Technical schools offer instruction in a variety of job-related skills, many of which are related to machinery or equipment. The majority of programs are two years or less. Some programs are designed so that if a student chooses, he or she can transfer, or articulate, earned credits to a four-year college.
Technical schools provide training in a variety of fields, including electronics, information technology, drafting design, and healthcare and medical fields. In addition to theory, a technical school teaches its students a practical skill. Rather than a traditional classroom setting where attendance and professional behavior are required, most programs maintain a workplace environment.
Upon completion of many technical school programs, you will receive a certificate. Although a student will most likely need to purchase class materials and tools, tuition costs are typically less than those at most two or four year colleges. The outlook for such skilled jobs is an advantage of this type of training, as fewer and fewer employees are trained in these fields. Private investigation, culinary training, cosmetology, welding, auto mechanics, and other industrial fields are among the other areas of job training offered technical schools. Some tech schools also teach arts, bartending, fashion design, travel, and video gaming.
In a limited number of fields, some technical schools also offer bachelor’s degree programs. There are also online technical education programs available. If a student thinks he or she might want to go to college after finishing a technical school program, it’s critical to find out early on whether the school has an articulation or transfer agreement with a college or colleges.
Technical school instructors may or may not have a college diploma; however, all instructors have received training in the field in which they teach. After completing the required courses, many programs prepare students to take licensing or certification exams. Students who are interested in technical training in high school may be able to accelerate their education enrolling in a post-secondary technical school.
Good manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination, physical stamina, and strength are all important traits for students pursuing technical school training, depending on the job skill to be studied. Other programs may require students to have strong mechanical or analytical problem-solving skills, as well as good measurement abilities. Students who pursue health-related technical training must have excellent communication skills as well as the ability to follow detailed instructions.