Best Trade Schools in Ohio | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

This article explores the best trade schools in Ohio.

Do you agree that the best practical and technical education is provided by trade schools? 

Trade schools allow you to finish your chosen curriculum and start an entry-level career in your chosen field quickly, in addition to being highly practical and cheap for students.

Students receive extensive practical knowledge and skills from trade schools, also referred to as vocational schools, in Ohio. It offers students the chance to acquire the information and skills necessary to open doors to steady, well-paying employment.

Due in large part to its accessibility and cost, a sizable portion of Americans in Ohio have recently expressed interest in attending a trade or vocational school.

Trade schools have special advantages and strengths that traditional four-year colleges and universities may not always have, despite the fact that many others may still have preconceived assumptions or stereotypes about them.

According to Team Northeast Ohio’s prediction for 2021, there is a 34% shortage of suitable candidates to fill employment positions requiring technical, post-secondary skills.

We’ll cover all you need to know about trade schools in this post, along with a list of the best trade schools in Ohio. Apply for the option that best meets your needs by carefully following the instructions provided below.

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Delaware | Costs, Requirements, How to Apply

Are there Trade Schools in Ohio?

In Ohio, there are more than 70 career centers and trade schools from which to pick. Career-technical education is also provided at the state’s public secondary schools. 

Additionally, Ohio also reports high demand for jobs requiring technical skills that are not precisely covered by four-year degrees.

 This is true for those planning to attend or who are already enrolled in programs at trade schools.

Students may find it difficult to choose the best on-campus and online trade schools in Ohio. 

However, based on a number of factors, we’ve carefully chosen a list of Accredited Trade Schools in Ohio.

Our criteria for choosing these programs are as follows:

• Quality of education offered
• Accreditation status
• Graduation rate
• Total programs offered
• Student-faculty ratio, and several other relevant factors.

What is a Trade School?

A trade school is a post-secondary educational setting designed to equip students with the technical skills necessary to succeed in a particular field of work.

You can earn a degree in many different trades at a trade school, including plumbing, nursing, health sciences, automotive technician training, wielding, and a lot more. 

Program durations can vary, but normally they might be anywhere between eight months and two years.

A professional craft can be learned at a vocational or trade school, which may be the best method to achieve the dual goals of well-paying employment and a personally fulfilling career.

You will be awarded a diploma or a trade certificate upon satisfactory completion of the program.

An associate degree, which is the diploma you receive from a two-year college, is available for some programs.

What Are The Benefits of Attending A Trade School in Ohio?

Attending a trade school has some clear advantages. However, we shall list the advantages of attending a vocational school for the sake of emphasis. You shouldn’t pass up this opportunity.

(a) It requires less time to complete

Contrary to other universities where you study for four years or longer, trade schools give students the best practical education in just under two years.

With less time spent in education, you can gain more work experience and advance more quickly in your profession. 

Additionally, if you are not in school, you will not be required to pay for those extra years of college tuition and may have fewer student loan obligations.

(b) It is Highly Affordable 

The shorter amount of time spent at a trade school means that the cost of education is significantly decreased and made more affordable. 

The cost of tuition and other academic expenses won’t be very high. In addition, many trade schools provide a variety of financial help options.

(c) Focuses On Direct Practical Job Preparation 

The abilities you’ll need in your work when you graduate are the main focus of trade schools.

Contrary to four-year programs that emphasize scholarly learning, trade schools give students practical training relevant to the chosen field.

Consequently, it will be simpler to acquire work in that industry at first. Additionally, a lot of trade school programs are targeted at industries with a strong need for personnel. 

(d) Availability of Lucrative 

According to Team Northeast Ohio, a nonprofit that researches economic growth in the state, there will be a 34% shortage of suitable candidates to fill technical, post-secondary-credentialed employment openings in 2021.

By itself, this illustrates the need for skilled labor, which trade and vocational schools fill. In a word, technical talents are in increasing demand.

(e) Easy Application Process 

Additionally, prospective trade school students can bid farewell to the stringent, agonizingly slow admissions standards and procedures established by colleges and universities. 

However, in order to be accepted, trade and vocational schools typically demand a high school certificate, GED, or its equivalent.

Following program completion, testing is frequently required for students to pass industry-recognized exams and certifications to demonstrate their readiness for their chosen profession. 

This is also a useful way to determine whether your trade school was successful in providing you with the necessary skills and knowledge.

(f) Smaller Class Size 

Trade schools are set up so that teachers can easily keep an eye on the students. These institutions’ controlled teacher-to-student ratios provide students with great individualized learning opportunities.

