If you’re interested in starting a skilled trade career, you’ll likely face two main options: attend a trade school or enter an apprenticeship. Neither path is “better” than the other—it depends on your goals, finances, and learning style. This guide will help you understand both options so you can make the best choice for your future.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship allows you to learn directly on the job while earning a paycheck. Apprentices receive hands-on training from experienced professionals and often build college credits at the same time through community college partnerships. There are more than 22,000 registered apprenticeships in the U.S., with over 500,000 participants. However, spots can be competitive, and not all apprentices finish the full program.
The payoff is strong: once you complete your required hours, you’ll become a journeyman and can work independently. In fields like electrical work or plumbing, apprenticeships are the standard route into the trade.
Apprenticeship Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED
- Apply through a union, local contractor, or official registry
- State registration requirements may apply
- Be prepared for waitlists—consider trade school courses while waiting
Trade Schools
Trade schools offer focused training programs designed to prepare you for a career in months, not years. Because courses stick to career-specific subjects, you’ll skip general education classes and dive straight into job-ready skills. Trade schools exist for nearly every field—cosmetology, culinary arts, construction, plumbing, HVAC, and more.
Costs vary widely, but most schools provide financial aid. Accreditation is key: avoid schools that aren’t accredited, as this could prevent you from becoming licensed or transferring credits later.
Trade School Prerequisites
- High school diploma or GED
- Meet minimum age requirements
- Placement exam (varies by program)
- State residency, in some cases
Read more: Applying to Trade School: Requirements
Pros and Cons
Trade School
Pros:
- Much less expensive than a traditional college degree
- Focused, career-specific training
- Flexible scheduling and frequent start dates
- Smaller class sizes for personalized attention
Cons:
- More costly than apprenticeships
- No guaranteed job placement (though many schools assist with it)
- Quality varies—research carefully, especially with for-profit schools
Apprenticeships
Pros:
- Minimal to no out-of-pocket cost
- You earn while you learn
- Debt-free training
- Direct, hands-on learning from experts
- Often lead to permanent employment with your trainer
Cons:
- Competitive and sometimes difficult to enter
- Limited access in certain fields (such as healthcare)
- Less of a “college experience” for those who want it
- Can lock you into one trade unless you retrain later
Trades Where Apprenticeships Are Standard
While many trades can be entered through either pathway, some careers almost always begin with an apprenticeship:
- Elevator installer and repairer – Four-year apprenticeship; most states require licensing
- Pile-driver operator – Four-year apprenticeship through the United Brotherhood of Carpenters
- Structural iron and steel worker – Three- to four-year apprenticeship; welding is a valuable add-on skill
- Plumber, pipefitter, and steamfitter – Four-year apprenticeship under a journeyman
- Electrician – Typically requires a four-year apprenticeship
- Carpenter – Apprenticeship of four years or more
- Solar photovoltaic installer – Usually one year of training, often apprenticeship-based
Making Your Decision
Choosing between a trade school and an apprenticeship isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about fit. Trade schools can get you trained quickly and offer flexibility, while apprenticeships immerse you in hands-on learning and often come with little or no cost. Both paths lead to rewarding careers in the skilled trades.
Ready to explore your options? Use the official apprenticeship finder to search programs in your area, or find a trade school near you today.
| Feature | Trade School | Apprenticeship |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $3,000 – $30,000+ depending on program; financial aid often available | Minimal to none; you earn wages while you learn |
| Length | A few months to 2 years | 3–5 years on average |
| Learning Style | Classroom + hands-on labs | 100% on-the-job training |
| Credentials | Diploma, certificate, or associate’s degree | Journeyman status; often leads to licensing |
| Job Placement | Many schools offer placement assistance, but not guaranteed | High likelihood; most apprentices are hired by their sponsor |
| Flexibility | Frequent start dates, multiple scheduling options | Fixed schedule; depends on employer/union |