{"id":23112,"date":"2023-07-14T19:10:14","date_gmt":"2023-07-14T19:10:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/?p=23112"},"modified":"2025-03-25T20:08:34","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T20:08:34","slug":"should-your-company-support-employees-through-trade-school","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/articles\/should-your-company-support-employees-through-trade-school\/","title":{"rendered":"Should Your Company Support Employees Through Trade School? 7 Things to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_23113\" style=\"width: 730px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-23113\" itemprop=\"image\" class=\"wp-image-23113 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Blog-post-26.png\" alt=\"tools \/ Trade school\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-23113\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Source: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/60krlMMeWxU\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unsplash<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In today&#8217;s rapidly evolving and specialized job market, employers are constantly seeking ways to empower their workforce, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One often overlooked strategy is supporting employees through trade school education. This might seem like a substantial investment at first. However, the potential benefits and returns, ranging from improved satisfaction to an enriched set of company-wide skills, are considerable.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let&#8217;s delve into how supporting your employees through trade school can bring a boatload of incentives and foster a thriving and dynamic work environment for your company.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\" async=\"\"><\/script><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4560705956205775\" data-ad-slot=\"9135581814\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What is Trade School?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Also known as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/articles\/what-vocational-careers-will-always-be-in-demand\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vocational<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or technical schools, trade schools are educational institutions specifically designed to skill students for a certain occupation. Examples include careers in automotive mechanics, medical assisting, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC technology.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In these programs, unlike traditional colleges, you immerse yourself in hands-on training, focusing almost exclusively on job-related skills. For those seeking a direct path to a specialized career, trade schools are a fantastic option. It&#8217;s an experience that can open many doors.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Does Trade School Offer?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you think about supporting your employees through trade school, you should consider what this path provides for you and your employees. Here are five things trade school offers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. Hands-On Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional classroom instruction is beneficial, but nothing compares to tangible, hands-on learning that is synonymous with trade schools. For instance, when you <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.penncotech.edu\/lp\/trade-programs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">get hands-on training at Pennco Tech&#8217;s trade programs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, students are actively engaging with their profession firsthand.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This unique blend of learning and practical application ensures employees gain invaluable experience that translates directly into their future occupation in construction and the trades.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Structured Classes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In such a structured class environment, your time is clearly scheduled with well-planned curriculum-based activities. This structure helps your employees know what to expect each day, minimizing the guesswork and enhancing their learning experience, even if they\u2019re part-time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These structured class days ensure employees use their time effectively, allowing them to comfortably manage their work-life balance without the fear of missing out on academics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Small Class Sizes<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Imagine being in a learning environment where your questions are promptly answered, and the instructor knows your strengths and areas of improvement. Unlike university classes, where individual attention can be harder to come by, trade school classes usually have fewer students.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This intimate learning environment fosters a close-knit community that directly benefits your employee\u2019s education. With fewer students, each individual receives personalized attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Required Tools (Sometimes)<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some trade schools also have another perk worth mentioning\u2014they provide students with the required tools for their programs. This can be a significant advantage as it familiarizes your employees with the professional equipment they will likely use in their future job and careers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While this isn&#8217;t a guarantee at all trade schools, it&#8217;s certainly a characteristic that benefits many students. It&#8217;s all about giving your employees a head-start in their vocation from day one!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. Preparation for a License<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most valuable aspects of trade school programs is their robust preparation for professional licensing. Certain jobs <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/articles\/online-training\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">require specific certifications<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before your employees can officially begin work in their field. Trade school prepares students to gain this certification.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This kind of focused preparation can make your employee&#8217;s transition from student to construction professional easier and more efficient, setting them on the path to success.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\" async=\"\"><\/script><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4560705956205775\" data-ad-slot=\"9135581814\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Why Employers Should Pay For Trade School\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now comes the most important question: is there a reason for employers to pay for trade school? There are several, actually. Here\u2019s why employers should pay for education.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>1. The Trades are Desperate for Skilled Workers\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.peopleready.com\/us-skilled-trades-worker-shortage-worsening-amid-soaring-demand-workforce-crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PeopleReady<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the number of skilled trade jobs is outpacing the supply of qualified workers to fill them. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/infrastructure\/new-report-finds-construction-contractors-struggling-find-workers-building\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">90% of general contractors<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are worried about a possible labor shortage, and they should be, as demands for electricians, plumbers, and carpenters have risen more than 100%. The need for concrete masons has risen by nearly 904% from 2021 to 2022.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The trades offer great pay, benefits, and plenty of opportunities for growth for talented employees. However, with the high cost of living coupled with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/digital.lib.washington.edu\/researchworks\/handle\/1773\/44219\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poor work-life balance in the trades<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> leaves construction workers with no time or money to seek out education themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If employers step up and provide their new employees with a chance to enter into a trade school, they\u2019ll never have to worry about a labor shortage. In fact, they\u2019ll even be able to adopt apprenticeship programs once they train up a bunch of journeypeople in their workforce.