer programs in fields such as medical assistance, dental hygiene, and various office-related healthcare roles. Many also offer degrees in computer science, preparing students for technological careers. There seems to be a career college for nearly every field that doesn’t require a four-year degree. Over time, some of these colleges have grown into full-fledged universities.
Some students find career colleges less intimidating than traditional four-year institutions. Career colleges often advertise their smaller, more intimate environment as a selling point. They claim that students will enjoy a less impersonal experience. However, it’s important to note that this smaller environment usually comes at a higher price. The cost of attending a career college can be substantial, and students may find that their credits won’t transfer to other institutions, meaning they could end up paying for certain courses twice. In many cases, career colleges are not cheaper than traditional colleges; they are just more specialized. The books, for example, are typically sold at higher prices directly through the school, and students may not have the option to buy used textbooks or purchase them at competing stores. Some career colleges believe that textbooks are so important that they should not be resold after a course ends, further increasing costs for students.
Career colleges are often privately owned, sometimes by a single wealthy individual or a group of investors seeking to maximize profits. Some may be non-profit institutions, such as Bible schools, but even then, they are still often quite expensive, despite tax exemptions.
If I were seeking a certificate or associate degree, I would consider a state vocational school. The costs are typically lower, and students can gain practical experience in their chosen field, often in two years or less. Vocational schools have added a variety of programs, including respiratory therapy, body massage therapy, and X-ray technology. It’s worth checking out the offerings at your local vocational school.
Attending a nearby vocational school can also save money by allowing students to live at home. The first year of college, with its allure of parties and social life, might be less tempting when compared to the focused and goal-oriented environment of vocational school. Students there are typically more focused on their careers and working toward their future as efficiently as possible. Hopefully, they aren’t paying excessive tuition just to find themselves in an entry-level job after graduation.
