Are you a resident of Georgia or do you want to attend the best vocational schools in the state to acquire a trade skill, kindly read this post.
The United States is where you will find various accredited institutions offering trade skills in different fields of study. Whether you want to become a professional in the medical field or a skilled worker in the construction industry, there are trade schools that offer affordable programs.
Georgia is one of the southern states where you can find vocational schools that offer trade skills in a conducive learning environment. Programs offered at Georgia vocational schools are affordable and students may be eligible to benefit from the financial aid available at these trade schools.
Stay with us as we discuss trade schools in Georgia and programs offered at every institution.
Why Choice a Trade School?
A trade school or technical school is a post-secondary educational institution that offers a wide range of programs in several fields of study.
In general, post-secondary education prepares students for successful career paths in different fields of study. A state like Georgia has better job prospects and trade school graduates are in for earning lucrative paychecks.
Acquiring a skill is important when you look at the demand in various industries today. Georgia is a state where trade skills are in demand, especially if you are a computer support specialist, web developer, or dental hygienist.
The state’s vocational schools offer affordable programs to train students in these fields.
Trade schools in Georgia are interested in training students to acquire knowledge and skill to excel in various career paths. After graduation from Georgia vocational schools, students are ready to enter the workforce.
Vocational schools in the state provide practical instruments alongside hands-on training to prepare students for exciting career paths.
Many trade schools in the state collaborate with regional industrial partners and also provide tailoring programs to prepare students for the job market.
The Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) provides over 600 academic programs to thousands of students. Out of the over 600 programs offered, 17 offer free tuition for students who are residents of Georgia.
The state of Georgia provides 22 colleges, and 88 campuses, and online learning is also available as well.
Also Read: Georgia Institute of Technology Acceptance Rate, Admission, Tuition, SAT/ACT, Rankings
Career and Salary Outlook for Trade School Graduates
Georgia is one of the southern states that provides affordable programs for students to acquire trade skills in various fields of study. Vocational schools in Georgia are institutions that are interested to see students excel in various career paths.
Post-secondary education is demanding and it also provides career opportunities in various industries. Getting to that level also provides an opportunity to earn a higher income.
Obtaining a higher level of education attracts higher earnings in various industries. Obtaining a high school diploma or GED will only attract jobs with low paychecks.
According to a report in 2017, high school graduates only earned a median annual salary of $29,437. Those with post-secondary education earned a median annual salary of $35,055.
The reports also show that individuals with certificates earned a median annual salary of $35,055 to $40,000, while associate degree holders earn a median annual salary of $27,000 to $44,000 in 2017.
Now when it comes to career and salary outlook in the job market, there are several factors to consider.
Firstly, experience level is a factor to consider in this situation. Secondly, location and industry are important factors to consider as well.
Financial Aid Available at Trade Schools in Georgia
We can all agree that it is more expensive to attend a four-year college or university compared to attending a trade school.
Georgia is one of the states that provides affordable programs for students. In-state tuition is affordable for every resident of Georgia to attend any trade school.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the tuition for Georgian residents totalled $2,901 at two-year public colleges in 2018, while the tuition at four-year public colleges was $7,206.
State and federal financial aid is offered to students to assist them through college. Vocational education may be affordable, but there are students who may need financial aid to complete their training program.
Financial aid is provided to such students in form of grants, loans, and scholarships. The simple process starts once a student completes the FAFSA. Make sure you complete the form by your school’s or state’s deadline.
Scholarships for Trade School Students
Many scholarships are available to vocational school students. These scholarships are often provided by community organizations, employers, schools, and churches.
Keep in mind that these scholarships are only available to eligible students.
The scholarships available at Georgia trade schools include;
Lewis Center Scholarship Fund
This scholarship is offered by the Home Builders Association of Georgia and it’s available to students seeking a career in the homebuilding industry.
Applicants must submit a statement of career goals with two letters of recommendation and proof of financial need.
Southern Automotive Women’s Forum Scholarship
This is a scholarship for women studying in a STEAM-related field suitable for the automotive industry at any two-year technical school.
Applicants must be a resident of Georgia or live in other eligible states. They must also present a minimum GPA of 2.5 to be eligible for this scholarship.
Zell Miller Grant
This is a merit-based program that provides full tuition for eligible students pursuing a certificate or diploma at selected colleges or universities in Georgia.
Rob R. and Christel Adams Veterinary Technology Scholarship Fund
This is a scholarship designed to help students with at least a year of work experience as a veterinary assistant. It offers $5,000 to eligible students seeking an associate degree in veterinary technology.
Programs Offered at Trade Schools in Georgia
Here are the programs offered by vocational schools in Georgia.
- HVAC Technology
- Auto Mechanic
- Welding Technology
- Aircraft Mechanic
- Diesel Technology
- CDL Truck Driver
- Paralegal
- Criminal Justice
- Emergency Management
- Cyber-security
- Information Technology
- Healthcare Information
- Pre-Nursing
- Dental Assistant
- Electrical Technology
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Medical Assistant
- Healthcare Administration
- Pharmacy Technology
- Accounting
- Fire Science
- Business Administration
Trade Schools in Georgia
Let’s explore the vocational schools in Georgia and the unique programs they offer.
#1. Atlanta Technical College
Established in 1945 as Smith-Hughes Vocational School, Atlanta Technical College is one of the top trade schools in Georgia.
This vocational school has gone through a few name changes and relocations as well. In the mid-1940s, this institution opened its door to the first set of students, offering only 24 occupational programs at that time.
Today, Atlanta Technical College offers career-oriented programs in areas like arts and science, health and public safety, technologies, business technologies, industrial, transportation, and technologies.
