CONSIDER SWITCHING TO A TRADE:
YOUR CAREER IS WAITING
Here at Rosedale Technical College, we have a staff of experienced instructors who are ready to provide hands-on training to prepare you for a successful career in the trades. With programs spanning a variety of industries, you’re sure to find something that suits your interests at our school.
A Guide to Trade Schools
FOR ADULTS OR CAREER SWITCHERS
Many adults find themselves in a position where they need to start or restart their careers. Sometimes your original chosen career path just doesn’t pan out for one reason or another. And, you’re not alone in this. So, you may now be at a juncture where you’re considering going back to school.
While the thought of re-entering the classroom may seem like an impossible feat with everything else that you have going on — you’re already moving in the right direction by simply considering your options.
Why Should You
CHOOSE A TRADE SCHOOL?
Choosing to go back to school as an adult is a highly personal choice and major commitment that might be motivated by a desire to advance in your current career through new skills or because you want to start on a new career path. At Rosedale Tech, we want to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to reach your career goals.
If you are an adult and have been in the career field for several years, making the decision to go back to school can be intimidating. There’s much to consider — time commitment, length of the program, cost, the list goes on. But our technical education programs were designed with you — and so many others that make this difficult but crucial decision — in mind. At Rosedale Tech, students are provided unique learning opportunities through flexible scheduling and comprehensive practical and real-life training to prepare graduates for the workforce after graduation.
The programs were methodically planned to allow you to continue in your career while also receiving advanced education. It can take anywhere from just a few weeks to two years (depending on the program) for graduates to complete a program.
Trade School vs. Four-Year College
While the traditional four-year college is often promoted as the ultimate educational goal, many students find it expensive and have difficulty getting jobs even with a degree. However, students don’t need to get into deep debt as an adult to get the skills needed for a successful career.
Here is a comparison of attending a trade school versus a four-year college:
TRADE SCHOOL
On average, vocational schools cost about $33,000 total for a two-to-three-year program. An estimated cost of education can be determined with our price calculator. And, eligible students can also apply for grants, scholarships, and other financial aid to help pay for schooling.
Technical school can take 1 to 2 years to complete, with some programs even shorter.
There are many diverse job opportunities in the skilled trades -- including the potential to land a job at a company that services the entire world or to learn more about starting your own business so you can be your own boss.
While in school, students have the opportunity to access real equipment, hands-on training, and experienced instructors that help prepare them for employment. Typically, students who attend a traditional school need an internship or additional work to gain access to this type of training. While employment is not guaranteed, our graduates are in high demand.
Because of our caring staff and the demand for the types of students we train, Rosedale Tech continues to report high graduation and job placement rates.
Jobs in the trades are high in demand as they require those who are incredibly skilled to perform the tasks that make up the backbone of our workforce.
FOUR-YEAR COLLEGE
On average, the tuition and fees for a ranked 4-year colleges cost $38,185 for private, $22,698 for public out-of-state, and $10,338 for public in-state.
Students usually take four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, but oftentimes it might take 5-6 years to complete a degree depending on a student’s class schedule.
The competition for jobs is fierce after graduation. Students have to assume that every applicant they are up against has the same level of education and experience as they do -- if not more.
Students still need to earn real-world experience through internships or low-paying positions, but may have a higher lifetime earning potential if they get the necessary expertise.
U.S. colleges have a 60% average graduation rate.
Making a career change can be a daunting task, especially if it means going back to school to get a new degree. For many people, the thought of starting over is simply too much to handle. However, there are alternative options that can help make the transition without completely upending your life — like attending Rosedale Tech.
Many of our programs offer schedules that allow students to balance school with a job or other personal obligations. In addition, financial assistance and scholarships specifically for adult learners may be available to help offset the cost of going back to school.
Career Outlook for the Trades
Below are the number of jobs in each field in 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Automotive Service Technician: 703,800 jobs
- Automotive Body and Glass Repairer: 173,400 jobs
- Diesel Technician: 275,400 jobs
- Electrical Engineer Technician: 117,00 jobs
- HVAC Mechanic: 380,400 jobs
- Welder: 418,200 jobs
- Industrial technician: 64,100 jobs
- CDL Driver: 1,951,600 jobs
I had a rock star career in the insurance industry, and had what many would perceive as the perfect life but the reality was I wasn’t having any fun. With the relationships Rosedale has with employers, you can walk into an industry and within years you can be making a great income, have a good work-life balance, and can be on a solid career path.
Daniel Dennehy-Rodriguez
How to choose THE BEST TRADE SCHOOL
Here are a few questions to ask yourself as you explore your trade school options:
Trade schools vary in what programs they offer. Therefore, before you start looking for a school, first decide what your personal and career goals are so you can find a school that has programs that support those goals.
Also, look at the length of programs. You won’t always have to complete an entire two-year trade school program to achieve some of your goals. For example, CDL drivers can save time and money by finding a school that offers a program that teaches them CDL essentials in a few weeks.
