Vocational Training Programs/Courses List (TRADE COURSE) – Key Benefits

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A lot of people has been asking me for a list of vocational training courses to better advise them on their career interest.

Therefore, we constructed a list of vocational training programs from different states of America and across the world.

This list consists of various trade courses in different sectors of vocational education

This article covers:

  • Trade Programs List
  • Vocational Training Programs List
  • Vocational Training Programs in USA/NYC
  • Benefits of Vocational Courses 
  • Common Vocational Courses

Many vocational training programs are in high demand in the current job market.

The good news is that there are quite a number of these programs and on top of that, they are being offered as certificates, or diploma.

If you are looking to start a new career, further studies, or enhancing your current job, below is a list of the vocational programs to select from.

Should a student choose a vocational course that falls within a formal education path, they may earn an associate degree or a certificate for their efforts.

The final qualification and credentials one attains depend on the type of course and the credits earned as a result of the training.


What Are Vocational Courses?

Vocational training courses are specific classes offered to learners to train for a particular job or career.

These courses are offered to people working in various career fields to improve their skills.

Vocational training is available in trade schools, career colleges as well as community courses.

The institutions offering the courses may be government-owned or privately run.


Vocational Training Programs – Courses  list

Vocational Training Programs
Vocational Training Programs list

See also – Understanding Vocational Training – What Is Vocational Training

Common vocational courses

Although there are numerous vocational courses in the market, some of them are more popular than others.

The demand for these courses is determined by the market.

Some of the leading vocational courses include:

List of 229 Vocational Courses
Aboriginal Policing Preparation
Addictions Counselling
Advanced Care Paramedic
Agricultural Machinery Technician
Aircraft Gas Turbine Technician
Airline and Flight Operations - Commercial Pilot
Airport Operations
Appliance Repair Technician
Architectural and Structural CADD and Graphics Technician
Art/Design
Auto Mechanic
Auto Repair Training
AutoCAD
Automation control
Automotive Service Technician
Automotive Technical Studies
Automotive Technician
Aviation
Bachelor of Psychiatric Nursing
BioScience Technology
Blacksmithing
Boilermaker
Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing
Brick and Block Mason
Bridge Watchman
Building Systems Technician
Business and marketing management
Business and Office management
Business Information Systems
Business Planning
CAD/CAM Engineering Technology
Cardiovascular Technologist
Carpentry
Catering and hotel management
Chemical Plant Operator
Chemical Technology
Chief Mate
Civil Engineering Technologies
Civil Technician
CNC Machinist Technician
Collision Repair
Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technology
Commercial Pilot
Commercial Transport
Computer networking management
Computer Specialist
Computer Systems Technology
Construction Estimating
Construction Management
Construction Operations
Construction Supervision
Continuing Care Assistant
Correctional Studies
Court Services Administrator
Critical Care Nursing
Culinary Arts
Culling arts
Cytotechnology
Daycare management
Dental Assisting
Dental Hygienist
Derrickman
Diabetes Education for Health Care Professionals
Diabetes Education for Health Care Providers
Diesel Mechanics
Digital Graphic Design
Disability Support Worker
Dog Grooming
Dog Training
Dynamic Web Development
Early Child Care Education
Educational Assistant
Electrical and Electronics Repairman
Electrical Engineering Technology
Electrician
Electronics Technician
Engineering Design and Drafting Technology
Engineering-Mechanical, Civil, Electric and Electronic, Chemical among others.
Entrepreneurship and Small Business
Environmental Engineering Technology
Esthetician
Executive Housekeeper
Fashion Designer
Fire Protection Inspection and Testing
Firefighter
Food and Beverage Management
Food Service Cook
Funeral Service
Gasfitting
Geographic Information Science for Resource Management
Geomatics and Surveying Engineering Technology
Graphic Communications
Gunsmith
Hairstylist
Hairstyling, Cosmetics and Beautification
Health care and social assistant
Health Information Management
Heat and Frost Insulator
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
Heavy Duty Mechanic
Heavy Equipment Operator
Home inspector
Hotel and Restaurant Management
Human Resources Management (Certificate)
HVAC Technician
Hydronic Technician
Indigenous Peacekeeping
Industrial Electrician
Industrial Maintenance
Industrial Mechanics (Applied Certificate)
Industrial Mechanics (Certificate)
Institutional Cooking
Institutional Meat Cutting
Instrumentation Engineering Technology
Integrated Resource Management
Interactive Media Production
Interior Designer
Ironworker
Ironworker - Reinforcing
Leadership Skills
Library and Information Technology
Locksmith
Locomotive Engineer
Machinist
Marine Engineering
Massage Therapy
Master 150GT Domestic
Master 500GT Domestic
Meat Processing
Mechanical Engineering Technology
Media Arts Production (Certificate)
Media Arts Production (Diploma)
Medical Billing
Medical Device Reprocessing Technician
Medical Laboratory Assistant
Medical Laboratory Technician
Medical Laboratory Technology
Medical Radiologic Technology
Medical Transcriptionist
Mental Health and Addictions Worker
Metal Fabricator
Millwright
Mining Engineering Technology
Motorcycle Mechanic
Multi-Mechanical Trades
Nautical Sciences
New Media Communications (Certificate)
New Media Communications (Diploma)
Nuclear Medicine Technologist
Nuclear Technician
Nursing Re-entry
Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner (Applied Certificate)
Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner (Certificate)
Office Administration
Organizational/Leadership Skills
Paralegal
Paramedic-EMT
Parts Management Technician
Parts Person
Perioperative Nursing/LPN
Perioperative Nursing/RN
Patient Care Technician
Patient Access Representative
Personal Trainer
Pharmacy Technician
Photography
Piping foundation
Plumber
Police Officer
Power and Process Engineering
Power Engineering Technician
Power Engineering Technology
Power Sports Equipment Technician
Practical Nursing
Precision Manufacturing and Machining
Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
Primary Care Paramedic
Private Investigator
Production Line Welding
Professional Cooking
Property Management
Psychiatric Nursing (Diploma)
Psychology and Counselling
Pump Maintenance
Radiation and Environmental Monitoring Technician
Radiation Therapist
Railway Conductor
Real Estate Appraisal
Recognition of Prior Learning Practitioner
Recreation and Community Development
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Refrigeration Mechanic Foundation
Refrigeration Systems
Resource and Environmental Law
Retail Customer Service
Retail Manager
Retail Meat Specialist
Roadworks Maintenance
Security Officer
Security Systems Technician
Security Systems Technician
Service Excellence
Sheet Metal Worker
Small Business Management
Small Engine Repair
Stucco Applicator
Surgical Technologist
Tax Preparation
Telecommunications Technician
Therapeutic Recreation
Travel Agent
Tri-Trades Heavy Equipment, Truck and Transport, Agricultural Machinery Technician
Truck driving
Underground Mining Core
Underground Mining Raise Boring
Underground Mining Shaft Operations
Utility Lineworker Technology
Veterinary Assisting
Veterinary Technician
Victim Services Coordination
Warehouse Worker
Water and Wastewater Technician
Water Resources Engineering Technology
Web Developer
Welding and Fabrication
Welding Applied Certificate
Wireless Communications Technician
Youth Care Worker (Certificate)
Youth Care Worker (Diploma)

