6 Ways to Learn a Trade Without Going to College

A college education can be a rewarding experience for many people, but it isn’t for everyone. Some people may want to avoid accumulating debt. Others prefer a more hands-on learning experience. Fortunately, there are a variety of ways you can learn valuable job skills without a traditional college education.

1. Get a Job or Create One

There are still jobs out there that will train employees on-the-job, rather than expecting them to learn the required skills before they apply. If one of those jobs appeals to you, then you can jump right into the workforce and start building your skills. Or, if you’re a bit more of a risk-taker, you could consider starting your own business. Many businesses can be conducted entirely online, which means you may be able to start a business without incurring costs associated with a brick and mortar setup, such as rent.

2. Apply for an Apprenticeship or Fellowship

If you enjoy working with your hands, there are many trades, particularly in the construction industry, that offer apprenticeships. In an apprenticeship, you will be learning job skills from experienced professionals. Unlike many college internships, apprenticeships are usually paid positions.

If you have a good idea for a business but need some help to get started, consider applying for a fellowship. Fellowships such as the Thiel Fellowship can provide startup money and guidance to entrepreneurs who want to jump straight into building things, rather than going to school. These programs can be very competitive, so it’s probably best to have some sort of backup plan if you go this route.

3. Volunteer

The downside of volunteering is that you usually won’t get paid for your work. However, volunteering can be a great way to learn new skills, while also providing a valuable service to your community. You can look for volunteer opportunities on your own by checking with local non-profits and organizations you are either already involved with or have an interest in. You can also find opportunities through organizations such as The Corporation for National and Community Service. Volunteering can be doubly beneficial, because not only will you learn skills in the process, but your willingness to dedicate your time and labor to a cause will look good on your resume.

4. Join the Military

You can earn a competitive salary with free health care and low living costs, while also learning a trade in the military. The military offers a variety of hands-on training in various skilled trades. They also make online courses available to members. Additionally, if you later change your mind about attending college, the military offers a generous tuition program through the Montgomery GI Bill.

5. Attend a Technical or Trade School

Technical and trade schools are similar to colleges, but generally, offer more career-focused training programs that include more hands-on training. There is hands on training for a variety of fields like aesthetic training, journeyman or lineman training, and certain repairmen careers. They are often less expensive than traditional colleges and may not require you to take any classes that aren’t directly related to the career you are interested in. Some community colleges also offer certificates and Associate degrees that are specifically focused on learning a career, rather than preparing you for transfer to a four-year college.

6. Attend a Bootcamp

Bootcamps, such as web dev bootcamp, condense the learning experience offered by technical and trade schools into an immersive learning experience that can often be completed in few days to a few weeks. Students generally live on campus for the duration of the program. During their time on campus, their lives revolve around a schedule of classroom, lab, and hands-on learning experiences designed to rapidly improve their skills and prepare them for a career in their chosen field.

With many college graduates finding themselves without jobs for months or even years after graduation, there has never been a better time than now to consider alternative learning experiences. If college doesn’t seem like the right path for you, consider giving one of these six hands-on learning opportunities a try.