Vocational Trade Schools in Hawaii

Trade schools, also known as vocational schools, offer career-centered programs that equip students with skills required in specific occupations. Traditional vocational programs cover trades like auto repair, elevator installation, HVAC, and welding.

The continued rise in the number of students who choose to enter the workforce sooner has fueled a demand for more diverse vocational programs. Trade schools now offer programs in information technology, medical assisting, and computer network management.

Vocational programs often take under two years to complete. By offering career-focused programs, trade schools save students time and money. Additionally, some vocational credits can transfer to an associate or bachelor’s program.

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reports that 74% of students with an occupational credential work in jobs that are directly related to their field of study. On the other hand, 53% of students with academic credentials find work in their field of study after graduation.

As such, vocational schools in Hawaii and beyond can lead to lucrative and fulfilling careers.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

The following list ranks the best trade schools in Hawaii. Ranking criteria include accreditation status, financial aid options, cost of attendance, and graduation rates.

A trade school is a postsecondary institution that offers skills-focused programs that prepare students for jobs in a specific sector or industry.

Some vocational programs are available online. However, many online trade school programs use a hybrid delivery method.

Yes. Trade school students can receive financial aid from the U.S. Department of Education (ED).

Most states maintain scholarship and grant programs specifically for trade school students. These programs typically include a residency requirement.

A self-review and peer-review process, accreditation involves the close examination of a school’s academic programs to determine whether they meet standards established by recognized accrediting organizations. Postsecondary institutions voluntarily seek accreditation to demonstrate their commitment to their students.

In the United States, the ED and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the accreditation process. Nonprofit universities typically seek regional accreditation. They can be public, private, two-year, or four-year schools. For-profit trade and sectarian schools usually seek national accreditation.

If you plan to apply for any type of financial aid from the government to help pay for your education, make sure you enroll in an accredited institution. The ED only channels federal assistance packages through accredited schools.

Additionally, schools holding the same type of accreditation often accept transfer credits from one another. Accredited institutions rarely accept credits earned at non-accredited schools.

The ED and CHEA recognize the Distance Education Accrediting Commission as the main accreditor for offsite education in the country, which includes online programs and schools . TheAccrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges serves as the principal accreditor for institutions offering technical or trade programs.

A school’s license to operate is not the same as accreditation. An operating license means a school meets the minimum requirement to offer educational programs within the state. Accreditation evaluates the quality of a school’s academic offerings. Be wary of schools that claim accreditation and a license are the same.

Several factors influence career options and salary levels, including education, industry, and experience.

For example, most trade school programs only require 12-18 months to complete. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), some trade school occupations earn higher salaries than jobs that require a two-year associate degree.

Electrical and electronics repairers earn a median annual salary of $78,410. Diagnostic medical sonographers, who need at least an associate degree to qualify for entry-level positions in the field, earn a median annual salary of $71,410.

The NCES cites psychology as one of the most popular bachelor’s programs, with 117,000 degrees awarded during the 2015-16 school year. However, some of the most common positions for psychology graduates — like rehab counselors ($35,950) and social workers ($50,470) — earn much lower median annual salaries than plumbers ($55,160) and electricians ($56,180).

Many vocational schools continue to offer programs in fields like automobile maintenance and repair, aviation mechanics, and plumbing. In addition, trade schools now offer different types of programs, including six-month certificates and two-year associate degrees in applied technology degrees.

Some tech schools partner with workers’ unions or private companies to administer apprenticeships, which can last up to four years.

See below for some of the most common vocational programs available today.

Begin your search for financial aid by completing the FAFSA. Most accredited postsecondary institutions (including vocational schools) rely on the information you provide on the FAFSA to determine your eligibility for scholarships or grants.

Private donors and sponsoring organizations often also use FAFSA information to allocate financial aid packages. Trade school students may qualify for need-based federal programs like the Pell Grant. Some trade schools also offer their own scholarship programs, which can be need-based or merit-based.

If you need to take out a student loan, consider borrowing from the government before consulting private lenders. Federal student loans typically maintain lower interest rates that remain fixed for the life of the loan. In most cases, loan repayment starts only after you graduate from your program.

Hawaii is proud of its long heritage and seeks to support its native students through scholarship opportunities. The foundation-based scholarships below each administer several financial aid programs.

TRADE AND VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS