CDL-A Archives - Ā鶹AV /tag/cdl-a/ Career Training For A Better Life Wed, 05 Jan 2022 16:17:06 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.0.2 /wp-content/uploads/2025/02/cropped-Untitled-design-56-32x32.png CDL-A Archives - Ā鶹AV /tag/cdl-a/ 32 32 What Is Trade School? /what-is-trade-school/ Tue, 04 Jan 2022 17:00:38 +0000 /?p=6538

To summarize, a Trade School (also referred to as a vocational school or career college) is a postsecondary educational institution that prepares people for careers in different skilled trade industries. Additionally, industry certifications are awarded as part of the training programs.Ā 

Moreover, trade schools use hands-on lessons that are concentrated on a specific career. Trade schools also have connections with local and national employers that allow students to find jobs right after graduation.

This article explains in detail what a trade school is and explains how you can apply for enrollment. So let’s get started!

What's In This Article?

What's The Diffence Between Trade Schools, Vocational Schools, Technical Schools, And Career Colleges

certification-maine-trade-schools-nti
One of the benefits of a trade school education is receiving industry certifications that you can take wherever you go.

To begin, it’s important to know the difference between a trade school, vocational school, technical school, or career college. While the terms are mostly interchangeable, there are some important differences.

Trade School

Overall, trade schools are postsecondary institutions that train people to work in the skilled trade industries. During training, students learn using hands-on lesson plans in shops and labs. Students must also meet a required number of on-the-job hours to graduate.

Vocational School

To sum up, vocational schools are either secondary or postsecondary institutions that teach specific job skills. Usually, they’re funded by the government and taxpayers. And, it takes a year or two to finish their programs.

Technical School

Basically, Technical Schools (also known as technical colleges) are educational institutions similar to trade schools. But, the training at a technical school is less hands-on and more like a traditional college classroom or lecture.

Career College

For the most part, career colleges are privately owned and offer associate’s level degrees for specific careers. Their programs also take a couple of years to finish.

Patient-services-representative-Classroom
Trade school students can learn in classrooms or online using distance learning

Trade Schools And 4-Year Colleges: What's The Difference?

To be clear, there is a long list of differences between a trade school and a traditional 4-year college. For example, trade school students graduate in a fraction of the time it takes for traditional college students.

And another example is the cost of school. Because on average, 4-year college students spend about 3-4 times the amount trade schools charge.

But there are too many differences to list here without this article turning into a novel. That is why you should read our blog post: Trade School vs College: What’s The Difference?

Career Training Programs

Skilled trade work in recent decades has been scrutinized and seen as low-paying jobs that no one wants. But, in reality, skilled trade workers are well paid and highly in demand across the country.

And chances are that you donā€™t realize how many skilled trade industries exist and how important they are for society.

Currently, Ā鶹AV’s curriculum includes healthcare programs, HVAC/R programs, technology programs, and commercial trucking programs.

Healthcare Career Training Programs
HVAC/R Career Training Programs
Technology Career Training Programs
Truck Driver Career Training Programs
View All Training Programs

The Benefits Of Trade Schools

There are numerous benefits to career training. To summarize, those benefits include:

  • Nationally Recognized Industry Certification.Ā Firstly, one of the biggest benefits of a career program is the certifications you earn along the way. Certification proves to employers that you are professional, knowledgable, and qualified to work in your field. Industry certification also leads to higher wages and more opportunities.
  • Time To Graduate. Secondly, training programs at Ā鶹AV can all be completed within 1 year. And some programs, like Phlebotomy/EKG Technician, can be completed in under 2 months.
  • Tuition Costs. Thirdly, due to the shorter programs, trade schools are much cheaper than other schools. And, most programs qualify for Federal Financial Aid. Additionally, you can begin the financial aid process by visiting .
  • Focused Hands-on Training. Next, career school training programs specifically focus on the skills you need to know to work in your chosen field. And, those skills are taught using hands-on learning. To clarify, that means you’ll spend more time in shops and labs than in a classroom.
  • Job Placement Assistance. Finally, after you graduate you’ll have a full team supporting you in your job search. Because trade schools focus on career training, they offer things like resume prep and employer connections. That is why trade school graduates find jobs so quickly after graduating.

