Are you looking for the best online trade schools to learn a skill from home? If so, we’ve got answers for you. In this guide, we’ll show you six of the best online schools for trades.
Choosing the right online trade school is key to getting the best-paying vocational jobs after you graduate. We’ll help you figure out which online trade school is the best fit for you. Let’s get started!
Can You Attend Trade School Online?
Are there online trade schools? The short answer is, yes, some schools will allow you to attend trade schools completely online. Before enrolling in trade school programs online, you should know the difference between trade schools, technical schools, and vocational schools. They may not be as different as you think.
Trade schools are for those who enjoy physically demanding manual jobs such as automotive repair, carpentry, or plumbing. On the other hand, technical schools are for those who are looking forward to less physically demanding technical jobs. For example, those who like computer programming, engineering technology, or medical lab technology, should consider technical school. So, what about vocational schools? The term “vocational schools” is an umbrella term that includes both trade and technical schools.
However, it should also be noted that many people use the terms trade, technical, and vocational schools interchangeably. So, who’s the best fit for enrolling in online trade schools? Those who enjoy intensive, hands-on work would be the best match to enroll in online trade schools, as their future jobs will demand it. It’s also a good idea to choose trade schools that offer job placement, as this can make finding a job easier later on.
Types of Online Degrees from Trade Schools
Have you heard about certificates and diplomas but are unsure how they differ? Let’s break it down. To begin with, both are documents showing you’ve finished specific courses in a certain area. However, the key differences lie in the time it takes to get them, the depth of knowledge they offer, and their cost.
Your choice depends on your needs. Either way, GetEducated has compiled a list of top online trade schools offering both certificate and diploma programs, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Online Certificates
Certificates are usually shorter, taking just a few months, and are less costly. They tend to provide a more basic understanding of a subject. If you’re tight on time or budget, a certificate might be right for you.
GetEducated's Picks
- Fisher College Certificate in Computer Technology / Cybersecurity
- East Mississippi Community College Certificate - Accounting Technology
- Bay Path University Certificate in Business Analytics
Online Diplomas
Diplomas, on the other hand, require more time, offer deeper knowledge, and cost more. If you’re looking for comprehensive knowledge and can invest more time, a diploma could be the way to go.
GetEducated's Picks
- Rasmussen University Diploma in Medical Assisting
- Penn Foster ABC Certified Wedding Planner Diploma
- Penn Foster Administrative Assistant Diploma
The 6 Best Online Trade Schools
Penn Foster College
Accreditation: DEAC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $299-$879Penn Foster is one of a few cheap online trade schools that offers a wide range of certificates and diplomas in many fields. For instance, Technical & Mechanical Services, Design & Craftsmanship, and Event & Lifestyle Services are all offered. In general, certificates will take around 2 months to complete. Their diplomas, on the other hand, take 3 to 9 months to complete. Some of their programs will prepare you to get a certification after the completion.
For example, if you enroll in their HVAC Technician Career Diploma Program, it will help prepare you for EPA Certifications. After earning the HVAC Technician Career Diploma, you’ll have access to 394,100 jobs in this field, with an average annual earning of $51,390. Penn Foster also carries a wide range of certificates and diplomas to choose from. So, you’ll be prepared for a job in almost any trade-related field after graduation. Due to its large variety of offerings, Penn Foster is one of the best accredited online vocational schools. Accreditation by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), ensures the high quality of their programs. Here are some programs they offer:
Find Out More:
ABC Certified Wedding Planner Diploma
Appliance Repair Diploma
Auto Repair Technician Diploma
Caterer Diploma
Construction Trades Diploma
Diesel Mechanics / Heavy Truck Maintenance Diploma
Electronics Technician Diploma
Event Planning Career Diploma
Residential Electrician Diploma
Small Engine Repair Diploma
Plumber Diploma
Gunsmith Diploma
Interior Decorator Diploma
Floral Design Diploma
Drafting with AutoCAD® Diploma
HVACR Technician DiplomaUniversity of Florida
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,180 – $5,088The University of Florida is another of the best online vocational schools on our list, and it offers many trades that you can learn online related to the field of pest control. Their pest control certificates range from 15 credits to 24 credits and teach you various skills related to handling pests that are outside of the home. For example, pests can include various insects that roam outside in landscape turfs, shrubs, and trees.
