trade school Archives - �鶹AV

Trade School vs College – What’s the Difference?

�鶹AV Admin — Thu, 27 May 2021 14:57:24 +0000

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.

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 �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,�� 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 �鶹AV, the total cost of tuition ranges from $6,000 – $20,000 depending on the program.

Do you need help paying for your career training? �鶹AV career programs are eligible for the as well as grants and loans. �鶹AV offers a scholarship to its students, also. The Charlie Liponis Scholarship 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. That’s a huge advantage for people shopping for their first home and building a family.

2. Time to Completion & Graduation

A Bachelor’s degree program requires at least four years of classes, lectures, labs, and internships before you graduate. At a trade school, you’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 professional’s salary.

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

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. You’ll learn the ins and outs of the industry and any technology involved. For example,��HVAC students focus on learning about heating and AC units. So, they won’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. Bachelor’s program graduates might decide to earn a Master’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. �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.

�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. �鶹AV also has partnerships with many local employers which gives our graduates a foot in the door to a new career.

5. Career Stability & Job Security

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

The skilled careers taught at �鶹AV and other trade schools are not as vulnerable to the threat of outsourcing. For example, a phlebotomist can’t draw blood from a person in a different country. A commercial truck can’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, �鶹AV’s curriculum includes healthcare programs,��HVAC/R programs,��technology programs, and commercial trucking programs.

See What You Can Learn At �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. �鶹AV offers:

Hands-on learning
Flexible schedules
Distance learning options
Experienced instructors
FAFSA and GI Bill ® 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 �鶹AV has been Maine’s premier trade school for the past 25 years.

Request More Information About Career Training

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Skilled Trade Industries Stay Strong During The Pandemic

�鶹AV Admin — Fri, 26 Mar 2021 13:22:09 +0000

Introduction

As a country, we’re now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. The skilled trade sectors have remained strong during the economic fallout. While other sectors have struggled, trade companies have seen steady growth. As the pandemic rages on trade industries like healthcare, HVAC/R, commercial trucking, and more have never been more in-demand.

The Skilled Trade Gap

Before the pandemic, there was a growing skilled trade gap in America’s workforce. A “skilled trade gap” refers to demand outweighing the supply of trade workers.

For decades the number of people entering the skilled trades has been lower than the number of people leaving or retiring. According to recent info from the , on average about 7,000 electricians join the field each year while 10,000 retire from it.

What Caused The Skilled Trade Gap?

There are several factors that contribute to the decline in skilled trade people’s numbers.

The most common include:

The aging of the Baby-boomer generation.
Economic recessions.
The focus society has put on young people getting a 4-year college degree.

There’s also a general lack of information provided to the public about the skilled trades.

Most people don’t know how easy it is to enter a trade school or career college. Or, that most career training programs are eligible for financial aid. Trade school tuition is also cheaper compared to a 4-year college.

The Consequences (And Benefits) Of A Skilled Trade Gap

Industry professionals have been worried for years about the consequences of the shrinking population of skilled trade workers. As fewer people enter the trade sector, the squeeze on consumers will be felt more and more. Increased prices, long delays in service, and slow progress are some of the consequences that are seen.

But, there are some benefits to the skilled trade gap. Demand for skilled trade work remains high. As a result, job security for skilled technicians increases. Wages rise to entice new talent. And, companies have room to grow to meet the demand.

That’s why trade schools like �鶹AV (�鶹AV) have been working diligently to train folks for a life-long career in high-demand skilled trade sectors. �鶹AV provides hands-on training from industry professionals. Students learn the ins and outs of their field and are supported long after graduation.

Demand During A Pandemic

When the pandemic reached the US in 2020, states began to shut down. Hundreds of thousands of people were furloughed or laid-off from their jobs. Businesses closed and markets dipped. But, the trade industries saw a surge in demand.

When grocery store shelves were empty across the country, commercial truckers saved the day. Drivers were needed to transport huge amounts of goods so shelves could be restocked. People were also ordering more products online, increasing shipping demands to levels never before seen.

Since the virus is airborne, indoor heating, cooling, and ventilation technicians become vital. Businesses who wanted to stay open during lockdowns turned to HVAC/R technicians to keep indoor areas ventilated. People were also spending more time indoors which put more stress on heating and cooling systems.

Most notably, however, was the need for skilled healthcare workers. Phlebotomists were needed for taking blood samples. CMA’s were needed to help doctors treat patients. And, medical office professionals were needed to handle the boom in insurance claims and payments.

A found that the trade sectors saw double, even triple-digit growth after the pandemic hit. While many businesses were shuttering their doors and unemployment claims were piling up, skilled trade industries saw growth.

When local governments started to issue lockdown orders non-essential businesses had to close their doors to the public. Many trade services were deemed essential to society and could stay open. Now, skilled trade workers enjoy an added sense of job security knowing that their jobs are essential during a crisis.

The Post-Pandemic Skilled Trade Outlook

With COVID-19 vaccines circulating across the globe, we’re nearing the pandemic finish line. But, the damage has already been done. Unemployment numbers across the country are still high. Businesses are still struggling to stay open.

When disaster strikes, one of the worst things that can happen is a loss of income for one or more members of a household. That’s why it’s important to know you have job security. Trade careers offer security, and more.

Start a career in an in-demand industry within a year. �鶹AV provides career training programs for a fraction of the cost of a typical 4-year university. Learn how to master your trade field with hands-on training. Learn on your schedule with �鶹AV’s flexible scheduling and hybrid classes.

Schedule an appointment to talk with an Admissions Advisor today. Find out how �鶹AV provides career training for a better life. Or, fill out an application on our website.

Top 12 High-Wage In-Demand Jobs in Maine as reported by Maine.Gov

�鶹AV Admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:04:42 +0000

by Wendell J. Scott, AHI
�鶹AV Instructor

Whether you are a seasoned veteran at your work or deciding what field you’d like to pursue, the prospect of job security looms us all. Choosing a sustainable career in a field with prospective job growth and opportunity is vital to ensuring the stability of your income. Maine’s department of Labor has compiled a list of the top “High-wage, In-Demand Jobs in Maine” classified by education. In this graph (click here) you’ll see high demand careers which require less than a bachelor’s degree. Many of these careers can be obtained through fast paced and accredited post-secondary education schools.

Though a Registered Nurse is categorized under “Post-Secondary Education Less Than Bachelor’s Degree” according to the Maine State Board of Nursing, half of the programs in Maine are Bachelor’s degree programs while the ladder half are associate degree programs. While associate degree programs are right for some individuals, those who are looking to enter the work force in less than 2-3 years will choose more trade oriented career programs to achieve their career goals. Some of the top Technical Trade careers include Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (CDL Drivers), Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (HVAC Technicians), and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (such as Medical Assistants, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists).

Summary

If you’re considering a career which has potential to grow as well as job security in the state of Maine, yet cannot commit to the length of an Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree Program, consider a trade school that has the potential to achieve your career goals yet train you to enter the work force in a relatively short amount of time. To see if a trade school in one of these high demand industries is right for you, take this fun and free job personality assessment.

Free Job Personality Assessment

Works Cited
Labor, M. D. (2014, June 27th). High-Wage, In-Demand Jobs in Maine by Education. Retrieved July 14th, 2015, from
Nursing, M. S. (n.d.). Approved Maine RN Programs. Retrieved July 14th, 2015, from