A vocational school can be a great option to get into a high-paying career in an industry you enjoy. However, it can seem confusing which trade might be right for you. Here are a few steps you can take to make sure that you land in the right industry and career for you. 

1. Consider your interests and talents - What makes you special? Think about what you are interested in, and what you are passionate about. Do some research to see if any of your interests or talents align with the work of a specific field or job.

2. Talk to a Counselor or Trusted Advisor - If you are in high school, consider speaking to your counselor or someone with an understanding of trades. You can also reach out to a technical school local to your area and speak to an advisor there! Someone with an understanding of trade paths and programs can help you to determine if a specific field is right for you.

3. Look for an Introduction Program or Shadowing Program - Vocational schools may hold open houses or other events where you can have an opportunity to explore the programs first-hand before investing. If you don’t see an official program, you can reach out to the school to see if they will accommodate you. Some schools even offer a program where that allows potential students to explore various kinds of trades which you can take advantage of. 

4. Interview People - Reach out to people you may know in trades you are considering to get an understanding of what the job actually looks like in the workforce. Linked here are questions to consider asking in order to get a better perspective of the job. If you have an opportunity to shadow an experienced tradesperson, try to get an understanding of what the environment and daily life would look like for you. Could you do it for 40+ hours a week? Is this a reality you would work hard to pursue?

5. Research Job Security - Look into the expectations of your finances in the fields you are considering, is worth the investment of the initial requirements. Look for developments in the field and if it has a growing need for a workforce. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics can help you to identify salaries and whether there will be a predicted amount of opportunities in the field you select. 

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