13 Questions to Ask a Trade School

Understanding how to choose a trade school for hands-on career training is a big decision to make.

So, during your search, it’s important to look for a vocational program that aligns with your goals and will help prepare you with the skills needed to succeed. There are many factors to consider in this process, from the on-campus experience and your instructors’ experience in the industry to the career resources offered to students and graduates.

What other sort of information should you look for? How do you get this information?

Easy—you’ll ask the trade school yourself with our handy guide below.

Keep reading for 13 important questions to ask a trade school in order to find out if it’s the right fit for you.

Key Summary Points

• Reputation and industry relationships: It's crucial to research a vocational school's reputation and its relationships with employers in the industry. Schools like Universal Technical Institute (UTI) have built strong relationships with employers and manufacturers, offering students benefits like Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training programs and on-campus career fairs.¹
• Financial considerations: Prospective students should inquire about tuition reimbursement or incentive programs offered by employers to graduates, as well as whether the cost of attending includes books, tools and refresher courses. UTI covers the cost of books and tools in tuition and offers refresher courses at no extra cost.³⁹
• Educational and career support: Look for schools that offer opportunities to earn credits while in high school, part-time job assistance while attending and interview coaching. UTI, for example, offers a Summer Ignite Program for high school students and has Career Advisors to assist with part-time job placements and interview preparation.
• Program flexibility and accreditation: Ensure the school allows customization of training options to meet career goals and is properly accredited. UTI offers a variety of core programs and manufacturer-specific training, and it is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
• Additional services: Consider schools that offer support services such as financial aid, scholarships, housing services and resources for alumni. UTI supports students with financial aid navigation, housing assistance and ongoing career services for graduates, demonstrating a commitment to student and graduate success.¹⁰

1. Do They Have a Good Reputation and Relationships With Employers in the Industry?

Before enrolling at a particular vocational school or technical school, it’s important to do some research on its reputation. What are employers saying about the school’s graduates? Do industry brands work with the school? What are graduates saying about their experiences?

Your education should prepare you for future success, and part of this is networking and making connections with the right people. This is why UTI has built long-standing relationships with employers and manufacturers in the industry. As a student, you can take a Manufacturer-Specific Advanced Training program or attend on-campus career fairs to meet local employers.

Hear from Mark Malizzi, service director for  Fred Beans Ford of Boyertown, on why he hires UTI grads, especially those who take the Ford FACT program:¹

2. Do Employers Offer Tuition Reimbursement or Incentive Programs to Graduates?

Some employers will offer tuition reimbursement after graduation to help students lower the cost of their education. In addition to earning an income by working, an employer may offer to cover a portion or all of a recent graduate’s tuition.

Through the Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Program (TRIP), UTI graduates have received student loan repayment assistance, hiring incentive packages, tool purchase assistance and sign-on bonuses!¹⁴

Read: Why You Should Take Advantage of UTI’s Advanced Placement Opportunities

3. Does the Cost of Attending Include Books, Tools and Refresher Courses?

When budgeting the cost of your education, take everything into account—your tuition, books and tools, cost of living, etc.—which can vary between schools and locations.

Knowledge is power, and the more information you have upfront, the more you can plan. Take the time to do your research and choose a school that is open and transparent about the costs associated with instruction.

If you’re considering UTI, know that the books and tools you will use throughout your program are covered in your tuition. Plus, while you’re in school, you can utilize the Snap-on® tools discount and start building a tool set of your own!

Refresher courses, which are courses that students who successfully passed can retake, are also available to graduates at no cost.³⁹ The curriculum will also evolve with the industry, ensuring that the knowledge you gain from your classes is up to date, no matter when you take or retake them. To learn more about graduate refresher courses, download the UTI course catalog.

Read: Empowering Success: Things You Should Know about UTI’s Student Coaching Program

4. Do They Offer Opportunities To Earn Credits While in High School?

Some schools offer programs or courses you can take in high school that count toward your post-secondary education. This is a great way to explore different industries and career paths while also getting a head start on your training. In many cases, these programs can save you both time and money.

If you’re a high school student thinking about attending UTI, consider enrolling in the Summer Ignite Program. In this three-week, no-cost program, you can test drive an education from UTI while learning real-world skills used in the industry. Upon successful completion of the program, you can receive credit toward your education if you choose to attend UTI after high school graduation.

Learn more at www.uti.edu/ignite!

5. Does the School Offer Part-Time Job Assistance While Attending?

Working while you attend school can be a great way to offset the cost of living. Plus, it can give you valuable professional experience that you can add to your resume.

At UTI, students can benefit from the school’s relationships with local employers to find work while they complete their program. UTI understands the demands that can come with balancing life, work and school, and we’re here to help you find part-time employment that helps to cover your expenses without interfering with your studies. There are local Career Advisors at each campus who can assist and support you in your job search.

Read: Diesel Mechanic vs. Auto Mechanic Training: How to Choose

6. Do They Offer Interview Coaching?

In addition to providing you with the hands-on skills you need, it’s important to choose a school that cares about your professional development. As you start your job search and interview with employers, it can be helpful to receive coaching from individuals who have insight into what the industry is looking for in job candidates. This can give you a leg up as you set out to start your new career.

Many trade schools—sometimes referred to as career colleges—offer resources for students as they start their lives as working professionals. For example, UTI’s Career Services team supports students by offering resume, cover letter and thank you letter templates, as well as interview coaching so they can prepare before meeting with employers.

7. Are a Majority of the School’s Graduates Hired in Their Field of Study?

The success of a school’s graduates is a good indication of the quality of education they offer. If you’re looking to get into a specific field, it can be helpful to learn about the paths of those who came before you.

