These days, everyone knows that a four-year degree is expensive, and a career in the skilled trades can be a way to earn a living without starting out saddled with debt. While trade school is often more affordable than a traditional four-year degree, it still comes with costs that students should plan for. Tuition can range into the thousands of dollars per year, and there may be additional expenses for tools, equipment, clothing, and other supplies. The good news is that financial aid, scholarships, and other resources can help make these expenses more attainable.
Just as with college, there are plenty of available scholarships for trade school students. More and more individuals and organizations are getting the message that skilled trade workers are in short supply. So philanthropists who, in years past, might have contributed money to fund college scholarships are now redirecting some of that money toward the trades instead.
We’ve rounded up a list of some of the top annual grants and scholarships for trade schools, but the list is far from complete.
The DEWALT trades scholarship program supports students pursuing a two-year degree in a DEWALT-aligned industry. Each year, the company also distributes graduation kits to apprentices across the country to help them kickstart their careers.
The Home Depot Foundation offers multiple scholarships to students pursuing trade college or a postsecondary program. Some Home Depot scholarships accept applications year-round, while others have an annual open window.
The mikeroweWORKS foundation awards millions of dollars in scholarships each year to students pursuing two-year degrees in welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, construction, or dozens of other skilled trades.
Ascendium’s Tools of the Trade program has awarded scholarships to construction and industrial trade apprentices since 2013. The scholarships can be used to purchase tools, clothing, equipment, and other expenses.
SupplyHouse has collaborated with Bold.org to offer the Track to the Trades scholarship. Each year, the program gives 30 winners $2,500 each for a grand total of $75,000 in scholarship funds.
Blessons’ women in trades scholarship aims to give a second chance to women whose continued education was interrupted or put on hold due to life challenges. Women aged 25 and up who are working towards a trade, technical, vocational, or continuing education degree are eligible for $2,000 of assistance.
Each month during the school calendar year, Bring Back the Trades Inc. offers $1,500 scholarships to students enrolled in post-secondary programs in the skilled trades. The organization also offers a Tool Grant Program sponsored by Milwaukee Tool.
The Hourglass Foundation offers multiple scholarships to help young people pursue a career in the trades, whether you’re a nontraditional student seeking a new beginning or a woman in auto tech.
When starting your search, be sure to check with local organizations, businesses, and schools. Many communities value supporting students within their local area and give aid accordingly. Local service organizations like Optimists, Rotary, and Kiwanis offer scholarship money for both college and vocational students.
Additionally, there are many niche scholarships available for students in specific trades, such as heavy equipment handling, welding, roofing, and more. The U.S. Department of Labor can be another useful resource for finding skills training grants and other programs. Don’t forget that many trade employers will pay for all or part of your trade education while you work for them.
Don’t let expense prevent you from pursuing a rewarding career in the trades. If you’re concerned about your ability to afford vocational education, there are plenty of resources available to help you out.