Healthcare and Social Assistance

This field offers numerous opportunities for learners to attain vocational training.

The market demand is such that there is always a need for nursing assistants to work in hospitals, care homes, offer daycare services, and residential services.

The bureau of labor statistics estimates that this sector alone creates at least 5.6 million jobs annually.

This sector offers decent pay to its workers which is normally above the U.S. average.

Examples of average salaries for several vocational jobs in the Healthcare sector:

  • Dialysis Technician – $38,217
  • Medical Technologist – $66,513
  • Respiratory Therapist – $64,706
  • Ultrasound Technician – $72,328
  • Healthcare Administration – $75,470

Construction Industry

Regardless of the economic conditions, the demand for housing will always be there.

For this reason, the construction industry is always hiring.

The available jobs include positions for plumbers, elevator installers, electricians, masons as well as building inspectors among many others.

Interested?

Here’s some information about the annual average salary for these type of jobs:

  • Plumber – $50,339
  • Elevator Installer – $68,967
  • Electrician – $51,760
  • Mason – $47,606
  • Building Inspector – $51,049

The Manufacturing Sector

As one of the industries that fuel the rapid growth of the economy, manufacturing is a very important sector.

The field is always looking for new employees that have to receive special vocational training to perform their duties.

This industry requires employees with advanced manufacturing skills and thus the employees that get trained are likely to earn some good salaries.

Food Service

The food industry is huge and one that requires a lot of workers.

The need for fresh labor is the reason the industry is always hiring.

Food services employees such as chefs and food processing workers are in high demand.

Considering that people have to eat all the time, the industry has a bright future.

Accounting and Bookkeeping

Every small business requires someone with accounting knowledge.

A good number of workers in the accounting industry start off as account clerks with basic knowledge and then advance their skills to become accomplished accounts professionals.

Cosmetology and Hair Stylists

It is no secret that ladies have to look beautiful.

The demand for good hairstylists will always be high no matter the season.

