If the phrase “trade school” brings to mind electricians and plumbers, you wouldn’t be wrong; however, if you are under the impression that trade school can’t benefit budding entrepreneurs, think again! Trade school can provide an excellent start for those who do not have the time, financial resources, or the flexibility to attend a four-year college. Read on to learn more about how attending a trade school could be a great way to amplify your venture’s strategies, courtesy of High Flight Academy.
1. Starting a Business
If you’re sure that you want to own your own aviation business, you may want to consider getting an associate’s degree in tandem with attending a flight academy. Trade school will provide you with all of the necessary education to be a pilot, while the associate’s degree can offer academic skills such as math, English composition, and basic business principles. If you choose a good program, you will likely be able to sign up for an apprenticeship or internship at the end of your studies as well. Though this may sound old-fashioned, learning from a mentor is a time-tested way to gain skills that you will ultimately need to start your business.
Being a pilot is obviously only one example of this principle: You could study finance, accounting, or even business, depending on the school you select. If you wish to study purely a hands-on trade, look into the beauty industry, electrical technology, or masonry. These all lead to high-paying entry-level positions with the ability to start an independent business in the future.
2. Growing a Side Business
If you’re trying to build up a side business while you maintain a full-time job, taking a few classes at a trade school could be your way into your own self-sustaining business. It may be your goal to build your side business in your spare time, and then eventually make it your sole occupation. If you already know how to fly, for example, you may have the skills for the job but not a certification that you could obtain from a trade school program.
Talk to a local admissions counselor about what you want for your future. They will be able to help you select classes in line with your dreams, give you advice when planning your career, and may even suggest helpful goals that you may not have thought of, such as forming an LLC in PA upon graduation before gaining clients. LLCs can help you avoid lawyer fees in the future by limiting your personal liability.
3. Switching Careers
If you’ve already got a bachelor’s — or even a master’s — degree in a completely unrelated field, you may be tempted to start over and get another very expensive degree in order to switch careers. Maybe you’ve grown to dislike your desk job and wish to study a hands-on trade, or perhaps you want to receive additional training in business skills or accounting so that you can start your business with confidence.
Many trade schools are designed for working adults, and as NPR points out, taking classes can be the key to a successful career transition. These schools and programs often have web-based or night courses for busy adults with a full-time job and a family to manage. While some programs can be versatile or even fully online, colleges and universities are usually designed for younger, single people who are focusing on their studies as their sole priority.
Trade school offers many opportunities for those beyond their traditional “college years” at an affordable cost and usually a flexible schedule. Consider trade school if you are a mid-career worker ready to take the next step into entrepreneurship, if you are thinking about switching careers, or if you want to gain specific skills to grow your own business.
Thinking about adding a pilot’s license to your skills repertoire? Talk to High Flight Academy and make your dream a reality!