When you think about learning a trade, your mind might go straight to shop class. But, while many jobs in trades require in-person training at a vocational center or in a paid apprenticeship, you can find online trade schools, too.
Trade education, also called career and technical education, is increasingly digital. The trades are incorporating online learning and even virtual reality. (Read more about VR as one of the trends changing the skilled trades.)
Benefits of Online Vocational Schools
- Complete coursework on your schedule
Distance learning makes working regular hours while earning a trade certificate possible.
- Learn anywhere
If you're looking for a specialty program, you might not be able to find one in your area. Enrolling in an online program can help you complete your certificate without having to uproot your whole life.
- Experience the best of both worlds — online and in-person
Many online trade schools require you to complete an internship or other fieldwork with a local employer.
- In some cases, it costs less
The price of an online degree varies depending on the school and program. Sometimes, online programs charge a lower rate per credit hour. Plus, you'll save money by not paying for transportation and room and board.
4 Best Online Trade Schools
To create our list of best online vocational schools, we used data from the National Center for Education Statistics. These trade and technical schools are accredited and cover a variety of career paths.
How to Choose the Right Online Trade Schools
Research online vocational schools before committing to one — after all, you can't exactly visit the campus. Here's your checklist for finding a solid school:
- The curriculum meets the standards of the field.
Many community colleges and in-person vocational schools team up with local business chambers to formulate their curriculum. Online programs should connect to business as well. If you're not sure about the information you're getting from a school, talk to a trade association. Trade associations like the American Association of Medical Assistants focus on standardizing educational requirements for their trade.
- The program incorporates real-world learning.
Just because you'll complete most of your courses online doesn't mean that's the end of your training for a trade. Seek programs with internships and externships or opportunities to job shadow.
- The school will help you find a job.
Does the school have career placement services? Or a dedicated career success advisor? Before enrolling, ask about these types of resources for students.
- The program has proper accreditation.
Accreditation acts as a seal of approval. In many fields, you can only get your license to work if you've attended an accredited program. There are many different accrediting bodies. Make sure your school is accredited and has the right accreditation for your state and program.
- The instructors are qualified.
Find information about the instructors before you join. They should have real experience to draw from and the credentials that you are seeking.
Requirements to Attend Online Trade Schools
Complete an online application. This usually comes with a fee, anywhere from $25 to $225. Some colleges will include personal short essay questions on the application. They may even request a video-conference interview.
Earn a high school diploma, GED, or another credential. Most schools require this — but not all. Some colleges may allow you to take a different entrance exam.
Be able to complete coursework in English. If you primarily speak a different language, you may need to pass an English proficiency test before enrolling.
Have compatible technology. Before applying to an online vocational program, find out what type of internet connection you'll need and if there are any apps, software, or hardware you need to install or purchase.
Other Ways to Work in the Skilled Trades
Apprenticeship
Some tradespeople, including electricians, plumbers, and welders, begin their careers in an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships include in-classroom learning and real working experience. As an apprentice, you earn while learning — getting paid for the work you complete under supervision. You can find apprenticeships on Apprenticeship.gov and through local union chapters.
Community College
Community colleges usually offer many degree and non-degree programs — from two-year associate degrees to diploma and certificate programs that take a few weeks to a year.
Community colleges offer discounted tuition rates for in-district students, making them more affordable than many private, for-profit schools. Plus, you might just find that your local community college also offers flexible schedules, such as night classes and hybrid learning. So definitely check this out as an option.
In-Person Vocational Schools
Vocational schools are another hub for career and technical training. They're recognized and funded by the government and provide training programs ending in non-degree credentials such as degrees and certificates.
Associate, Bachelor's, and Advanced Degrees
There are also plenty of degree pathways in the trades. For example, if you begin with a certificate in dental assisting, you can return to school to complete an associate degree that allows you to work as a dental hygienist — and earn more money doing it. From there, you can even complete four years of dental school to become a dentist.
In many mechanical trades, you can complete more formal education to earn an associate degree. You could also pursue a bachelor's or master's degree in engineering to design structures, computers, and other machines.
If you're not sure where to begin, consider the pros and cons of trade school versus college.
[category-tab-list title="How to Pay for Online Trade School"]Many students attending the schools on our list receive financial support from the Federal Pell Grant.
Who qualifies: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to see if you qualify.
Amount: In the 2021-2022 school year, the maximum amount in the 2021-2022 school year was $6,495
Deadline: June 30
In addition, we've compiled a list of scholarships for vocational students along with steps for applying to scholarships.
Online vocational schools may offer students aid or flexibility in paying or other discounts on tuition or supplies. Ask prospective schools if they offer the following:
Military and veteran benefits
Need- or academic-based scholarships
Flexible payment plans