This is crucial since many programs at trade schools call for tightly supervised, hands-on instruction using tools and equipment.

How to Apply to a Trade School in Ohio? 

The majority of vocational schools have rather straightforward application procedures. 

For information on admissions, you can either get in touch with the school or use the central online application on their websites.

There are typically no application deadlines as well. Although you can apply at any time, you might have to wait until the start of your desired program before you can register.

Additionally, you might need to interview or communicate with an admissions representative after submitting your application.

Trade schools are generally open enrollment and are not regarded as selective.

You don’t need to write an essay or take the SAT/ACT for the majority of colleges and programs. Additionally, trade schools won’t check your references or extracurricular activities before admitting you.

How Long Does it Take to Complete A Trade School Certification Course in Ohio?

Having four (or more) years to devote to education, enrolling in a trade school may be the best option for acquiring the knowledge and skills necessary to open the door to a steady career.

The best knowledge is imparted to students in trade schools in less than two years.

With less time spent in education, you can gain more work experience and advance more quickly in your profession.

What are the best trade schools in Ohio | 2024? 

Ohio’s vocational and trade schools offer students the chance to enroll in a four-year college or university while still giving them the high-quality education they need to succeed.

Students receive vocational training at the secondary and post-secondary levels, and many of them are taking advantage of the programs that will provide them with the practical and technical abilities employers demand.

Here is a list of trade schools in Ohio along with details on the kinds of programs offered to students, potential careers for graduates, and tools for choosing the best course of study.

1. Columbus State Community College 

The enrollment of Columbus State Community College, which includes two campuses in Columbus and Delaware, is 27,312. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Numerous associate degrees and certificates are available from them in a wide range of fields, including the arts and humanities, construction, and skilled trades. 

The institution works to mentor students as they pursue their objectives and enhance their quality of life. Their objective is to ensure the achievement of all pupils.

The provided courses for skilled trades craftsmen are the ideal choice for students looking for a quicker path to employment. 

Students who choose this professional route receive the knowledge and training necessary to be prepared for their careers. It comprises Sheet Metal, Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing.

In addition to the associate degrees, students can select from a variety of certifications, including those for intermediate pipe and plate TIG welding, intermediate welding, facilities maintenance, plumbing module, carpentry apprenticeship readiness, construction heavy equipment, and many more.

In the area, Columbus State is renowned for having the most affordable tuition. The annual tuition is approximately $4,738, which enables students to reduce the whole cost by as much as 40–60%.

There are more financial aid possibilities, including grants, loans, and scholarships. The Higher Learning Commission has accredited Columbus State Community College since 1973.

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2. Owens Community College 

Serving the state of Ohio for more than 50 years, Owens Community College offers campuses in the Toledo and Findlay regions. In 1976, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) granted its accreditation. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

For its more than 7,000 students, Owens’ tiny classes, with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 16:1, offer a supportive and personalized learning experience. 

The programs at the Community College are divided into four academic divisions that each include a variety of interests and disciplines of study: Business, Information, & Public Service, Liberal Arts, Nursing & Health Professions, Science and Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM).

The nursing-related, welding, and accounting programs at Owens have shown to be the most well-liked alternatives for students based on the number of graduates.

In addition, Owens offers popular skilled trades like Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR), Engineering Technology, and Pipefitting/Plumbing, as well as more specialized fields like Foreign Languages and Theatre, which are excellent for students who wish to switch to a bachelor’s degree after completion.

Additionally, Owens Community College provides academic support services like tutoring facilities and a retention-focused office that offers a variety of tools that students might require to effectively complete their chosen degree.

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Kansas City | Costs, Requirements, How to Apply

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3. Cuyahoga Community College 

The first community college ever founded in the state of Ohio is Cuyahoga Community College, also known as Tri-C. Tri-C presently serves over 26,000 students throughout its numerous campuses and training centers, enjoying excellent enrolment rates. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Tri-C also offers Fast Track choices, community classes that are not for credit, and even online courses.

 Academic options include applied industrial technology degrees in some of Ohio’s high-demand areas like plumbing and carpentry, as well as popular health occupations like emergency medical services (EMS) and nursing, creative arts offerings like graphic design and photography, and nursing.

With a student-to-teacher ratio of 21:1 and a graduation rate of 4%, Tri-C offers a total of 37 programs.

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4. Sinclair Community College 

For more than 132 years, Sinclair Community College has been assisting students in realizing their aspirations and thriving in the competitive job market of emerging and expanding career fields. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Students that attend this college graduate with the abilities required for their chosen fields of employment.