The advantage of this career is that one can start with no skills at all and advance through vocational training to become a most sought-after hairstylist.

The industry also offers attractive pay for the right workers.

Computer and IT Support

To get started in this industry, one does not have to be a computer expert.

There are numerous computer support jobs available that one can get with moderate on-the-job training.

Tips to become a great IT support every company will want to keep:

  • Be a team player – People need to see that you can work with others well and if ever your boss asks your colleagues about you then you’ll want them to give you a good review.
  • Have a special skill – Something you know better than anyone and is vital to the company.
  • Become Unfireable – Take more responsibility, If you take care of a lot of things within the company, you are too much value to the company and to fire you will cause too many problems because only you know of these things you are responsible for, that’s how you become unfireable (indispensable to the company so there isn’t a chance you will get fired).

Trucking and Transport Industry

Transport is a key driver of the economy and also an industry that employs a large number of people.

One can join the trucking industry and make a decent living.

A trucking job only requires a high school diploma and some driving experience.

Once recruited, a person undergoes a short vocational training and can start earning within a few weeks.

Auto Servicing

The number of cars on the roads continues to increase with every passing day.

The cars require servicing, and thus anyone interested in vehicles should take vocational training on car repair and service.

The sector has many new opportunities with car owners choosing to add some personalized features to their cars to make a statement.


Why Choose Vocational Training Courses?

Faster Qualification

Having decided on a career, a vocational course offers quick entry to the field.

The training sometimes takes as little as 6 weeks and within the period you may have acquired the skills you need to get started.

If you need to get an associate degree, it is possible to get it within 2 years.

The feat that is not possible if you were to study for an academic degree.

The process is simple:

Learn a profitable skill to make money with - this is what vocational programs are all about

Flexibility

Considering that vocational courses are designed for working people in mind, the programs are very flexible in terms of the study program.

The courses give you the option of starting out when it is convenient.

One can also choose to study online or part-time depending on their schedule.

Join the Career of Your Choice

One of the biggest advantages of vocational courses is that you get to join your dream career.

Some students in academic courses may enroll in programs that they are not certain about.

With vocational courses, you make a choice to join the career you have always wanted.

Practical Training

If you love the hands-on experience, vocational training courses are designed for you.

The programs include a lot of practical approaches to learning as opposed to academic programs that favor theory at the expense of practice.

During the lessons, you encounter real-life situations that you will deal with on the job.

The approach ensures that you are ready for the job as soon as it is available.

Most of the instructors in the colleges have hands-on experience and will teach you the skills they have gained through practice.

Vocational Skills Are in High Demand

A huge advantage of enrolling for vocational training courses is that most of the skills are in demand.

Whether you train for the healthcare or trucking industry, you are assured of landing a good job as soon as you are through with the training.

Being specialized training, you will excel in the job because of the practical training you have received.


Final Thoughts

If you have identified your career of choice, taking vocational training courses will ensure that you get started right away and you can start earning some good income in a matter of weeks.

Vocational training programs normally lead to industrial skills certificates and diplomas or associate degrees.

These programs are important and can either be a basis for a career, or an enhancement in any career discipline.

Apart from being important, the programs are easy to integrate since they have been designed to help students learn fast, and most of the programs are more practical than theory.

Furthermore, they take a considerable amount of time making them easy for students to learn.

There are many vocational courses offered with vast career applications, to find out more, use our quick school finder.

Frequently Asked Questions

What careers are vocational?

A vocation is a job involving a specific skill with hands-on experience.

A vocational career could be something like an electrical repairman, plumber, computer repairman, dental hygienist, or airplane pilot in some cases.

Automotive technicians are also considered vocational-type jobs, as well as some jobs in the medical field.

What's the easiest trade to learn?

A trade that would be easy to learn would be one that matches your interests and natural skills as a starting point.

Beyond that, a commercial trucking license is one of the easiest because of the relatively short time it takes to complete the training.

What is Type A or B construction?

Type A and Type B construction refer to the level of fire resistance a building has.

Type A buildings have a higher fire-resistant rating.

This is sometimes called protected or unprotected type construction.

It refers only to the building materials and not to whether there is a sprinkler system.

What is the difference between a stylist and a master stylist?

The difference between a stylist and a master stylist is the level of education and experience.

There are levels, starting with level one for a beginner, and a master stylist is at the top of the line.

They are all hairdressers, but the level of expertise sets apart a master stylist from the rest.

What are the levels in hair stylist?

The levels of hairstylists may have different names in different operations, but they refer to the level of training and experience.

An entry-level stylist may be called just a stylist, or a junior stylist.

At the other end of the scale, they may be called a master stylist.

