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5 Questions to Ask Before Enrolling in Trade School

How you pursue your education is one of the biggest decisions you can make. Education means something different for everyone. Sometimes it’s a high-school diploma, a four-year college degree, workforce experience, or a hands-on trade program. And it could be a combination! If you’re determined to pursue a vocational program at a trade school in New York, you’ll want to make sure you find a program that will give you the opportunity to meet your goals. There are many things to consider as you decide to find a trade school that is right for you. Here are the first five questions to ask before enrolling in trade school. Keep reading to find answers to each question below.
  • What am I interested in?
  • What vocational programs are available?
  • Does the trade school offer day and evening classes?
  • Does the trade school offer job placement assistance?
  • Does the trade school accept financial aid?

What am I interested in?

Before you can answer the question, “What trade school is right for me?” think about what you enjoy doing. What are your interests and passions? What would you be happy to learn more about? If you’ve always enjoyed cars and hands-on repair, you might consider a trade school with an automotive service repair program. Maybe you recently talked to a family member or friend about their HVAC career and could see yourself in a similar role. Examine where your interests lie and consider how you could bring your unique strengths to a trade.
automotive-service-repair-on-car

What vocational programs are available?

After you determine what trade you’re interested in, seek out trade schools in your area with accredited programs. Visit the school’s website to learn about its program offerings. Websites like Apex Technical School’s give a breakdown of each trade program and what students can learn. As you research, it might be helpful to contact the school to ask program-related questions, like start times or what tools students need.

Does the trade school offer day and evening classes?

Next, find out when the school offers class times. If you work or care for your family during the day, an evening class might be best for you. If you feel most productive during the day, you might want to choose an earlier class time. Your lifestyle and needs play an important part in your educational success, so don’t forget to factor them into your decision.

Related: The Benefits of Evening Trade School Classes

Does the trade school offer job placement assistance?

Not all trade schools offer job placement assistance. Schools like Apex want to make sure students have access to helpful materials when they are looking for a job. Find out if the trade school offers help with resumes or preparing for a job interview. Ask if the trade school will help you search for career options that fit your training and goals.
federal-student-aid-forms

Does the trade school accept financial aid?

Financial aid can help eligible students cover costs. While applying for financial aid may seem overwhelming at first, some trade schools like Apex help students throughout the entire process. Choose a trade school with financial aid advisors that will offer to meet with you one-on-one to discuss financial aid forms and navigate the process. There are several different types of financial aid programs, and the trade school you choose can work with you to offer the best possible combination of aid, such as Federal Student Aid programs, aid from state programs and other miscellaneous programs.

Interested in learning if Apex is a good fit for you? We’re happy to sit down with you to talk about trade school options or answer your questions on the phone. Contact us today; classes are starting soon!

*Apex Technical School and its instructors are licensed by the State of New York, New York State Education Department.

Disclaimer: Apex Technical School provides training for entry-level jobs. Not everything you may read about the industry is covered in our training programs.