Vocational education has played an important role in training generations of our workforce. The value of trade schools becomes more apparent in an uncertain economy with high jobless rates demanding that students leave a vocational training program ready for the job market. Since a big contributor to unemployment is the lack of adequate laborers with specialized skills, trade programs which prepare students with the skills and training to take on jobs–become the critical link in rebuilding an economy.

Trade and technical schools offer a shorter route, normally two-years, toward full preparation for the job market. Students train in the classroom and on-the-job to equip them with skills necessary for a specific type of employment. Trade programs run the gamut from photography to computer technology, cosmetology, automotive technology, business, engineering and many other specialty areas. Vocational schools makes up one of the fastest growing sectors of American education.

Often considered “education for work,” trade degrees are a good option for people who have a specific passion or an idea of what career path they would like to pursue. Unlike traditional 4-year colleges, which can offer a broad education, but may leave students without sufficient technical skills to immediately enter the workforce, vocational training programs are designed to expose students to the people, tool and working environments of their future professions.

Trade schools are available in all 50 U.S. states and programs can gain state, regional or national accreditation from different organizations and committees that oversee curriculum standards. Accreditation is generally a good indicator of quality for a given program. Trade colleges with accreditation can offer federal financial aid packages for students.

Vocational training programs gained popularity in the early 20th century as the federal government recognized the value in vocational education. Federal legislation, including the Smith-Hughes Act, was instrumental in setting up trade schools in all 50 states–with federal oversight of programs and curriculum. Initial programs were based in agriculture, trade and industry and home economics. Since those early days, trade colleges have expanded to include a range of in-demand professions, and enrollment has seen sharp increases.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, almost one-third of the fastest growing career paths require an associate’s degree or a vocational certificate. Some of the programs poised to see strong growth are information management and the health sector. Computers and information managers can expect to see a 17 percent growth in job outlook–a pace that is faster than the national average for all professions. As one of the largest industries in the country, the healthcare sector provided 14.3 million jobs in 2008 and is positioned to offer more in a variety of specialty areas such as nursing and home health aides.

Trade schools provide education for work and is responsible for staffing a large portion of human resources needs. What’s more, vocational schools have grown over the years to offer training in many critical areas–from the arts to science–matching students’ talents and needs.