What is the difference between transportation and trucking?

Trucking and transportation are closely related and there is overlap in meaning.

Trucking is moving materials with a truck.

Transportation is the act of moving people or materials, including the infrastructure to do so.

Trucking is just one means of transportation.

What is logistics in trucking?

Logistics in trucking is about how the trucking is done.

Logistics involves all the factors involved in transporting goods, such as the size of the truck needed, drivers needed, and even routes taken by the trucks.

The point of logistics is to maximize productivity and efficiency to raise the profit margin.

52 Comments
  1. Avatar for Abel Abel

    Hi, my name is Abel My interest is LOCKSMITH. How do I get sponsors for a fully funded free vocational training in ENGLAND?

  2. Avatar for ESTHER EBEGBULAM ESTHER EBEGBULAM

    Health care and office Assistant in UK, Canada, U.S.A which are the best vocational training school and their requirements. I’m living in Nigeria what does it take me to study the course in any of the above listed countries.

  3. Avatar for Darell ijiekhuemen Darell ijiekhuemen

    My name is Darell ijiekhuemen. Am about 14 years. My interest is Electrical Electronics engineering. How do I get sponsors for a fully funded free vocational training in Germany?

  4. Avatar for Gbadamosi Oluwaseun.A Gbadamosi Oluwaseun.A

    I’d like to know about schools that teaches Environmental Engineering Technology

  5. Avatar for Martin Pinion jnr Martin Pinion jnr

    Currently I am filler operator at one of our brewery here which course is suitable for me If I want to to be a machine operator for any kinds of machines?

  6. Avatar for Nanna Holmberg Nanna Holmberg

    The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services has a list of approved security guard training programs. Directory of City Agencies Contact NYC Government City Employees Notifies NYC CityStore Stay Connected NYC Mobile Apps Maps Resident Toolkit.

  7. Avatar for SULEIMAN SULEIMAN

    Thanks Scott for this work, really help to give directions.
    We run a TVET centre here in Nigeria and about to apply for grant to train youth to boost their employability,
    And we need a partner from Europe for execution of the programme.
    Please, we would be grateful if you could suggest to us a TVET centre in Europe with contact person.
    Regards

  8. Avatar for Neria joana Neria joana

    Where can I get the form? I am interested

  9. Avatar for Tanu jain Tanu jain

    How can apply for this

  10. Avatar for charles charles

    Please how can I apply for my children

  11. Avatar for Afton Jackson Afton Jackson

    Thank you for giving us a primer on vocational courses. I like how you mentioned that most of these courses are mostly in demand. My brother is planning to start a new career and he definitely is interested in enrolling in an electronics trade school.

  12. Avatar for Eloho Emmanuel Eloho Emmanuel

    I want to learn a trade electrical and electronics repairman please how I go about it and how long is it going to take me to learn this trade.

    1. Avatar for Chuck Chuck

      There’s a complete guide on that here:
      https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/how-to-become/electrician/

  13. Avatar for johnson johnson

    this article is very helpful to me,
    thanks for the time and efforts in publishing this.

  14. Avatar for VYAPBONG FELIX SELBOL VYAPBONG FELIX SELBOL

    Pls I need note about Recycling of any waste around me.I am a Nigeria. Thank
    s.

  15. Avatar for Ahmed Ahmed

    Dear sir,
    Good day. I was a Bangladesh Navy officer for 20 years in nautical branch. Couldu pls help me choosing a right career?
    What vocational trainig they provide?
    I am 50. Os there any scope to join police or navy?
    Looking forwardto ur reply
    Regards

  16. Avatar for Isaac Isaac

    Is it possible for foreign students to apply especially from Nigeria

  17. Avatar for Sissy Demissie Sissy Demissie

    I have BA Degree in Business mgmt, I want to study Masters.
    Can I have free scholarship, please

  18. Avatar for Dereck Shaw Dereck Shaw

    We would like to establish a Vocational Technical Training Sch here in Jamaica specializing in Diesel Mechanics where there is a big gap. Most young person are learning this skill out in the street without any formal training. With the expansion of Bauxite mining and Construction industries here in Jamaica this skill would be an asset to the individual and the country at large.

  19. Avatar for Shadab Shadab

    Hi

    I want to run vocational training centre..how to take branch

    1. Avatar for Suryamani khuntia Suryamani khuntia

      I passed MASTER degree in textile DESIGNING and I was Resource person in textile DESIGNING trade in government vocational Junior college naami Bhadrak and retired from service. How can I open a centre for vocational training?