Additionally, the certificate programs, including general certificate programs and temporary technical certificates, are created to prepare students in a particular field.

Agricultural technology, automotive technology, construction technician, data analytics, electrocardiography, and many other certificate programs are some of the most well-known ones.

In Ohio, Sinclair Community College boasts one of the most affordable tuition rates. 

Residents of Montgomery Country may pay roughly $121.03 in tuition fees each credit hour, but out-of-state students must pay a surcharge of $193.37, bringing their total credit cost per hour to $314.40.

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5. Cincinnati State Technical and Community College 

Numerous associate degree programs and certificates in business technologies, health and public safety, engineering and computer technologies, and much more are offered by Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Additionally, it is well renowned for offering tailored worker training programs to more than 150 local firms.

Additionally, it provides easy, adaptable, hands-on instruction that is specifically created to help you advance. 

They offer approved programs with modern real-world simulations and practical training that can be done by hand.

Finally, the tuition is among the lowest at the school. Out-of-state tuition is $327.28 while in-state tuition is $163.64.

 For students who are having financial difficulties, there are also grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs available.

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6. Hobart Institute of Welding Technology 

The Hobart Brothers Company established the Hobart Institute of Welding Technology as a division in 1930. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

In 1940, the State of Ohio granted it a charter, transforming it into the Hobart Trade School and a nonprofit organization run by a board of directors.

The U.S. Department of Education lists the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges as a nationally recognized accrediting organization, and it has granted the institute its approval.

The Structural Welding Program offers instruction in the main welding techniques as well as technical and safety knowledge. 

Additionally, it provides students with the necessary abilities to enable them to qualify for entry-level fabrication work, construction work, job shops, and many other jobs.

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7. Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development 

State Tested Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Assistant, Electro-Mechanical Maintenance Technology, and other fields with high demand are all offered by Cincinnati’s Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development as full-time occupational programs and short-term certification programs.

The full-time Construction Technologies curriculum at Great Oaks is the most appropriate for those seeking employment in the plumbing business or any of the many other related industries. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

It is more of a jack-of-all-trades type of program that spans 900 hours over 45 weeks and covers electrical systems, heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), woodwork, in addition to plumbing.

Candidates for this program must be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma or its equivalent, according to Great Oaks. The WorkKeys examinations in the Applied Math, Workplace Documents, and Graphic Literacy sections, also require a minimum assessment level of 4.

The curriculum offers classes like construction math, reading blueprints, material management, using hand and power tools, and basic safety that are designed to provide aspiring carpenters, electricians, and plumbers the knowledge and abilities they’ll need to succeed in their careers.

Following degree completion, Great Oaks offers its students assistance with resume preparation, job interviews, and job searching.

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8. The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute 

Affordable associate degrees are available in the state through the Wooster-based Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, which is a division of the university’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Potential students who want to attend the Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute have two alternatives. 

The first is a Landscape Horticulture Associate of Applied Science (AAS), and the second is a Horticultural Science Associate of Science (AS).

Landscape horticulture is a two-year, practical degree that teaches all the essential skills for landscaping, including design, maintenance, pest control, plant identification, and building.

While covering horticulture and grass management, greenhouse production, and other topics, the Horticultural Science degree places a greater emphasis on the study of plants and materials used in landscaping.

In comparison to other colleges and universities in the state, Ohio State ATI currently has slightly higher per-credit-hour costs for citizens of Ohio at $424.88.

 But there are numerous financial aid alternatives available to help motivated and qualified students.

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9. Kent State University 

Horticulture Studies is a course offered by Kent State University’s College of Applied and Technical Studies. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree is awarded upon completion of the program, which can only be taken at Kent State’s Salem campus when 60 credit hours have been completed over the course of four semesters.

Students can choose between three specializations: urban forestry, turfgrass management, and landscape design. For those who want to work in landscaping after graduation, the first two concentrations are best.

Horticultural Botany, Plant Identification and Selection, Landscape Design, Landscape Construction, Landscape Management, and Irrigation Design and Maintenance are just a few of the courses in the Landscape Design concentration that aim to improve a student’s ability to design both practical and beautiful landscapes.

In their area of study, all students must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.000 in order to graduate.

According to Kent State, the annual tuition for a full-time undergraduate taking 12 to 18 credits will cost roughly $11,131.04 for Ohio residents and $20,007 for out-of-state students.

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10. The University of Cincinnati 

Urban Landscapes is a course that the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning offers at its Uptown Campus West. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

 A two-year curriculum that results in an undergraduate certificate is possible for students.

