There are many different kinds of trade programs out there! These programs, which are offered online, at community colleges, and specialized schools, are tailored to help students learn the essential skills and tools of the specific industry that they want to enter into. Here are some popular trade programs, where to find them, and what careers they can help you land!

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Cosmetology

Those that attend cosmetology school are typically interested in beauty and wellness. Cosmetologists are creative, entrepreneurial, enjoy having a flexible schedule, and love to work with and serve people.

Some cosmetology schools require students to study and practice a variety of skills within cosmetology, such as hair, nails, skincare, or makeup. Others have more specialized and focused programs that allow students to focus on their specific skill of choice.

Getting your cosmetology degree, certificate, or license opens you up to all sorts of great career opportunities! There is always a demand for cosmetologists, especially in industries like entertainment. This is also a great pathway if you want to learn about owning and running your own business someday.

Culinary

If you love working with your hands, cooking (and eating) great food, want to tell stories about your culture through your food, or have an entrepreneurial spirit, attending a culinary school might be right for you.

Some community colleges have dedicated culinary programs, or you can seek out and enroll in a dedicated culinary school, such as The Culinary Institute of America or the International Culinary Center.

Regardless of where you study, you will learn essential culinary skills, like cooking and baking, that you can use in many different jobs. There are lots of jobs within the food service industry that a culinary program will prepare you for, like caterer, entrepreneur, hotel or cruise services, airlines, food testing for large companies, personal chefs, nutritionists, bakers, to name a few!

Electrical

Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems and products that are used in homes, businesses, and factories. They repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures and identify any electrical problems. Electricians can also work with construction workers, engineers, and architects to help design electrical systems for new buildings. To become an electrician, you will need to get formal training - either through a dedicated electrician trade school or program, or through an apprenticeship. To find an apprenticeship in your state, use this interactive map from Explore the Trades.

In both trade programs and apprenticeships, electricians learn important skills such as problem-solving, troubleshooting, customer service, the ability to repair and maintain wiring and power systems, knowledge of safety procedures, and many more.

By practicing and refining these skills, electricians can work their way up to become master electricians, the highest title and certification one can receive in the industry.

Web development

Web Developers get to think creatively and use their technical skills when they design and develop websites or apps. They help companies and customers define the purpose, audience, and need for a website before building them. Web developers typically only need an associate degree or certification in web design, which can be completed both at community colleges and through online specialized programs. Some essential skills web developers have are concentration to avoid making technical errors, an eye for detail, design skills, and customer service skills.

During their training, web developers learn many coding languages and techniques that can translate into many different kinds of jobs, especially as the tech industry continues to boom. Web developers can enter fields such as advertising, public relations, news, and more– most industries and companies need a website!

Emergency services/EMT

Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, provide life-saving care by attending to patients at the scene of an emergency or accident. They work alongside other first responders to provide critical care to patients before transporting them to the hospital. EMTs must stay prepared and ready to walk into any kind of situation and care for patients of all ages and backgrounds. Those that are quick on their feet, can make fast judgment calls, and are passionate about healthcare should consider becoming EMTs.

Thorough training to become an EMT is required. This training can be done at emergency care training centers, community colleges, and trade schools. To find an accredited EMT program near you, use this database from the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. The most important thing about any EMT program is that it prepares its participants to become certified– a necessary step to work as an EMT.

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