Career Training Programs

Programs at Ā鶹AV are designed to teach the skills that employers are looking for
Learn More About Career Training Programs

How Do I Enroll In A Career Training Program?

Simply complete the form below and we’ll contact you with more information about career training at Ā鶹AV.

Related Ā鶹AV Blogs

]]> Do Trade Workers Like Their Jobs? The Answer Is Yes! /do-trade-workers-like-their-jobs-the-answer-is-yes/ Fri, 24 Sep 2021 17:14:17 +0000 /?p=7399

Introduction

Online home repair directory, , recently released a report on the trade industries in America. In the report, they examine different aspects of the trade industries.

Their findings include where industry pros work, how they learned their skills, and age distribution. But, the most notable result in the study revealed how industry pros feel about their work.

Table of Contents

Skilled Trade Workers Say They Definitely Feel Satisfaction At Work

The labor shortage has become known as the . Because of factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, stagnant wages, and general dissatisfaction, employees are quitting at elevated rates. But, in the trade sectors, things look a little different for workers and businesses.Ā 

According to , a staggering 83% of respondents in the skilled trade industries say they feel somewhat or extremely satisfied with their career choice. Thatā€™s a stark difference from gig industries and food service workers who report dismal wages and working conditions. In fact, only 1 out of every 20 tradespeople said they feel somewhat or very unsatisfied about their jobs.

trade-career-satisfaction-graph

ā€œOn one side you have disengaged workers leaving their jobs, and on the other you have skilled home tradespeople saying they are happy because they find meaning and value in their work, making it a unique and opportune time to attract new talent to these careers, while also improving employee engagement across the country,ā€ says Oisin Hanrahan, CEO at Angi.

The report notes that the top driver of job satisfaction is the value and meaning employees find in their work. Overall compensation was a close second reason. And flexible working hours came in third overall.

The Skilled Trade Gap Is Still A Threat

Despite extremely high job satisfaction, competitive wages, and flexible schedules, the trade industries are still losing workers faster than they can attract new ones. This deficit is known as ā€œthe skilled trade gapā€, and has been a problem for decades.

Part of the reason the gap exists is because of the high number of trade pros that have retired. And beyond that, more than a quarter of tradespeople will retire in the next 10 years. As the baby boomer generation reaches retirement, the younger generations are left to fill the gaps. But, fewer young people are entering the skilled trade workforce.

Angiā€™s research shows that the average age of people entering the skilled trades is growing. In the past, people on average entered skilled occupations between the ages of 16 and 20. Now, the average age is between 25 and 30. Angi attributes this rise partly to people attempting a 4-year college degree, but later turning to the trade industries to find work to pay off their school loans.

The Silver Lining: Better Job Opportunities

As the skilled trade gap continues to grow, several silver linings are appearing. With fewer workers but growing demand, better job opportunities are popping up. Employers are desperate to find qualified labor to meet demand.

About 68% of businesses reported struggling to hire skilled workers. And about 35% report being understaffed. 50% said that the available workforce is stunting growth and 68% say they could grow their business if they had more workers.

Along with offering better pay and incentives, employers are also turning to groups who historically donā€™t work in trades. This includes women and people of color. More and more outreach is being done to train and employ individuals in those groups. And this not only benefits the individuals but also their communities.

Summary

With the ā€œGreat Resignationā€ also comes great opportunities for those willing to chase them. And the best way to chase them is to have someone who will help guide you along the way. Thatā€™s where trade schools like Ā鶹AV come in.

Trade schools put their students on an accelerated path towards a great career in the trade industry. Comprehensive hands-on training and job placement assistance after graduation has helped Ā鶹AV to place over 10,000 students in life-long and satisfying careers.

