Traditional trade school jobs have focused on skilled labor occupations for the manufacturing, construction, mechanical and maintenance industries. Through vocational training, students develop skills for employment as carpenters, electricians, welders, millwrights, machinists and automotive technicians. These jobs are usually paid on an hourly basis. In agricultural states, traditional trade jobs may include farming, with specialties for specific crops and animals.
The ever-changing information technology sector has professionals seeking to update their skills or those looking to get into the field through technical trade schools. These computer-oriented programs lead to job certification for basic or advanced programming, animation, graphic design, Web development, computer drafting and design and networking careers.
With careers in the medical profession always in demand, many flock to trade schools seeking job certification as nursing assistants, dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants, fitness trainers and veterinary technicians. Public safety and security jobs, such as emergency medical technicians and emergency management and response coordinators, round out some of the job titles in this sector of trade school education.
Trade jobs are more resilient in a sluggish economy, offering the possibility of a job right out of school. Many former trade school students go on to start their own businesses once they have established themselves in their trade. Pre-school teachers have opened their own day care centers, and manicurists and hair stylists open salons and flourish, having chosen a trade school job over college.