Trade Schools in Washington

Washington, are remarkable places to begin a trade career. Not only is the state one of the highest regarding the annual average salary of trade professionals, but it is also notable for encouraging individuals to pursue these careers by offering financial assistance and straightforward career pathways.

While there are several ways to begin a trade career in the state, attending a trade school stands out for its combination of hands-on training and classroom instructions, job placement assistance, and appeal to prospective employers.

Below, we examine some crucial information that all aspiring trade school students in Washington must know before providing a comprehensive list of some of the most notable trade schools in the state.

Explore Trade Schools in Washington by City:

• Trade Schools in Seattle

Average Cost of Trade Schools in Washington

Below are some notable costs of attending specific trade schools in Washington:

Public Trade Schools

• Completing an associate degree in nursing at Seattle Central College costs $12,720 annually.
• Completing a certificate in automotive technology at Seattle Central College costs $7,776 annually.
• Completing an associate degree in mechatronics at Spokane Community College costs $8,400 annually.
• Completing a certificate in medical assisting at Spokane Community College costs $7,920 per year.

Private Trade Schools

• The cost of completing an associate degree in aesthetics at Seattle Institute of Cosmetology is $27,500 per year.
• The cost of completing a certificate in Massage Therapy at Seattle Institute of Cosmetology is $19,800 per year.
• The cost of completing an associate degree in avionics technology at Bates Technical College is $32,000 per year
• The cost of completing a diploma in welding technology at Bate Technical College is $17,500.

From the above, it is clear that private trade schools are typically more expensive than public ones. The annual average cost of attending a public trade school in Washington is between $7,000 and $18,000, while the annual average cost of attending a private trade school in the state is between $12,000 and $35,000.

Financial Aid for Trade Schools in Washington

Candidates looking to attend a trade school in Washington may ease their financial pressure by applying for relevant financial aid initiatives. Below, we examine some of the most popular options, including grants and scholarships organized by private, state, and institutional organizations.

• WSEA Vocational Grant - The Washington State Elks Association Scholarship offers financial assistance to high school students pursuing a vocational degree or certificate. Candidates must be planning to attend an accredited tech school or community college in Washington.
• AOFT Washington Scholarship - awarded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, this scholarship was designed to help students looking to enroll in an occupational therapy assisting program in Washington.
• Matsuo Bridge Company Ltd of Japan Scholarship - awards up to $2,500 for students looking to study welding, engineering, and related fields. While students from other states schooling in Washington may apply, Washington residents have priority.
• Joseph Darimont Vocational Award - offers up to $1,000 to support a student every year. Candidates must be between the ages of 18 and 50 to qualify. Awards may be used for tuition, books, and supplies.

Licensing and Accreditation for Trade Schools in Washington

Candidates looking to attend a regionally accredited trade school in Washington must ensure that the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities accredits their school. Those who wouldn’t mind attending a nationally accredited school should be on the lookout for accreditation by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Candidates looking to attend online trade schools and trade programs should attend schools accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

As for state licensing and registration, the Washington Student Achievement Council is responsible for licenses to post-secondary institutions in Washington.

Along with the school’s accreditation, specific programs are sometimes also required to be accredited. An example is the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care, responsible for issuing accreditation for respiratory therapy programs.

Top Vocational Trade Schools in Washington

Aspiring trade school students in Washington may consider any options below for top-class education.

Notable Mentions

Other notable mentions include

• South Puget Sound Community College in Olympia,
• Shoreline Community College in Shoreline,
• Everett Community College in Everett,
• Carrington College in Spokane,
• Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Hadlock, and
• UEI College in Tacoma.