COVID-19 has swept our world, opening us to new ways of attending school and closing other doors as life shifts. If you’ve recently graduated, been laid off, or feel your industry just isn’t where you want to be any longer, you may be considering enrolling in a trades training program. Many of the skilled trades offer fast training and good pay, two especially timely benefits.
As our new normal continues to evolve, let’s go over what attending trade school may look like in 2020...
Read: 1 month to 1 year trade school programs
Increased Online Training Classes
First, understand that programs may temporarily or permanently be offered online, in whole or in part.
Many trade schools immediately halted in-person operations to protect students and staff as the virus gained traction in the U.S. Thanks to technology and quick pivots, numerous schools were able to restart classes within weeks by taking training online.
While one of the best ways to learn a trade has been by hands-on experience, circumstances have resulted in systemic changes. In all types of training programs—from cosmetology to HVAC to mechanics—there is theory-based book work that can be completed online. Lectures can easily be livestreamed or recorded, and schools have made such investments in tech to keep programs operating.
Many trades, like medical billing and coding, already use online training as a norm. Some schools have even made their entire programs mobile-friendly, so you don’t have to rely on a computer for access.
Are Trade Schools And Colleges Open Or Closed?
Well, the answer is... yes. As states are reopening, some schools are, as well. Others will remain closed to in-person classes but transition to online education.
Start dates for programs are being updated by schools as necessary. Schools are having to sort through the same details and information we are as individuals, and for whatever reason, your program may not immediately be able to begin yet. Still, if you are ready to find programs and schools in your area and online, note that all our partner schools are ready to accept your enrollment.
Safety Measures In Place
Here are some examples of what schools are doing to keep you safe while you learn. Many schools are updating their websites and social pages with new information as it becomes available.
- Delta Technical College: The school is using rotating schedules, social distancing, temperature checks, face coverings in cases distancing cannot be completed, and online learning. It also reports it is working with textbook publishers to create an interactive virtual experience in lieu of hands-on training.
- Fortis and Fortis School of Nursing at All-State Career School: The school has rolled out a temporary virtual college, and moved all admissions, financial aid, and student services to online interactions. Program start dates are intended to remain on track, and Fortis remains committed to helping students graduate on time.
- Florida Career College: All classes transitioned to online learning in March. The school has promised aggressive steps to protect students, such as revamping classroom density, and adding preventative cleaning and increased sanitizing stations.
- Midwest Technical Institute: Classes moved to online training earlier this year, but starting June 1st, the school is offering blended online classroom teaching and hands-on labs. Theory-based learning has been moved to online, rather than in-person, training.
Schools have staff ready to help answer questions about safety practices, financial aid assistance, and even questions you may have about returning to school in the fall while your children may not.
You And The Future
In 2020, school looks different than in years past, and it will likely continue to feel different for some time. Some of these changes will become permanent, and that’s OK. Both you and schools can be resilient, finding new paths forward in training and education.
Learning a trade, even in catastrophic times, can carry you much farther than the current health situation has brought us down. Just like in all areas, use wisdom, be open about your safety concerns, and treat those around you with kindness and respect as we deal with the uncertainty COVID has brought.
Disruption can feel overwhelming, but progressing when ready can help you regain feelings of control—and even of self. Set your mind on a better future, in a career with stability and a solid income.
Find training schools for your best career now.
Resource: Training For Essential Jobs