The University of Florida offers certificates ideal for those interested in managing outdoor pests. Their programs are of high quality, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Below are some of the online trade certificate programs available at this school:
Find Out More:
Certificate in Landscape Pest Management
Certificate in Pest Control Technology
Certificate in Urban Pest ManagementMinnesota State College Southeast
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,868 – $6,852Minnesota State College Southeast, another top online technical school on our list, offers various certificates and diplomas related to the field of blueprint creation for constructs such as homes, machinery, and civil infrastructures. These certificates and diplomas usually take around 2 years or less to complete, and they teach you how to create blueprints using Computer-Aided Design (CAD).
After completing their programs, you will be able to get a job as a Mechanical Designer, Plant Designer, Mechanical Drafter, or CAD Technician. Also, since Minnesota State College Southeast is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), you can rest assured that their programs are fully recognized, by a qualified board. Here are a few programs this school offers:
Find Out More:
Certificate in Basic Drafting Technologies
Certificate in CAD Drafting Technologies
Diploma in CAD Drafting TechnologiesKentucky Community and Technical College System
Accreditation: SACSCOC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $1,773 – $9,696The Kentucky Community and Technical College System was first founded in 1997, by the Kentucky Postsecondary Education Improvement Act, offers certificates and diplomas in the area of creating blueprints on computers. These programs, ranging from 9 to 29 credits, teach students how to create detailed blueprints of various infrastructures using computer software.
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System is one of the best technical schools online, and its drafting certificates and diplomas are perfect for anyone who would like to create structural designs for architects or engineers using CAD software. You can pursue various careers such as a CAD Technician, Architectural Drafter, or Mechanical Drafter after completing these programs through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. You can trust the quality of the programs offered by the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, since it is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Here are some online trade school programs this school offers:
Find Out More:
Certificate in Computer Assisted Drafter
Certificate in Detailer
Certificate in Drafter Assistant
Diploma in Computer Aided Drafting & DesignNorthland Community and Technical College
Accreditation: HLC
Total Cost (In-State & Out-of-State): $3,455 – $6,478Founded in 1949, Northland Community and Technical College is another top online technical school on our list. It offers certificates in the area of Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies, which focus on teaching you how to create new products in factories. The certificates at Northland Community and Technical College can be as short as 16.5 credits or as long as 30 credits. In addition, about 70% of students at the college get help paying for their classes. There’s a good chance you can get some help, as well.
Northland Community and Technical College’s certificates are for those who love learning how to create new things in factories. After the completion of their chosen certificates, they will be able to get jobs such as an Automation Technician, Manufacturing Technician, and Welder. Also, since Northland Community and Technical College, another one of the best accredited online trade schools, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, you can be sure to get a quality education. Here are a few programs this school offers:
Find Out More:
Certificate in Production Technologies
Certificate in Welding Technology
Diploma in Medical Office Specialist
Certificate in Patient Access Specialist
Certificate in Imagery Analysis
Certificate in Customer Service
Certificate in Digital Marketing
Certificate in Supervisory Leadership
Certificate in Early Childhood & Paraprofessional
Which Careers in the Trades are Best?
Are you curious about the career options available after completing programs at the best online vocational schools? Enrolling in an online trade school opens doors to a wide array of trade careers. Beyond becoming automotive service technicians, mechanics, or heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians, you can explore fields like AutoCAD drafting, pest control, plumbing, electrician work, wedding planning, catering, and floral design.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2022, automotive service technicians and mechanics earn an average of $46,970 per year, while heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians earn $58,350 annually. The job market is robust, with 733,200 positions for automotive service technicians and mechanics and 223,000 for heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians.
Other career paths offer different prospects. For instance, AutoCAD drafters ($60,400 per year) are in demand in the construction and manufacturing sectors. Pest control specialists earn about $42,210 per year, and are essential in urban and rural settings. Skilled trades like plumbing and electrician work are always needed. Plumbers earn an average of $60,900 per year, while electricians earn $60,240 per year.
Creative fields like wedding planning, catering, and interior design offer opportunities to combine artistic flair with practical skills. Each career offers unique training requirements, salary potentials, and job growth projections. Wedding and event planners can expect to earn an average of $52,560 per year, with an 8% growth outlook. Meanwhile, caterers or food service managers can expect a salary of $61,310 per year. Finally, interior decorators earn an average of $61,590 per year.
Get Started Today!
In summary, if you’re interested in pursuing careers in the trade field, then you should select from the accredited online trade schools we’ve listed above and start working toward your dream job. Whether you choose a trade career involving physical work, a technical career, or a creative path, online vocational schools have just the right program for you!