  20. Avatar for maryjane mantilla maryjane mantilla

    hi,i’m jane’43 y.o interested in medical health care or housekeeping training school ,i’m new immigrant dont have work.can you pls.help me if there is a free course or training near by me in clearwater fl.
    thank you and more power.

  21. Avatar for jaymala jaymala

    please guide detail vti coureses and terms & conducation guide me embroidery &jems &jewellery

  22. Avatar for Brown Brown

    All schools in my area only offer, to adults, these courses: HVAC, nursing, electric, plumbing, paramedic, welding, and mechanical. So what now? Suppose to move somewhere they have the courses you listed?
    I think it should be taken into consideration that some trade schools only offer high school students more courses than they do adults. That’s how it is in my area. So don’t set your bars too high if you have already graduated high school and missed the trades opportunities there.

  23. Avatar for Dd Dd

    I’m looking for electric vehicle technician training for maintenance or manufacture.

    1. Avatar for Kingsley Ebote-manchang Kingsley Ebote-manchang

      please can u guys sponsor me from Cameroon to U S A .because of low background, I have been unable to complete my Education in mechanics. I have been working for over four years.

  24. Avatar for Usman Salihu Usman Salihu

    Pls Tell Me More About Starting Creating A Vocational Training Center

  25. Avatar for Alisha Mirza Alisha Mirza

    Hey I m Alisha and I was 12th pass in Omsp, steno and typing subjects. Now I m confused what I can do so please suggest me what can I do…..

  26. Avatar for Joseph Joseph

    please how much is the forms and fees
    and please where would I
    get the forms?

  27. Avatar for Shahid Shahid

    Hi,
    I am Shahid , age 53, interested in Book keeping/Accounting Course.
    I am new immigrant and don’t have job. Is there free course available in New York City.
    Please guide me.

    Regards,
    Shahid

    1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

      All the information we know of for free training in NYC is in here:
      https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/free-vocational-training-programs-in-nyc-new-york-city/

      Good luck!

  28. Avatar for Wael Zreika Wael Zreika

    Hello ,
    what are the requirements for an international student to study in vocational schools in Germany .
    I studied two years in The German Jordanian University and am not interested in studying no more.
    Am really interested in the idea of vocational schools . I hope you can help me .

  29. Avatar for OTUEKONG NDAEYO OTUEKONG NDAEYO

    I am interested in vocational training, what’s are the requirements,which vocational institute will you recommend.
    I am a Nigerian.

  30. Avatar for Sera Sera

    Wanna do health and safety but can it be done distance?

  31. Avatar for Marlyn Vargas Marlyn Vargas

    I want to study again

  32. Avatar for oni Samuel taiwo oni Samuel taiwo

    I’m Samuel oni by name, I will like to be a member of this training… it’s has been what I have been looking for..

  33. Avatar for stephen chuphen stephen chuphen

    i like the compilation, kudos to you roy savion for the great paper work !

    1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

      Thanks (:

      1. Avatar for Tracell Jones Tracell Jones

        Hey Roy! Any carpentry classes in dc?

        1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

          Sorry, not that I know of.

  34. Avatar for Letty Letty

    I’m 47 years old and would like to learn welding. I have no experience in the field, are there classes in NYC that can be of help?

    1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

      Yes there are, you can look for a course in your area using this tool:
      https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/listings/

  35. Avatar for Dhaval Dhaval

    Nice information! very Helpful.
    I need know about how to enroll for chef vocational training.

    1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

      Hi Dhaval,
      There isn’t a specific way to enroll for chef vocational training.
      Each school has it’s requirements a bit different and usually it’s program where the requirements aren’t very difficult to reach in order to be qualified to enroll.

      I suggest you look for vocational schools in your area and ask them directly, try with this school-finder:
      https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/listings/

      Cheers.

  36. Avatar for enock Mwasakafyuka enock Mwasakafyuka

    Hi,

    I am looking for the short cpurse of Carpentry (Furniture making). Would you kindly provide me with the full information. My background I have never trained or practice carpentry.

    1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

      I don’t have any specific information about furniture making to give you but you can search for schools in your area through this link: https://www.vocationaltraininghq.com/listings/ and ask them directly about this.

      Good Luck!

      1. Avatar for Student Student

        Looks like there is no content there

        1. Avatar for Scott Miller Scott Miller

          Are you sure? it might be a problem with your browser, it works on my end.
          Try going to the page through incognito.

          1. Avatar for student student

            Correct… worked now.

  37. Avatar for Dada elizabeth Dada elizabeth

    It is such a commendable site

  38. Avatar for SIDIKI a konneh SIDIKI a konneh

    The money pay for semester is how much .

  39. Avatar for selma kashomba selma kashomba

    I am interested, where I get a form?

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