The University of Cincinnati, with fees at $416 per credit hour for non-degree seekers at the Uptown Campus, is one of the state’s slightly more expensive options, it may be vital to mention. To manage expenditures, nevertheless, financial aid may be utilized.

However, the University’s Urban Landscapes program offers a broad curriculum that not only covers the customary methods of landscape design but also emphasizes the sustainability that good planning, design, and plant life can bring to urban areas and neighborhoods.

It offers classes such as Native Plants and Communities, Roofs and Facades, Permaculture, and Greening Cities and Neighborhoods that are uncommon in other certificate programs in landscaping.

In summary, if you’re searching for a curriculum that’s a little different, more ecologically conscious, and focused on sustainability, the Urban Landscapes certificate program at the University of Cincinnati might be for you.

See Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Brooklyn | Cost, Requirements, How to Apply

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11. Sinclair College

Sinclair College has supported students in pursuing their ambitions for 132 years. Dayton, Centerville, Englewood, Huber Heights, and Mason are the five campuses of the college in Ohio. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Under the auspices of the Aviation Technology Department and Division of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering, Sinclair College offers a curriculum in Airframe Aviation Maintenance. Students who complete the program will have the knowledge and abilities needed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

They include a variety of topics, such as fuel systems, communication/navigation systems, and metallic and nonmetallic structures.

The university provides 46 programs. It has a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio.

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12. University of Northwestern Ohio 

The University of Northwestern Ohio offers degrees, programs, and courses that comprise 70% of practical instruction. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

Their HVAC/R Technology programs give students the fundamental skills they’ll need for their future employment.

Most of the tools used for training include Simutech computer-generated simulation programs, Novar digital controls, and HVAC/R training aids. The newest innovations in furnaces, air conditioners, and industrial refrigeration systems also capture the attention of the pupils.

Students will receive certificates for the EPA Refrigerant Handling Requirements sections 608 and 609. The Air Conditioning Refrigeration Institute’s industrial competency exams will thereafter be taken by them.

The Partnership for Air Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Accreditation has fully accredited the program (PAHRA). Graduates can support their local Habitat for Humanity chapter by connecting residential heating and cooling systems.

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13. Belmont College 

For more than 40 years, Belmont College has offered educational services. They frequently provide both on-campus and online classes for their degrees. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

The Workforce Development and Community Education Department of the institution offers training for particular skill sets for those who want to learn a skilled trade.

Graduates have a variety of employment options, including HVAC specialists, furnace or heating system installers, heat pump installers/mechanics, and many more.

The Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Applied Science degree is an option for certificate holders who desire to further their studies.

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14. Ohio Technical College 

Welding Technology certificate programs are available through Ohio Technical College. After a full year of practical instruction, students will be qualified welding technicians. It is one of the best trade schools in Ohio.

The college provides a true shop setting where students can get hands-on training with power tools and hand tools that are of industry level. 

Welding Technology & History, Oxyacetylene Welding & Cutting, Plasma Arc & Air Carbon Arc Cutting, Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG), and other topics are covered in the student’s classes and training.

The program’s ability to offer modern welding lessons is made possible by its cooperation with Lincoln Electric. 

Graduates receive skill development, networking support, and employer referrals through Career Placement Services.

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How Do I Become a Trader in Ohio?

When you first enroll in trade schools in Ohio, it is simple to get overwhelmed by all the information available regarding markets, various trading tactics, and how to make money. However, the reality is that your path to becoming a profitable trader should be individual to you, your objectives, and your risk tolerance.

To ensure that they comprehend the fundamentals of markets and how to trade them, anyone wishing to engage in trading should take a few important measures.

• Establish a solid foundation of understanding about financial markets because they can differ in terms of risk and needed approach.

• The next step is to develop a trading strategy that will enable you to make money in the market of your choice and specify the precise steps you will take to enter and exit deals.

• Taking the jump and trading for yourself is the last step in the trading process. However, there is no finish line because you may continually improve your market understanding and trading approach.

Conclusion 

Trade schools in Ohio also called vocational schools, provide students with the relevant, hands-on knowledge and skills they need to be successful in a certain activity. 

You will therefore gain a lot if you act courageously right away.

Frequently Asked Questions

References 

• https://www.onlineschoolscenter.com/ – The Best Trade Schools in Ohio – Campus and Online
• https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/ – Vocational Trade Schools in Ohio
• https://blog.prepscholar.com/ – What Is a Trade School? How Can You Apply?

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