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How many years would a trade school course take?
Is it 4 years like college? Is it less?
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Justin’s Answer
Both of these answers are completely wrong and written by someone who isn't in the trades. I am a master plumber in PA, so I have been through the trade schooling. If you go into a union, which is a great idea, you are looking at five years of school and work to become a journeyman. Then going to become a master will take additional time. If you stay out of the union then you are looking at four years of schooling to become a journeyman. While going to school you will work and be paid.
So for me, here in PA, I wasn't able to get into the plumber's union. So i went to one of two schools my county has. I had four years of schooling to become a journeyman. Then I had to work two years as a journeyman before I could take the masters test. However before I went to take the test, I spent six months in a refresher course. The refresher wasn't mandatory, but it was something I did for myself.
Now you can go to community college for an associate degree or certificates for some trades. I don't recommend this as most employers will paid for your training. And you can find a job willing to train someone with no experience. The best thing to do is find a trade you want to want get into. Then explore employment before jumping into a school.
Remember trades earn you a license not a degree; however it will take the same time as a degree in most trades.
So for me, here in PA, I wasn't able to get into the plumber's union. So i went to one of two schools my county has. I had four years of schooling to become a journeyman. Then I had to work two years as a journeyman before I could take the masters test. However before I went to take the test, I spent six months in a refresher course. The refresher wasn't mandatory, but it was something I did for myself.
Now you can go to community college for an associate degree or certificates for some trades. I don't recommend this as most employers will paid for your training. And you can find a job willing to train someone with no experience. The best thing to do is find a trade you want to want get into. Then explore employment before jumping into a school.
Remember trades earn you a license not a degree; however it will take the same time as a degree in most trades.
Updated
Carol’s Answer
It depends on what trade you're seeking a degree or certification for. Often times you can find shorter programs to start entry level work sooner rather than longer term 2 year associate or 4 year bachelor degrees. The longer programs prepare you for more demanding jobs, often with better pay. But some times doing a short term program and working your way up with experience in the time someone is getting a 4 year degree makes more sense (potentially with comparable pay). Additionally you can start with a short term program or certification and then decide to go through a longer program, if say you wanted to get into engineering.
Updated
Christy’s Answer
If you're thinking about going to trade school, remember that the duration of the course can change based on the particular trade you're excited about. Unlike the usual four-year college degrees, trade school courses are usually quicker. Most of them can be finished in just a few months to two years, depending on how focused and intense the lessons are. While some unique trades might need longer courses, trade school is mainly created to prepare you for a job in a shorter period compared to a four-year college degree. I hope this information guides you in choosing the right school for you.