The construction industry is vast and if you want to secure the best-paying jobs in the industry, you need to attend the best trade schools.
Construction has made it possible for us to complete several projects across the world. We have built bridges to connect cities and towns all thanks to construction.
Infrastructures, residential, and commercial buildings are projects completed by skilled construction workers.
Construction is becoming more innovative as time progresses. The normal tools used in construction are shovels and hammers, but there is an introduction to 3D printing and robotics.
In this article, we have discussed trade schools for construction and more on the benefit of choosing that career path.
What Are Construction Trade Schools?
Construction trade schools are accredited institutions that offer specific skills required for unskilled workers to excel in the construction industry. These institutions are where specific skills are acquired through training within a particular period.
A construction trade school offers a variety of programs for students. Certificate and diploma programs are available for students to choose from.
Certificate and diploma programs can be completed in less than a year and they concentrate on construction areas like carpentry or wiring. Completing an associate degree program takes more than a year and its covers a wider area in construction.
Several jobs are available to unskilled workers, but attending a construction trade school sets you on a path to better job offers.
Construction trade schools are institutions where you are offered an option to select your preferred area of specialization. Now whatever option you decide to choose, keep in mind that you will learn the key basic concept in construction.
Irrespective of the area you choose, every student must understand the key construction concept such as building techniques, safety, building code and compliance.
Do not expect general education classes, as construction trade schools focus on teaching trade-based classes.
Also Read: 10 Best Trade Schools for Carpentry in 2024
Types of Construction Trade Schools
Generally, trade schools usually focus on a variety of trades and specific areas of learning. Unskilled workers can develop a career in areas like:
- Residential and Commercial Construction
- Construction Management
- Building Inspection
- Carpentry
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Mechanical System (E.g. escalators, elevators, and HVAC)
- Structural Iron and Steel Work
- Electrical Technology (E.g. electrician work, electronics, etc.)
- Plumbing and more
It’s important you do your research before applying to any construction trade school. Make sure the school you are applying to is accredited and meets specific standards set by regional or national accrediting agencies.
What Is the Cost to Attend a Construction Trade School?
We all know that every institution has its specific cost for students to attend. Now when it comes to construction trade schools, the cost appears to be affordable for students.
The tuition fee to attend a two-year program can range from $3,500 per year at public institutions, while that of private institutions can cost about $15,000 is something a year.
Compared to the cost of completing a four-year degree program, the tuition fees at construction trade schools are far below.
Additionally, students can also receive financial aid in the form of scholarships, grants, or subsidized loans.
Course Duration
While it takes four years at least to complete a bachelor’s degree program, trade schools offer programs that take two years to complete.
Trade schools are where skills are acquired through intense training. The cost to attend a trade school is more affordable than that of a four-year college.
What Are the Benefits of Construction Trade Schools?
Generally, attending a trade school has its pros and cons and we will be looking at the benefits and disadvantages.
The Pros
Duration
One thing is for sure, it takes at least four to five years to complete a bachelor’s degree in a college or university. Trade schools for construction are institutions where a particular set of skills are acquired within a shorter period.
Cost
A four-year degree program at any college or university costs nothing below $35,000, whereas the average tuition for a public trade school is about $3,500. The tuition at a private school is around $15,000.
Job Security
Construction workers are needed in every city around the world. According to reports, the United States construction projects need more than two million construction workers in the next couple of years.
Earnings
Graduating from a trade school gives you the opportunity to work in various settings. With your experience and basic skills, you are likely to get a job within a short period. Construction workers get jobs with a good paycheck and they can also start a personal business if they want to.
The Cons
Rigorous Coursework
What you should expect is rigorous coursework due to the duration of completing these programs. The coursework for these programs is quite demanding and sometimes there may be no breaks in the schedule.
Funding
Trade schools are known to have affordable tuition fees. Because of this, students may experience limited funding options, since they are paying less.
Students who are facing challenges to cover the cost can apply for financial aid with FAFSA.
Licensing and Certification
Generally, a license, certification, or registration at the local, state, or federal level is required in some career paths especially if you want high-paying jobs.
Here are some construction workers who need licenses;
- Electrician
- HVAC Technicians
- Plumbers and Pipefitters
- Building Project Inspectors
- General Contractors
Also Read: Full List of Trades for Women in 2024
Construction Certification and Licensure
Getting a construction certification and licensure sets you on a career path to earn a higher income. It makes you more presentable and marketable in the industry.
There are positions out there that perhaps require certain credentials based on the job. If you want to stand out from the others, you need to acquire what they do not possess.
It’s essential you do your research before choosing a particular trade school. What are the important things you should look out for when choosing a program or school?
Always choose an institution that is credentialed by any of these organizations;
- American Institute of Constructors
- Construction Management Association of America
- National Center for Construction Education & Research
Trade Schools for Construction
The United States is home to several construction trade schools and we have listed some of the best trade schools.
#1. Florida State College at Jacksonville
This is a public college and part of the Florida College System with an in-state tuition fee of $2,878. Florida State College at Jacksonville offers certificate programs in HVAC technology, electricity, welding, etc.
