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What are Vocational Classes?
What are Vocational Classes?
Discover how vocational classes provide specialized, hands-on training for high-demand careers. Explore online programs focused on practical skills and job readiness.
Vocational classes focus on teaching practical skills that prepare you for specific careers, often through hands-on training and real-world applications. These courses are commonly offered through high schools, community colleges, and trade schools, making them a flexible option for students at different stages.
Unlike traditional academic programs, vocational classes are designed to help you enter the workforce more quickly with job-ready skills. Understanding how these classes work can help you choose the best trade school and decide if this career-focused approach is the right fit for your goals.
<h2 id="section---VocationalClasses">Vocational Classes</h2>
<p>From automobile repair to welding, vocational classes prepare students for a wide range of technical or trade occupations. Vocational classes can be taken in high schools, at community or technical colleges, or through adult education programs.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutVocationalClasses">Important Facts About Vocational Classes</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites </td><td> Varies depending on program nature; high school diploma standard; certain courses require relevant licensure/certification</td></tr>
<tr><td>Online Availability </td><td> Yes</td></tr>
<tr><td>Common Courses </td><td> Applied communication, mathematics, expository writing, public speaking</td></tr>
<tr><td>Possible Careers </td><td> Automotive technician, accountant, truck driver, carpenter, construction manager</td></tr>
<tr><td>Median Salary (2021)</td><td> $46,880 (<i>for automotive service technicians and mechanics</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td>Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 1% (<i>for automotive service technicians and mechanics</i>)</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics</i>
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<h3 id="section---HighSchool">High School</h3>
<p>Many traditional high schools offer vocational classes such as wood shop, metal shop, auto shop, typing and home economics. These types of classes can prepare young students for a future in carpentry, mechanics, or machining. Some vocational technical high schools devote part of the day to classroom instruction in traditional studies and the rest of the day to vocational classes.
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<h3 id="section---TechnicalAndCommunityColleges">Technical and Community Colleges</h3>
<p>Technical colleges, trade schools and community colleges across the United States offer a wide range of vocational classes. Many of these classes are part of extensive programs offering 1- to 2-year certificates or associate's degrees in a variety of subjects. Some common subjects of vocational classes provided at community and technical colleges include automotive mechanics, culinary arts and electronics.
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<h3 id="section---AdultEducation">Adult Education</h3>
<p>Many high schools, colleges and career development centers offer adult education vocational classes. These vocational classes can be used to teach a student new skills or to reinforce skills needed for their current occupation. These classes are typically held at night or on weekends. The length of many of these programs varies, ranging from a few weeks to a year or two. Some of these programs are administered and coordinated by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE).</p>