Were they able to find work in a reasonable amount of time? Were they qualified to find work in their field of study? These are all important questions to ask.

As the industry changes and evolves due to technology, we continue to update curriculum to set graduates up for success. Hear from UTI grad Austin on what it was like to go from having no automotive knowledge to training for an automotive technician career at our campus:

Read: John Norlington Hires the Technicians of Tomorrow

8. Does the School Allow You To Customize Your Training Options To Meet Your Career Goals?

One of the most significant factors to take into account when researching a school is the range of programs they offer. Whether you’re looking to get into the automotive industry or become a welder, it’s important to invest in training that aligns with your career goals and prepares you for where you want to go.

UTI’s programs are designed so you can create your own path. The first step is to choose one of our core programs. Some students even take multiple programs to diversify their skills.

• Automotive
• Motorcycle
• Diesel
• Marine
• Collision Repair
• Welding
• CNC Machining
• Airframe & Powerplant
• Energy
• HVACR
• Industrial Maintenance
• Non-Destructive Testing
• Robotics & Automation
• Wind

After completing the core portion of your training, you may choose to gain additional skills through a manufacturer-specific program. These programs were created in conjunction with leading manufacturers like BMW, Peterbilt,¹⁵ Honda Marine and Kawasaki in order to give students a competitive advantage. 

By learning the specifics of a manufacturer’s technology, you can become more valuable to potential employers. You may be able to take multiple specialized training programs, which could help you stand out even more when applying for jobs. Some auto and diesel manufacturer programs are manufacturer-paid, meaning the cost of tuition is covered if your application is accepted.¹⁵    

Read: John Perez Looks to Hire the Technicians of Tomorrow

9. Is the School Accredited?

Accreditation is very important to consider when choosing any school, especially if you’re considering a trade school. Accredited schools are evaluated by an educational authority and are held to certain criteria to ensure they are qualified to teach students. They are continually assessed and required to demonstrate acceptable levels of institutional, student and graduate success. 

Before investing your time and money into an institution, make sure that it is accredited. UTI is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

10. Does the School Offer Financial Aid and Scholarships?

There’s no doubt that going to school is a big investment financially. However, there may be ways to make your education more affordable—and it’s important to choose a school that can help you explore your options.

UTI students will find support from the Financial Aid team every step of the way. Those students who qualify for financial aid may be able to use a combination of aid types such as grants, scholarships and student loans.¹⁰ Our team can help you navigate the process of applying for financial aid and can offer valuable resources such as tips for applying for scholarships.

Read: Kenneth Leclair: A Pioneer of Hands-on HVACR Training

11. Does the School Teach the Way You Like To Learn?

Everyone has a unique learning style, and it’s important to choose a school that caters to yours. For example, if you’re someone who learns by doing, sitting in large lecture halls for hours at a time may not be the right fit for you.

When exploring different schools, do some research on what the classroom setting will be like and how the instructors teach. This can help you determine whether the environment will be a good fit for your learning style.

UTI is all about providing opportunities for hands-on learning.¹⁸ Whether you decide to go the automotive route or train to become a CNC machinist, you’ll learn by doing. As a student, you will spend a portion of your time in the classroom learning the fundamentals, and the rest of the time will be spent in the lab, where you will put this knowledge into action.

Our labs are integrated with industry-aligned tools and technology, meaning you’ll train with the same equipment used by technicians in the field today. This non-traditional approach to learning is designed to give you the hands-on skills you need to transition into a career after graduation.

Read: From NASCAR Training to Winning Engines: One Graduate’s Story

12. Does the School Offer Housing Services?

When choosing a trade school that requires relocation, you’ll most likely want to choose a school that offers some kind of housing assistance. Living near campus is not only convenient, but it can be a great way to get involved with the community and network with other like-minded students.

With UTI, you can rest assured that you will be in good hands. We’ve got relationships with student housing companies that can help you find living arrangements with roommates or your family close to campus. The housing process works differently at each campus, so be sure to select your specific campus on our housing page when exploring your options.

13. What Resources Are Available to Alumni?

Last but certainly not least, it’s important to choose a school that is committed to the success of its graduates. Some schools offer ongoing support to alumni, no matter how many years they have been out of school.

In addition to helping you find employment while you’re in school, UTI can also support you as you set out to pursue a career in the industry. At each campus, we have a team of specialists who work with dealerships, distributors and employers of all sizes across the country. If you’re looking to relocate and need work or are in search of that next great position, our Career Services team can assist you—whether it’s one or 10 years after you’ve graduated.

Overall, attending a trade school can be an excellent choice for those looking to gain focused training for a career. Be sure to keep these 13 questions in mind as you explore schools in order to make the best choice for you. Best of luck in your search! 

Read: Harry Bookhoop Jr: From NASCAR Technical Institute to the Racetrack

Start Your Journey at Universal Technical Institute

Does UTI sound like the right fit for you? Our programs are offered at campuses across the country, and can help you build career skills employers are looking for.

From auto tech, welding, CNC and more, we can train you for a variety of hands-on careers in the trades!

To learn more, visit our website to request information or call us at 1-800-834-7308 to get in touch with one of our Admissions Representatives today.

Our Trade School Campuses Across the Country

Universal Technical Institute

• Avondale, Arizona
• Long Beach, California
• Rancho Cucamonga, California
• Sacramento, California
• Miramar, Florida
• Orlando, Florida
• Lisle, Illinois
• Canton, Michigan
• Bloomfield, New Jersey
• Mooresville, North Carolina
• Exton, Pennsylvania
• Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas
• Austin, Texas
• Houston, Texas

Marine Mechanics Institute

• Orlando, Florida

Motorcycle Mechanics Institute

• Phoenix, Arizona
• Orlando, Florida