Should I Choose a Career College or a Trade School?

Vocational education affords students, particularly working adults returning to school, the opportunity to receive specialized education in a relatively short amount of time. Traditional education is designed to highlight the most relevant curriculum and to incorporate a high degree of professional training and hands-on experience. This structure is endorsed for the purpose of familiarizing students with an actual workplace scenario.

The type of training received varies according to trade, career choice and institution. Two types of vocational training institutions exist in the forms of career colleges and trade schools. While the terms are often used interchangeably, there are fundamental differences which must be acknowledged.

The primary distinction between career colleges and trade schools is that career colleges are primarily concerned with for-profit education. While the source of funding is different for both institutions, each school's reputation and credibility are determined by the quality of education that they provide. Various accrediting institutions exist to ensure that vocational schools meet minimum standard requirements and are capable of delivering adequate training and support to the student body.

Further distinctions can be made by examining the course content that each school emphasizes. Trade schools focus heavily on the actual skills being developed in a particular industry or trade (i.e. auto mechanic training equates to how to perform repairs). Career colleges, however, offer a synthesis of trade skill training, background science, and theory. Additionally, career colleges emphasize career development skills like resume writing, interview training, and interpersonal communication.

For-profit institutions, like career colleges, are often subject to scams and unfair practices, which can deter students from pursuing career training. Students are encouraged to research institutions and verify accreditation prior to enrollment.