Currently, Ā鶹AV offers hands-on career training programs in:

Financial aid is also available to those who qualify.

What are you waiting for? Start your career training and get on the road to a better and more satisfying life.Ā 

Get More Info About Trade Career Training
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Print

More Blogs...

]]> Trade School vs College – What’s the Difference? /trade-school-vs-college-whats-the-difference/ Thu, 27 May 2021 14:57:24 +0000 /?p=4881

For the most part, Americans think that a 4-year college is the only option for higher education. And over the past couple of decades, we’ve been taught that the natural path after high school is to attend a college or university.

As a result, the common idea is that you can’t be successful without a bachelor’s degree. But, there are other options. And one of those options is a Trade School (also known as a technical or vocational school).

Misconceptions have told us that trade schools are “alternatives” for folks who don’t have the skills to attend college. So, the job skills gap has widened and college debt has risen exponentially. Now, more and more people are starting to look to trade schools as an affordable and quick alternative to college.

What's In This Article?

Healthcare Career Training Programs
HVAC/R Career Training Programs
Technology Career Training Programs
Truck Driver Career Training Programs

What Is Trade School?

A trade school is an educational institution that trains students in a number of fields that translate directly to a job. Trade schools have on-the-job training integrated into coursework so that a student is fully prepared to enter the field of their degree immediately after graduating.

5 Key Differences Between College & Trade Schools

There are a lot of differences between a four-year college and a trade school like Ā鶹AV. Hut we’re going to take a deeper look at the 5 differences that matter the most.

1. The Cost of Going to School

The cost of higher education is a major factor for anyone choosing a school to attend. In 2020,ĢżĀ with the average student owing just under $33,000 after graduation. Those costs increase each year.

Trade school is much cheaper than a four-year school. At Ā鶹AV, the total cost of tuition ranges from $6,000 ā€“ $20,000 depending on the program.

Do you need help paying for your career training? Ā鶹AV career programs are eligible for theĀ Ā as well asĀ Ā grants and loans. Ā Ā鶹AV offers a scholarship to its students, also.Ā The Charlie Liponis ScholarshipĀ was established in 2010 to help students achieve their goals without building debt.

These savings mean fewer student loans and more financial freedom when you move into your career. Thatā€™s a huge advantage for people shopping for their first home and building a family.

Healthcare-Trade-School-Career
The Phlebotomy/EKG Technician program teaches the safe practice of drawing blood for tests.

2. Time to Completion & Graduation

A Bachelorā€™s degree program requires at least four years of classes, lectures, labs, and internships before you graduate. At a trade school, youā€™ll get your career diploma, certifications, or licenses within 6 weeks to a year. That difference adds up to a lot of money when you consider how soon you can start earning a professionalā€™s salary.

The graphic below illustrates what 4 years at a trade school looks like versus a four-year college:

college-vs-trade-school-timeline
HVAC/R Technicians are in high demand

3. Type of Coursework

There are plenty of ways to learn a subject. The traditional college experience involves many different classes intended to round you out as an experienced student. An English major takes their English courses with math, history, psychology, and many other courses. This approach works for many people, but not everyone.

But, at a trade school coursework is focused solely on training related to your chosen field. Youā€™ll learn the ins and outs of the industry and any technology involved. For example,ĢżHVAC studentsĀ focus on learning about heating and AC units. So, they wonā€™t have to worry about passing a class outside of their program of interest.

4. Job Availability

In modern fluctuating economic conditions, many graduates of a four-year institution have trouble finding jobs in their field. Bachelorā€™s program graduates might decide to earn a Masterā€™s degree to make them better candidates for high-paying jobs. But sadly, the added qualification may not be enough to get the job.

Trade schools train students for skilled careers that prepare them to work as soon as they leave school. Ā鶹AV trains students using the same technology and techniques used by industry professionals. As a result, this makes our graduates the top candidates for open positions in their fields.

