How to choose online courses to prepare for vocational jobs
Trade jobs are seeing a resurgence as more and more young people want to take control of their own careers. Skilled tradespeople can set their own prices for services, schedule hours whenever they want, and be their own bosses. It’s no wonder it’s so popular to go to vocational schools and train in a trade!
The trades have their own accredited training programs. Some of these programs are offered through colleges and universities. Others are offered by completely separate institutes across the United States. Unlike college degrees, these programs only focus on the trade. You don’t need to take extra classes in order to graduate. This lowers the costs and time needed to start working on your career. However, you still need a high school diploma to get in. Wisconsin students who want to learn a trade can start with FREE online classes from eAchieve Academy charter school in order to graduate.
Preparing For Your Career
While eAchieve does not have vocational training classes in our curriculum, we do have career-planning resources to help students take the right classes for their trade. Our counselors then work with you to find the right trade or vocational school for your career plan.
Business education classes like Accounting and Entrepreneurship can teach you about running your own business. Additionally, our electives like art, cooking, and music give you a chance to learn something new and prepare for life after high school.
Trade School Requirements
Vocational schools have admissions requirements just like colleges and universities. To get your trade certificate or associates degree, you need to meet those requirements. Use our career-planning resources to make sure you’re ready to apply to a trade school after graduation. Most vocational programs require:
- A high school diploma or GED
- A minimum age of 16 or 17
- Passing grades on an entrance exam
Some trade positions require more training than others. You might need to pass a licensing exam or register with the state as a member of your trade. If you want to move from being a carpenter to an architect, you’ll need a traditional degree. eAcheive Academy prepares our students for getting into a good college.
Trade school programs may take several months to a few years to complete. This is still faster than most traditional four-year degrees.
Recommended Classes For Trades & Vocations
View Full Course ListScience Courses
The most popular trades require some understanding of science. One wrong move around an electrical panel or water pipe can lead to disaster. Stay safe by learning the scientific basics of your trade at eAchieve Academy. We offer introductory and advanced high school science classes to take before you begin vocational training.
Math Courses
A lot of trade jobs require basic mathematics. Bakers need to know how to measure and weigh ingredients. Welders need accurate calculations to avoid wasting precious metals. And plumbers have to know different equations to keep water pressure under control while they work. Overall, that’s a lot of math! And a student pursuing a career in construction, machining, or programming will need an even deeper understanding of mathematics to succeed.
English Courses
If your trade involves interacting with customers, you’ll need good communication. You’ll need to advertise for yourself, write out quotes, and pass vocational school entrance exams. Take English classes from eAchieve to improve your reading and writing.
Health & Physical Education Courses
Trade jobs can be physically demanding. It’s part of what makes the job so rewarding. But you need to be healthy to avoid on-the-job injuries. Get into shape with eAchieve physical education courses. Our Fitness classes teach students proper exercise techniques to reduce impact on the body during physical activities.
Family & Consumer Science Courses
Studying food preparation, sanitation and nutrition in high school will be invaluable in many careers involving food and drink. Management and decision-making skills learned through online life skills classes build a strong foundation in practically any skilled trade job.
Types of Trade & Vocational Careers
General Trades & Vocations
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Mason
- HVAC technician
- Machinist
- Welder
- Baker
- Cook or chef
- Landscaper
- Alarm installer
- Real estate appraiser
- Surveyor
- Web designer or programmer
- Air traffic controller
Hair Stylist or Barber
- Cosmetologist
- Makeup artist
- Nail technician
- Hair stylist or hairdresser
- Barber
- Aesthetician
- Salon and spa manager
- Massage therapist
- Personal stylist
Cosmologist or esthetician
- Cosmetologist
- Makeup artist
- Nail technician
- Hair stylist or hairdresser
- Barber
- Aesthetician
- Salon and spa manager
- Massage therapist
- Personal stylist
The Benefits of Working in Trades & Vocations
Cheaper & Shorter
Cheaper & Shorter
The majority of training programs for the skilled trades and vocations last from 6 months to 2 years and can lead straight into employment.
Well-Paying
Well-Paying
With most common blue-collar jobs, the paychecks for trades are either at or above other careers, but with less school, you can build your income faster too.
Job Security
Job Security
The trades simply cannot be outsourced. The world will always need mechanics, electricians, plumbers, and welders, so your job security is unwavering.
Availability
Availability
In this career, there are many available jobs and opportunities with the recent lack of incoming workers in these skilled trades jobs.
Intangibles
Intangibles
The number one factor in overall job satisfaction is being able to use your skills and abilities. Hands-on work can be satisfying and can leave workers fulfilled.
Immediate Experience
Immediate Experience
The biggest advantage in this career path is that apprentices can work on projects and earn viable certifications, and are more likely to be hired on full-time.
Meet Our School Councelors
Enrolling in online school can be a difficult transition for students transferring from traditional brick-and-mortar schools. Students are expected to be more independent and self-disciplined. Virtual education requires a broader skillset than traditional schools. eAchieve Academy gives every student access to counselors throughout their online academic career.
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