Choosing the type of education you will receive is one of the most important decisions any one person will make during their lifetime.
And while attending college or university has long been the preferred route, many fail to consider the benefits of trade school.
Let’s explore further when it comes to the pros and cons of attending university or college versus trade school in Ontario.
The Downsides of a University or College Degree
While getting a university or college degree is regarded as a prestigious (and expensive) accomplishment, the fact remains that many industries are oversaturated with new graduates looking for work.
Unfortunately, post-secondary tuitions have always been on the rise at about 3.6% annually on a national level, and the undergraduate tuition averages around $6,838 as of 2018, not including the cost of books and other supplies.
In addition, statistics show that it takes an average of nine to 15 years for students to pay off their debts, with many are declaring bankruptcy and about 30 per cent of them doing so before the age of 29.
Aside from the high tuition costs and student debt, a university degree usually takes about four years to complete, while college can be take a little less time, depending on the specialty.
The Benefits of Trade School in Ontario
It’s important to note that whenever anyone has tried to hire a contractor, it becomes very clear just how much in demand skilled workers are. The reality is that there is a shortage of skilled workers while jobs in the trades are booming.
The other upside is that an Ontario trade school education costs significantly less than a traditional university or college tuition, which also means lower or no student debt at all.
As well, Ontario trade school graduates typically start placement during their training, resulting in a secured job within about 18 months to 24 months. Most Ontario trade school graduates can land a job much faster than those who have attended university or college.
The other benefit is that some Ontario trade school apprenticeships are paid and enable students to earn money while learning on the job rather than sinking further into debt.
Once an Ontario trade school graduate lands a job, depending on the trade, they can expect a relatively high salary, and in many cases, a steady increase in wages with further experience.
Finally, the other significant advantage to consider is that being skilled in a trade could potentially lead to the start of a successful, independent business.
Choose The Right Path
There’s nothing wrong with choosing a university or college education but it’s not the only the way to achieve a rewarding and successful career. FTI Ontario, a trade school in Ontario, offers several fulfilling apprenticeship programs to get you started on an exciting and profitable journey in the trades. Click here to learn more!