It’s the perfect institution where you can start your career in the construction trade. The program offered at Florida State College at Jacksonville can be completed within a short period and the cost is about $3,000 to $3,900.
#2. Apex Technical School
Located in Long Island, New York is one of the top trade schools. Whether you searching for auto repairs, plumbing, welding technology, electrical or construction, Apex Technical School got you covered.
Apex Tech is the perfect institution for you to acquire basic skills and training in a conducive environment. The New York-based trade school have graduated thousands in areas like electrical, plumbing welding technology, auto repairs, and construction.
Their program’s duration is just seven months and the estimated cost for a program is about $18,000.
Also Read: 12 Online Construction Management Courses With Certificates
#3. Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is Pennsylvania’s number one technical college. This college requires that every student must be a resident of Pennsylvania and have established residency for at least one year before applying.
Since its inception in 1905, TSCT has become a public technical college with over 1,300 students and 24 high-skill technical programs. At Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, students are prepared to enter the workforce with skills in electrical construction, welding, masonry, and maintenance.
#4. Texas State Technical College
TSTC is one of the best trade schools for construction. The program offered at Texas State Technical College lasts for four to two years.
TSTC provides online and night classes for students. The Texas-based trade school offers certifications in building construction technology, drafting and design, HVAC technology, solar energy technology and so much more.
The estimated cost to attend TSTC ranges from $1,674 to $13,320.
#5. New England Institute of Technology
The New England Institute of Technology’s main campus is situated at East Greenwich, Rhodes Island.
The instructors at NEIT are industry experts who are determined to prepare you for your career path through hands-on learning. NEIT is an institution where students are encouraged to be innovative by developing interpersonal skills.
NIET also wants its students to become proficient in technology, design, engineering, and building science in construction.
#6. Arizona Western College
Arizona Western College is one of the best trade schools for construction in the United States. AWC offers anything from carpentry to HVAC technology, electrical technology, air conditioning, drafting, and welding.
In-state tuition at Arizona Western College is about $2,900b and the programs offered last for two to four semesters.
#7. Augusta Technical College
Established in 1961, Augusta Technical College is a public school located in Augusta, Georgia. The trade school is part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
In-state tuition at Augusta Technical College is about $3,323. That is a fair price for students to become certified construction workers, residential wiring technicians, advanced pipe welders, and air-conditioned technician assistants or electrical assistants.
Augusta Technical College offers over 200 credential-granting programs.
#8. Foothill College
Foothill College is another public college with affordable in-state tuition. This California-based community college offers a variety of construction trade certificates of achievements in areas like electrical technology, residential plumbing, air conditioning, etc.
Additionally, Foothill College offers online classes and they also allow students to transfer to a four-year university.
Also Read: 25 High-Paying Trade School Degrees
#9. Los Angeles Trade-Technical College
California residents pay $46 per unit at Loss Angeles Trade-Technical College. LATTC offers over 180 certificates and degrees.
LATTC offers an associate degree in plumbing: construction technology, solar thermal installation & maintenance, carpentry, and welding, gas, and electric.
Out-of-state residents studying at the Los Angeles Trade-Technical College pay about $289 per unit.
#10. Lansing Community College
Lansing Community College is an institution that offers HVAC technology and welding, building construction, and construction management.
Online learning is also available at Lansing Community College with an estimated cost of $114 per billable hour. Lansing’s programs can be completed within 30 to 40 hours of study.
#11. Ivy Tech Community School
Ivy Tech Community College is one of America’s top trade schools for construction. Whether you want to obtain a certificate in carpentry construction management, or environmental design and HVAC certifications, you can rely on Ivy Tech Community College.
Ivy Tech is an institution where you can obtain an associate degree in building construction management and electrical engineering technology. The programs offered at Ivy Tech can be completed in just two to five semesters.
The tuition for each semester at Ivy Tech is about $2,243.
How to know if a Career Path in Construction is Right for You
The construction industry is demanding and requires specific abilities. The most important is to show strong physical strength to cope with the long hours spent on construction sites.
It also requires accurate calculations since you will be handling all types of materials. More skills are required if you want to excel in the construction industry and they include;
- Possessing good listening skills
- Good communication skills with other construction workers
- Physical strength to complete hands-on tasks
- Excellent maths skills
- Open to accepting relocation and working with new workers
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are frequently asked questions on trade schools for construction.
Are trade schools accredited?
Yes, most trade schools offering construction training are accredited. The Accredited Commission of Career Schools and Colleges is an organization that provides national accreditation to private post-secondary educational institutions.
Do trade school credits count towards a college degree?
Unfortunately, trade school courses do not count as college credits in any way.
Is trade school a good idea?
Trades schools are institutions where you can acquire skills within a short period and they have affordable tuition fees. Construction is a good career path with promising income in the future.
Conclusion
Construction trade schools are institutions that equip students with specific skills and knowledge. Unlike a college or university, they are affordable when you look at their tuition, and within two years, you have your certificate or diploma.
