Choose the best industrial trade for your skills. If you had a favorite shop or industrial class in high school, like auto shop or woodworking, pursue that trade.
Decide how you want to study. Unlike traditional college subjects, the industrial trades can steer you into the workplace immediately. You can apprentice at an auto body shop or work part-time after class in any of the trades. You can study rudimentary procedures online and get hands-on instruction at a community college or other location.
Inquire about financial aid, class size and schedules. Industrial trade schools may stagger locations, providing lessons, lectures or hands-on experience in auto shop or the generator room in a business. Make sure that you're able to travel to the different locations.
Get the facts about job placement after graduation. Talk to other students and graduates about where they work and if the school helped to place them in the position.
Tour the school. If the main campus is located in an office building or other central location, visit the facility. Check to make sure the classrooms are modern, clean, and well-organized. Ask about the types of equipment students "practice" on during class sessions.
Interview the faculty. If they're practicing mechanics or electricians, they can bring current problems and situations into class sessions. Instructors with present-day experience in the industrial trades can relate to students' technical problems faster since they have real-time experience with the newest equipment and techniques.