A few examples of vocational training school programs are skilled trades; beauty or cosmetology; business and office administration; culinary arts; and health care. Some different types of programs in vocational schools, which are offered in skilled trades, are for people interested in fields that include plumbing, carpentry, construction, welding, HVAC and motorcycle or auto repair. Vocational programs can vary in length, and can lead to either an associate's degree or a certificate of completion.
Private trade or career schools and community colleges may offer vocational programs in a variety of career fields. For example, many community colleges offer 2-year programs for office administration, food and beverage management and many health care careers. Additionally, students interested in careers as beauticians, cosmetologists and nail technicians may need to enroll in beauty schools with programs that last between 9 months to a year.
Depending on the specific type of skilled trade program, a student may require 2 to 3 years of classroom instruction and workshops. However, students seeking careers in fields such as carpentry, plumbing, pipefitting and electrical work may need to go through an apprenticeship for hands-on training. For example, plumbers and pipefitters may go through an apprenticeship program that lasts between 4 to 5 years, according to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics.