Ā鶹AV also provides assistance to all students during their job hunt. Our career services department helps all students with resumes, cover letters, and interview prep. Ā鶹AV also has partnerships with many local employers which gives our graduates a foot in the door to a new career.

Commercial-Trucking-Program
Learn to drive commercial trailer trucks in one of the Ā鶹AV truck yards

5. Career Stability & Job Security

With the advancement of technology and the internet, itā€™s never been easier for companies to outsource their labor to foreign countries. In 2018, U.S. overseas affiliates employedĀ . The biggest industries at risk include call centers, human resources, and manufacturing.

The skilled careers taught at Ā鶹AV and other trade schools are not as vulnerable to the threat of outsourcing. For example, a phlebotomist canā€™t draw blood from a person in a different country. A commercial truck canā€™t be driven from India. When an AC unit breaks down a technician is required on-site to fix that unit.

A trade certificate or license gives students guaranteed job security. It allows them to have more stability and earning potential throughout their lives.

What Can I Learn At A Trade School?

Currently, Ā鶹AVā€™s curriculum includesĀ healthcare programs,ĢżHVAC/R programs,Ģżtechnology programs, andĀ commercial trucking programs.

See What You Can Learn At Ā鶹AV

Graduate in less than a year with job offers.
Learn More About Training

Conclusion

For many Americans, a four-year college may be the right choice. But, trade schools provide another option. Trade schools train and prepare you for your new life in less time and for less money. Ā鶹AV offers:

  • Hands-on learning
  • Flexible schedules
  • Distance learning options
  • Experienced instructors
  • FAFSA andĀ GI Bill Ā® eligibility
  • And an opportunity for a better career

What are you waiting for? Schedule a meeting with an Admissions Advisor, today. Or, take a tour of the campus nearest to you and see for yourself why Ā鶹AV has been Maineā€™s premier trade school for the past 25 years.

Request More Information About Career Training

Related Ā鶹AV Blogs

]]> Federal Commercial Driver Medical Requirements Are Changing /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/ /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/#respond Mon, 01 Feb 2021 20:57:01 +0000 /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/ is updating rules and regulations regarding commercial driver medical certifications. Ā 

For many years, CDL drivers have been required to pass a regular health examination from a medical professional. Commercial drivers are also required to carry proof that they passed their exam (usually a certificate) whenever they operate a commercial vehicle. The medical exam requirement itself isn’t changing. But, the way that a driver obtains that certification is being tweaked.

The previous rules and regulations

Previously, drivers were allowed to use any doctor they wanted to perform their exam. It didn’t matter what kind of doctor signed off on the exam, and it wasn’t a matter of concern for the FMCSA. Their only concern was that a driver could provide proof that they passed the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam. This meant that a doctor, a dentist, or even a podiatrist could issue the exam. Ā 

There were also no limitations on how frequently an exam could be administered. That meant that if a driver failed an exam, they could just go to a different doctor the next day for a passing grade. Some doctors even allowed drivers to retake the exam multiple times before giving the final grade. So, drivers with borderline medical conditions like high blood-pressure could fail and then pass on the same day or very soon after.

New rules and regulations

With the new rules, the process of giving and receiving a physical exam has gotten more difficult. The FMCSA is taking more control over who can perform the exam. They’ve created the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This is a list of licensed doctors who have been certified to administer the test. Drivers who need to find a licensed doctor can find a complete list here:

Since doctors need to be registered, drivers also have to register their certificates with the state that issued their license. Failure to register could result in suspension or revocation of the license. Drivers must also report to the state whether they’re operating in interstate or intrastate commerce. They also have to indicate if they’re an exception to the exam. Exceptions usually include individuals who drive fire trucks, school busses, etc. Ā 

If a driver fails the physical exam the FMCSA requires that the problem be corrected before they can drive again. The driver may have to report to their personal physician for help correcting the issue.

]]> /federal-commercial-driver-medical-requirements-are-changing/feed/ 0