Just because you want to pursue a career in the trades doesn’t mean you can’t also get a degree. Whether you opt for a certificate, a degree, or first one, and then the other depends on your career goals, timeline, financial means, and determination. Earning a certificate costs less and takes less time, but an associate degree may open your career up to broader possibilities. Check out what they’re both all about and consider which is right for you right now and into the future.

Trades Certificate Program Length

A certificate in the trades can take as few as 10 months to complete. The shorter the length of the program, the more quickly you can start your search for entry-level roles, land a job, get experience, and build your career.

Trades Associate Degree Program Length

An associate degree program usually takes two years to complete. While a certificate program focuses solely on the core subjects of the trade, an associate degree program requires the completion of general education and elective courses, leading to a longer completion time.

Certificate Program: What You Learn

In a trade school certificate program, you gain the foundational skills and knowledge to succeed in your career. The program focuses on the essential topics you need to know to begin your career. For example, if you decide HVAC is the career for you, your certificate program courses may include:

• HVAC science and electrical work
• HVAC systems and controls
• Energy conservation and air quality
• How to read blueprints and interpret construction documents
• Various welding techniques
• Worksite and personal safety protocol

In a certificate program, your education is more skills-based and hands-on. Expect to spend time in the lab, working with real tools and equipment and practicing the techniques you learned in the classroom.

Associate Degree: What You Learn: What You Learn

A trades-focused associate degree program includes what you need to know for the job along with general subjects. For example, if you choose an Associate in Allied Health degree program, you need courses for your specific focus and health specific classes that teach you about the healthcare system, and legal and ethical issues specific to health care. Or if you choose an Associate in Applied Technology, you need certificate-level training and courses on topics such as customer service and project management. But with either, you need to complete general education courses like:

• College Mathematics
• Environmental Science
• Written and Oral Communication
• Ethics
• Sociology

Cost of a Certificate Vs. Associate Degree

Because a certificate program takes less time to complete than an associate degree, it generally costs less. But if you already have your certificate, you may be able to enroll in a degree completion program that allows you to transfer credits toward your associate degree, shortening its time and cost to complete. Be sure to attend a program from an accredited institution to ensure that the curriculum meets industry standards and also allows the school to offer financial aid packages, which can offset some of the tuition cost.

Career Paths with a Trades Certificate

A certificate program is a great option is you want to get to work quickly, prefer hands-on learning, want less student debt and know the specific trade you want to work in. Once you earn your certificate, your next step is to earn any licenses you need and gain experience in the field. This can be through externships, clinical practicums, or apprenticeships. Depending on your trade, you may need to be licensed before you can apply for entry-level work in the field. Over time, you could use your certification and experience to apply for an associate degree program, which can position you for more elevated roles in the trades.

Career Paths with an Associate Degree in the Trades

An associate degree can be a pathway to entry-level careers and—with experience—more advanced roles such as project manager or team lead. Completing degree-level work demonstrates your ability to think critically, dedicate yourself to a trade, and fulfill long-term commitments. An associate degree may also set you up for more responsibilities and higher earnings, or you may be able to continue from the associate onto a bachelor’s degree.

Are you ready to enroll in trade school? Whether you want to earn a certificate, an associate degree, or both, Â鶹¹ÙÍø has a variety of career training programs that can provide you with the training you need to move toward a career. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.