Atlanta Technical College currently admits about 4,000 students in one academic year. They offer exciting programs to students to fit into various industries today.
Also Read: 10 Best Nursing Vocational Schools in 2024
#2. Georgia Piedmont Technical College
Georgia Piedmont Technical College was initially known as DeKalb Area Vocational School. This institution held its first class in 1961 with just 18 students in attendance.
Since 1961, Georgia Piedmont Technical College has had several name changes. This college started as a small vocational school back in the early 60s, but today, it’s one of the best community colleges in Georgia.
Over 3,000 students enrolled at this college in the previous academic year. The majority of the students hail from DeKalb, Newton, and Rockdale counties.
Georgia Piedmont Technical College offers associate degree programs, which can be completed within 18 to 24 months. Diploma and technical certificate programs are also available at this college and can be completed in less than a year.
Top programs offered at Georgia Piedmont Technical College include computer information systems, medical laboratory technology, practical nursing, business management, and early childhood education.
#3. Southern Regional Technical College
Southern Regional Technical College was established in 2015 from the merger of Moultrie Technical College and Southwest Georgia Technical College.
The main campus of SRTC is currently located in Thomasville, Georgia, while its other education centres are situated in Grady, Tift, Mitchell, Colquitt, Turner, and Worth counties.
Southwest Regional Technical College offers over 155 degrees and diploma programs. SRTC provides hands-on training to over 4,600 students.
Take a bold step towards fulfilling your career goals today by attending Southwest Regional Technical College.
#4. Lincoln Tech
Although Lincoln Tech is headquartered in New Jersey, the company operates many campuses across the United States. There is a campus in Georgia located in Marietta, Atlanta.
If you live in Atlanta or anywhere close to the city, you can take courses at Lincoln Tech to acquire skills in air conditioning, electrical and electronic systems technology, medical assistant technology, ventilation, heating, and medical assistant.
As one of the top trade schools in Georgia, Lincoln Tech’s Atlanta campus features a smart house facility for a medical assistant laboratory, electrical and electronic systems technician programs, and an energy audit structure.
#5. Augusta Technical College
Augusta Technical College was established in 1966 from the merger of Augusta Area Vocational-Technical School and Redmond Area Vocational School.
Currently, Augusta Technical College operates four campuses in Georgia. Its main campus is located in Augusta and there are also other campuses in Thomson, Grovetown, and Waynesboro.
Programs available at Augusta Technical College are structured in five academic divisions such as arts and sciences, allied health sciences and nursing, learning support and professional services, business public service, early childhood education, cyber and digital education, engineering technology, and arts and sciences.
#6. Georgia Northwestern Technical College
Georgia Northwestern Technical College was formed from the merger of Coosa Valley Technical College and Northwestern Technical College.
Coosa Valley Technical College and Northwestern Technical College previously offered adult education programs. Georgia Northwestern Technical College currently operates five campuses in Floyd, Gordon, Polk, Walker, and Whitfield Murray counties.
GNTC offer associate degrees, certificate, and diplomas in different fields of study.
Also Read: 10 Best Esthetician Schools in Atlanta in 2024
#7. South Georgia Technical College
South Georgia Technical College is one of the top trade schools in Georgia. This college was previously known as South Georgia Trade and Vocational School back in the late 1940s.
The first programs offered at this trade school were aircraft mechanics, air conditioning, diesel mechanics, aircraft engine mechanics, basic radio service communication and code, etc.
Basic radio service communication and code is currently offered at South Georgia Technical College as an electronics technology program.
This Georgia-based vocational offers associate degrees, certificates, and diplomas program to over 2,000 students.
#8. Savannah Technical College
Savannah Technical College is an institution in Georgia that offers technical training, and continuing and adult education to thousands of students.
STC operates other campuses in Effingham, Crossroads, and Liberty. There is also an education centre located in Fort Stewart.
STC offers certificate and diploma programs in fields like aviation technology, industrial technology, health sciences, general studies, economic development, and business and professional services.
#9. Albany Technical College
Found in 1961 as the Monroe Area Vocational Technical School, Albany Technical College is one of the top trade schools in Georgia.
Albany Technical College currently educates thousands of students who hail from several counties across Georgia. It’s the only technical college that provides a full-service career development centre on campus.
ATC offers hands-on training to students in fields such as construction, healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, logistics, education, and business.
#10. West Georgia Technical College
West Georgia Technical College came into existence after the merger with West Central Technical College in 2008.
This college has a large student enrollment and offers a variety of programs to students from various counties across Georgia. Programs available at West Georgia Technical College are designed to train students in healthcare management, maintenance and repairs, transportation, and business.
Also Read: 10 Best Boarding Schools In Georgia in 2024
#11. Lanier Technical College
Lanier Technical College operates several campuses in the state of Georgia.
The five campuses are located in Oakwood, Cumming, Commerce, Dawsonville, and Winder. Through these five campuses, Lanier Tech confers associate, technical certificate options in wireless networking technology and accounting.
#12. Gwinnett Technical College
Gwinnett Technical College is one of the largest technical colleges in Georgia. The college operates campuses in Alpharetta and Lawrenceville with over 8,000 students in attendance.
Students can choose a career path from over 155 degrees certificates, and diplomas offered at Gwinnett Technical College. Programs offered at this college focus on areas like business, life sciences, public and professional sciences, engineering, manufacturing design, and computer sciences.
Conclusion
Georgia vocational schools are accredited institutions that offer training in different fields of study. Learning a trade is important when you look at the demand in various industries. Courses are affordable and can be completed within a couple of months or two years maximum.
Learn a skill today at any of these trade schools in Georgia.