Trade schools are most effective when they are designed around small classes so that students can receive the attention they may need to help them understand complex concepts. The classrooms should also be equipped with equipment and technology that may be found in the workforce to prepare students for working in real-world scenarios.
For example, Rosedale Tech uses actual vehicles for automotive and diesel technician students to work with and a two-story structure that gives students studying electricity a chance to practice commercial and residential wiring techniques.
You should also ask, “What trade schools are near me?” as trade schools work best as an in-person experience rather than online. Only in-person trade schools can offer the hands-on experience needed to excel in the trades. However, if your desired trade school isn’t close by, it might be worth exploring student housing options.
When exploring trade schools, it’s important to find schools that are accredited, have recognized certifications, and employ experienced staff to ensure a degree carries weight when applying for jobs.
Why is accreditation important? Schools that are accredited means that an outside organization (accreditor) has recognized that a school has met specific standards and is qualified to operate.
Rosedale College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career School and Colleges (ACCSC) and is licensed by the Pennsylvania Board of Private Licensed Schools.
Additionally, our automotive and diesel technology programs have met the automotive service excellence standards of the ASE Education Foundation. The instructors of the courses are also ASE certified.
Before starting advanced educational training, it’s important to have an understanding of what you want to accomplish in life personally and professionally.If your education can’t help you achieve these goals, , then the school probably isn’t the right fit.
Trade schools can’t guarantee job placement since they aren’t a job board. However, they should have processes in place that will help network students with employers and set them up to find meaningful employment.
At Rosedale Tech, we believe in action and not just words. We are proud that our efforts in the classroom and our engagement with regional employers helps us to report high job placement rates each year.
OUR TRADE SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Our programs have a student-centered approach, so students can have a positive learning experience. For example, we strive to offer smaller class sizes so that our instructors can support students and offer further assistance when needed while working in the labs
Flexible and Family-Friendly Education
As an adult re-entering the classroom — or for the first time — balancing other commitments is a valid concern. Your current career, home, and social commitments should not prevent you from furthering your education. That’s why at Rosedale Tech, you’re able to move through your program of choice in one of our daytime or evening programs..
Rosedale’s primary value is to offer a student-centered approach. That means it’s providing services and resources that benefit the students.. The focus is and will remain on students and their needs. A student may need to continue working as they trainfor a new career. Or maybe the best part of a student’s day is to tuck their kids in at night. It’s important that there are as few barriers as possible while taking on the responsibility of continuing your education and we’re here to help.
Rosedale’s primary value is to offer a student-centric approach. That means it’s all about you. The focus is and will remain on you and your needs. You may need to continue working your current full-time job as you prepare for your new career. Or maybe your favorite thing about your day is to tuck your kids in at night. It’s imperative that there are as few barriers as possible while you take on the responsibility of continuing your education.
CAREER SERVICES
Our career services are ready to help students throughout their time at school and beyond, whether it be finding part-time or full-time work while in school, preparing to find a career upon graduation, or finding a new job as alumni. The team in the Student Success Center is ready to provide individualized service to help students find meaningful careers. Some of our career services include helping with resume writing, interview preparation, and connecting students with regional employers.
The Student Success Team at Rosedale Tech continually finds opportunities for students to engage with our regional employers. Some engagement opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Bi-annual career fairs
- Mock interviews
- Employer classroom presentations
- Field trips
We don’t guarantee a job, but we have a high rate of employed graduates – many of whom had received job offers before they graduated.
STUDENT LIFE
When students enroll at Rosedale Tech, they become a member of our family. Our family-oriented atmosphere and skilled staff are continuously highlighted in student surveys. We strive to provide the most supportive environment so that students can focus on their education while also developing meaningful connections. Our diverse student body welcomes individuals of all ages and all walks of life, creating a unique learning environment.
For those students who live outside the Pittsburgh area, , we offer off-campus housing. Schedule a tour to see if you are eligible.
Rosedale’s
FINANCIAL AID OPTIONS
The average cost of a trade school per year is $16,500 total for tuition and supplies. However, tuition often ranges between $3,674 and $15,923, depending on how long the program lasts and what you are studying. In addition, other materials you might need, such as books, raise the cost. At Rosedale Tech, students may be eligible to live in off-campus housing if you need a residence close to the school.
We understand that costs can quickly feel overwhelming when looking at higher education. That’s why we have a simple financial aid process. Our financial aid officers can examine a student’s situation and create a personal plan.
Are you unsure whether you can afford trade school? Our school is eligible for receiving financial aid.
Some of the loans, grants and awards our students are eligible for include:
- Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency Grant
- Federal Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Student Educational Assistance Foundation Grant
- Federal Direct Loan Program
- Federal Direct PLUS Loans
- Veterans Benefits
- Workforce Investment Act
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation
- Trade Readjustment Allowances
- Pittsburgh Promise
- Various 3rd party scholarships
- Rosedale Technical College Institutional Grants
While we can’t guarantee acceptance of these financial aid options, we have seen most of our students receive some type of financial aid.