Do I need a high school diploma for trade school?

There are times when the motivation to keep going to high school can be hard to find. It may seem easier to start working rather than attending class. We know that many young adults struggle to finish school when there are other important things pulling them away. Be aware that not finishing high school can limit your job options and college-alternatives like trade school. 

Types of Trades

Your ability to attend a trade school can make a big difference in your quality of life, especially if you get into a trade that you enjoy. Trade or vocational schools, are schools that prepare you to do a specific job. Think hairstylists (cosmetologists), plumbers, heating and air technicians, electricians, welders, massage therapists, and more. There are a wide variety of jobs that you can get through a trade school program.

Here is a list of some trade school programs you may choose to pursue: 

• Aviation

• Business Administration

• Carpentry

• Commercial Trucking (CDL)

• Computer Information Systems/IT

• Cosmetology

• Criminal Justice

• Dental Assisting

• Electrical

• HVAC

• Mechanic

• Medical Assisting

• Nursing

• Pharmacy Technician

• Welding

• Wellness/Massage

Time Requirements

Vocational schools are a desirable way to learn a skill because they don’t typically require you to get the general education that a four year college will require. Enrolling in a vocational program means that you get training that is specific to the job you want to do. For this reason, the time in school is much shorter than a bachelor’s degree program. As a result, you can start your career sooner. It often takes around a year to complete a vocational program but some take a little more. 

Income Possibilities

When it comes to income, there is good news! You can learn a trade and get into a job where you can make a good salary. Some trades pay well enough to potentially provide income for an entire family.

Some of the higher paying trades, like electricians, make $60,040 per year or $28.87 per hour on average. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $48,630 per year or $23.38 per hour. It depends on the trade, but you will most likely make a good salary in a trade. 

Education Requirements

The first step to getting a trade job is being accepted into a trade school. A trade school, also known as a vocational school, trains you to do a specific job. However, many trade programs do have one basic requirement: you must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Specific programs that absolutely do require a high school diploma are dental assisting, nursing, massage therapy and cosmetology. To do these jobs, you need to have a license to practice. Licensing exams are typically done at the state level. Since most states do require that you have a high school diploma for licensure, the schools require it as well. 

There are some exceptions to the high school diploma requirement, but there are very few of them. One program that does not require a high school diploma is certified nurse assisting. But, you should be aware that the pay is not significantly higher than minimum wage and the work can be hard. Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) often clean up after patients and help lift or move them around when needed.   

Aviation schools vary in their requirement for a high school diploma. Some require diplomas, but others do not. However, these schools can be quite expensive and require extensive hands-on flight training hours. The training can take two to four years, depending on the program. Prior formal education or military experience in aviation significantly speeds up the process to a private or commercial pilot license.  If this is of interest to you, a career in aviation pays very well. 

No matter what path you decide to take, remember that a high school education provides a solid foundation for life. There are things you need to know to get ahead and the knowledge you gain in high school is going to help. They used to say that knowledge is power. As funny as that sounds, it’s true. The more you know, the easier it will be for you to get into a career that will provide a stable source of income. 

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Still on the fence about returning to high school? Speak to a GS Enrollment Specialist, they can provide the information you need to make a decision! Call 480-689-5999. We hope to hear from you soon!