Is there a difference between Trade Schools, Technical Schools, and Vocational Schools?

Feeling like College isn’t the right path for you? If so, you may have heard the terms Technical School, Trade Schools, and Vocational Schools during your search for a career. Sometimes referred to as a College instead of School, but they all seem like the same thing. Let’s explore what the difference is between these advanced secondary school options.

Trade School

Trade School is typically referred to as a college or school that is generally more focused on hands-on careers. These careers are sometimes considered labor-focused industry. These Trades, or careers require completion of education to receive the certification or license. Some examples would be Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage Therapy, Plumbing, Electrician, Auto Mechanics, Medical Assistants, etc. Usually these programs finish in about a year to 2 years depending on full time or part time attendance.

Kasho Haircutting class with Ty Isobe

Technical School

Tech School is usually a school that results in an associate degree, pre-bachelor’s technical degree, or certificate. These technical Programs usually focus on studying book and manuals for computer-oriented training and careers. Think Computer Science, Graphic Design, Animation, Fashion Design, Nursing, and many more.

Trade School & Tech School, Is it the same thing?

NO, It’s not the same thing, but most times these terms basically means/refer to the same thing. Whats similar is that they both finish sooner than a 4 year college, and financially much less. Federal Student Aid, or Financial Aid may be available for you at these schools as well. Here is a link to our Financial Aid Page https://www.tspaftmyers.com/financial-aid/. Please contact admissions@tspaftmyers.com for more details on how to capitalize on those opportunities.

My Experience at Vocational School

When I was a Sophomore in High School, I had the unique opportunity to attend a Vocational School outside of Columbus, OH. My High School was 1 of 5 schools that participated with this school, called Tolles Tech. At Tolles Tech, you could take almost anything you could think of. What I took was 2 years of Cosmetology, but there were other options such as: Early Childhood Education, Landscaping, Auto Mechanic, Dental Hygienist, Computer Science, and many many more. So, this includes careers from both Technical and Trade Colleges.

Depending on your program requirements, you might go to your High School for half a day and then attend Tolles Tech for the rest of the day. Cosmetology students stay on the premises for the whole day and take Science, Math, and English classes onsite to maximize hours. I am so grateful that I had this opportunity to see if Cosmetology would be a fit. If it didn’t work out, I would have gone to College, or another Technical or Trade School while working as a hairdresser.

The Salon Professional Academy Franchise

The Salon Professional Academy Ft Myers is proud to be one of the top Trade Schools in the Country. Our partners from Redken https://www.redken.com/ , L’oreal & Dermalogica allow us to have the best products available to learn on, which makes the learning much easier and more fun. Please call or email us for any information, or to book a tour to see if we are a good fit for you. Whatever you choose, we wish that everyone finds what they are passionate about, and have a fulfilling career.

Please reach out to admissions@tspaftmyers.com for any questions about our programs, or to book a tour.

For information on scholarship opportunities follow this link https://www.tspaftmyers.com/scholarships/

For information on Financial Aid follow this link https://www.tspaftmyers.com/financial-aid/

with much Love,

Ty Isobe

@tyisobe