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>2. Employers Can Attract More Employees<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unfortunately, the trades don&#8217;t have a positive reputation amongst students. In Canada, for example, 96% of people agree that the country has a skilled labor shortage, but <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hrreporter.com\/focus-areas\/recruitment-and-staffing\/3-in-4-canadians-say-theyd-never-pursue-career-in-skilled-trades\/368190\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">76% would never work in the trades<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This sentiment is no different in the United States or the United Kingdom.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the reasons for this reputation is how constricting a journeyperson certification can be for young people. After all, students are more likely to get a new job with a bachelor\u2019s degree, even if the career isn\u2019t in their field. However, few employers view a journeyperson certification as equivalent to a bachelor\u2019s degree despite the fact it&#8217;s the same thing in a skills sense.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employers looking to attract new employees should absolutely include free trade school as a benefit. This will show job seekers that the industry wants to support new workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the trick here is getting new employees excited at the thought of working in the trades. Start by attending high school job fairs, as it\u2019s a great way to connect to future workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>3. Retaining Employees Made Easy<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some employers fear that providing free education is a waste of time and money. After all, can\u2019t your employees just leave after they\u2019ve gained those skills? While yes, your employees could leave, it\u2019s still unlikely this will happen. An SHRM Learning &amp; Development Trends Report from 2022 proved that <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">76% of employees will stay with a company<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that offers continuous training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In that same study, 86% of HR professionals believe that training achieves high employee retention. These numbers are so high because employees feel valued if their employers show an interest in their success. And employees will stick around if they feel that you care for them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Training becomes even more important when it comes to keeping the younger generations engaged. Both Millennials and Gen Z prefer organizations that help them develop their skills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>4. Increased Employee Satisfaction<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By funding trade school education for current employees, companies can greatly enhance employee satisfaction. This policy shows employees that their employers value them, their skills, and their professional growth. This investment in staff can boost morale and employee satisfaction, thereby fostering a more positive and productive work environment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Improving motivation is an important thing, especially in a field where so many employees are understandingly checked out. According to Gallup, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gallup.com\/workplace\/468233\/employee-engagement-needs-rebound-2023.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">32% of full- and part-time employees feel engaged<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 18% are actively disengaged, and this number grows higher every single year.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But when you offer to pay for trade school, you\u2019re drastically improving your employee\u2019s health and happiness. And happiness is a great motivator to stay inside construction and the trades.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>5. New Skills and Knowledge<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sponsoring trade school education allows employees to acquire new skills and knowledge. This benefits the company by adding breadth and depth to their teams&#8217; skill sets. As employees broaden their skill range, they can contribute to the company in innovative and valuable ways.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most importantly, trade school equips you with staff that are on the cutting edge of their industry. While there\u2019s no doubt that experience is valuable, new eyes can also contribute to your business wholly. Innovation is greatly needed in the trades, especially to cut down costs.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>6. Limited Time and Costs<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade school programs are often shorter and more focused than traditional college courses. In fact, many professionals can earn a trade school degree in two years. If you compare this with an apprenticeship program (three to five years), trade school is still the fastest option.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">By supporting employees through these programs, companies can expect a faster return on investment. The time and money saved can be significant when compared to the potential output and contribution of a more skilled employee. While not investing in school is the cheapest option, you still need skilled employees. Plus, trade school is cheaper than apprenticing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade school may cost employers $10,000, whereas an <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/labor.idaho.gov\/dnn\/Job-Seekers\/On-the-Job-Training\/Apprenticeships\/About-Apprenticeships\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">apprentice is paid $15 per hour<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. However, as they improve their skills, they\u2019ll be paid more. By the end of your apprentice&#8217;s first year, you\u2019ve already tripled the cost of trade school. And with trade school, it\u2019s a one-and-done thing. When your employee is done, they can get right to work on the most difficult tasks.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the end, employers save money and get a skilled employee. What\u2019s better than that?<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>7. Inspired Employee Loyalty<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sponsoring your employees&#8217; trade school education can inspire profound employee loyalty.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employees are likely to appreciate and value a company that invests in their personal and professional growth. This loyalty can result in a lower employee turnover rate, saving the company resources in the long run while maintaining a dedicated, high-performing workforce.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Employee loyalty is hard to earn, especially in today\u2019s work climate. However, employers have to take a chance on their employees to gain that loyalty. Don\u2019t be afraid to invest in your workers, as it can lead to incredible gains in <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/articles\/increasing-employee-engagement-improves-morale-efficiency-and-productivity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">employee engagement<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, morale, and efficiency.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><script src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\" async=\"\"><\/script><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4560705956205775\" data-ad-slot=\"9135581814\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong>In Conclusion\u2026\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When it comes to success and growth, investing in your employees stands as one of the most effective strategies. Empowering them with the right tools and education not only sharpens their skills but also promotes a more motivated and loyal workforce that seeks to support them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you&#8217;re an employer considering this route, remember that the investment in trade school education for your employees can yield significant returns for them and for your company\u2019s long-term prosperity. It&#8217;s time to explore the potential benefits and transform your company through education. Your journey towards a thriving workforce may just be a trade school away.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In today&#8217;s rapidly evolving and specialized job market, employers are constantly seeking ways to empower their workforce, increase efficiency, and gain a competitive advantage.\u00a0 One often overlooked strategy is supporting employees through trade school education. This might seem like a substantial investment at first. However, the potential benefits and returns, ranging from improved satisfaction to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":46,"featured_media":23113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2,18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-articles","category-talent-development-and-teamwork"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/46"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23112"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24708,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23112\/revisions\/24708"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.potential.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}