From the Career Center:
Evaluating Trade and Technical Schools

Many trade schools offer valuable training, but some don't. It's up to you to check the school carefully to avoid being hurt by a trade school scam. If you are considering enrolling in a trade school, here are some tips:

Before you choose a school, talk to people employed in the field you're interested in and find out what type of training you'll need and what type of equipment you should be trained on. This will help you evaluate the school you are considering.

Evaluate the school. If the school is unwilling to provide the information you request, it may be a sign the school is a scam. Find out the following:

• What is the school's placement record? Don't believe claims that 100% of its students are placed in jobs. Ask for names of companies with which the school has placed graduates. Call those companies to confirm the hirings and to see what they think of training those students received.


• Ask to observe classes and instructors. How large are the classes? Are they being taught by people with recent work experience?


• Talk to current students and past graduates by asking the school for names. Contact them outside of the school so you can have a confidential conversation about their opinion of the school.


• Is the school´s equipment the type that is being used in the industry? Will you have access to this equipment during and after classes?


• What is the program completion rate? How long has the school been in business? What is the student dropout rate? Although the school might require an entrance exam, don't assume all students are qualified or that such schools are selective. These schools are profit-making businesses.


• Ask about the school's refund policy. Make sure all refund requests are in writing and keep copies of all documents.


• Ask if their courses are accepted as transferable college credits at any community college or 4-year university.

Don't sign anything on your first visit to a school. And don't make a hasty decision because someone tells you there is limited space in the next class. This is a common sales ploy. Even if it's true, you'd be better off researching the school and waiting until the next semester than paying for the last seat in a class where you don't learn any real skills.

Some application forms are binding contracts, so read them carefully before signing. Get a receipt for all payments and keep a copy of the application, contract, and all other documents.

Check out community colleges and Regional Occupational Centers before you commit to an expensive private trade school. Often, the same training can be obtained for a few hundred dollars, rather than several thousand dollars.

Some industries provide free on-the-job training. Look into this before signing a contract for a trade school.

Find out about tests, licenses, or certificates required by the career or industry. Can you study for the test on your own to get certified or do you have to complete a course of study?

Be aware that most of the financial aid that will be offered to you will be in the form of loans that you will have to repay. Does the career for which you are training provide a large enough salary so that you can repay student loans?