Deciding on which trade you would like to pursue is the first step in determining which Fort Worth trade school will best suit your needs. This should be a personal and financial decision not to be made lightly. While many think of trades in relation to jobs like plumber, tile worker and electrician, the current job market has expanded to include trades in fields like criminal justice, computers and medical billing. Trades are lifelong endeavors that require hard work to continually develop your skills. In the trade industry increased skill equals increased salary. Research the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a federal government agency, to get a good overview of a certain profession. The bureau provides salary information, working conditions and job outlook. Taking the time to understanding your personality, work preferences and the current job market will influence which career you ultimately choose.
A dozen or so trade schools are available in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. Almost every conceivable trade is offered at one of these continuing education institutions. Trade schools range from automotive and commercial vehicle training at the Universal Technical Institute and culinary arts at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts to criminal justice at Remington College and electrical training at Everest College. The Texas Trade Schools & Colleges Directory will give you a good overview of what programs are offered at certain Dallas-Ft. Worth schools.
Trade schools, understanding that most students have work and family obligations, provide schedules that include evening and weekend classes. Kaplan College, which offers programs in dental assisting, medical assisting and criminal justice, provides a flexible schedule that includes morning, afternoon and evening classes. Another option is to check if the schools provide online classes. Trade schools are primarily hands-on training, but some theory classes may be offered online to help students maintain a flexible schedule.
The admissions process for most trade schools is similar. ATI Career Training Center requires a high school diploma or equivalent, interview with an admissions representative and completed application. These are the basics requirements for enrollment, but some may require additional information depending on the program. Many medical programs require physicals and background checks. Most programs will require non-native English speakers to pass a proficiency in English test. Contact your desired school to inquire about what requirements you need to meet for enrollment.