As a student interested in taking the higher education path, you can choose between two paths: academics or vocational training. Both are worthy and satisfying career directions, but some stigma still lingers around the skilled trade path.
However, if you want to start your own successful business and your entrepreneurial goals don’t lean toward tech startups, e-commerce, or management-heavy ventures, vocational training is often the best option.
In this guide, we’ll have a look at the reasons why vocational training is more than worth it for entrepreneurs, and how to choose the best training path for your goals.
Why Vocational Training is the Best Option for Entrepreneurs
Not everyone dreams about working in front of a computer 8+ hours per day, 5+ days per week. And even if your career doesn’t keep you stuck to a computer, the academic path is often the most time- and effort-demanding.
The vocational path, on the other hand, focuses on practical, job-specific skills rather than theory. It’s designed to get you ready to enter the workforce using the skills you trained for. As a result, many trade educational programs take less time and cost than a 4-year college degree.
Furthermore, you don’t have to go to school full-time. Many programs offer flexible scheduling, including evening, weekend, and online courses, which accommodate those already working or with other commitments.
As a skilled tradesperson, you can run your business from home, which significantly lowers the initial investment. Also, skilled workers are in high demand nowadays, and the growth potential is only limited by your goals as an entrepreneur.
Here are a few examples of highly sought-after trade careers in the U.S. and their earning potential:
Electrician:
Strong demand due to infrastructure upgrades, green-energy systems, and the spread of smart homes. Median salaries in many places are at $60,000+, but top earners are paid much more.
Plumber / Pipefitter / Steamfitter:
Essential services (water, gas, heating, etc.) mean steady demand. With experience, specialization, and business ownership, the potential for high earnings skyrockets.
HVAC Technician:
With the push toward energy efficiency, climate-control systems grow in complexity and demand. Hourly wages are often between $25 and $35, but can vary by experience, location, and other factors.
Aircraft Mechanic / Aviation Maintenance Technician:
High-skilled, safety-critical work in aviation offers strong pay and good stability.
Welder (Especially in Industrial Welding):
Welding remains essential in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding, which is why specialized welders (underwater, aerospace, pipeline) can earn quite a lot.
Solar Photovoltaic Technician:
As renewable energy expands, installing and maintaining solar (and related systems) is growing in demand. The yearly average is at around $51,000+, but top earners can make over $79,000.
Why is Vocational Training Still Worth It
With the sheer amount of information available, can’t I learn a skill on my own? Do I really need to invest in a vocational training program?
This is a good question, and self-taught skills can lead to a successful career, but official vocational training programs have a few tough-to-beat advantages. For instance, accredited institutions offer internships or placements that provide early exposure to real-world work environments, where you can learn on the job without facing the consequences of your mistakes.
Also, many vocational programs align with recognized certifications that can help you gain credibility with customers or investors. Moreover, trades like electrician, HVAC, cosmetology, plumbing, etc., legally require state-approved training hours before you can get a license.
Accredited programs usually partner with local employers, unions, and trade associations. These are priceless networking opportunities that would be otherwise difficult to reach. Also, your reputation as a beginner tradesperson relies heavily on the training program that shaped your skills.
The good news is that it’s quite easy to find and enroll in a reliable educational institution. For instance, the Berks Technical Institute’s admission process is straightforward and friendly toward anyone interested in vocational training.
The Best Entrepreneurship Approach
Just because you’re good at doing electrical jobs, it doesn’t mean you have the necessary skills to run a business that offers electrical services. This is why the best approach is to combine your practical skills with business education.
The best way to achieve your entrepreneurial aspirations is to take a business fundamentals program alongside the vocational course of your choice. If this is not feasible, take the business fundamentals during your first years as an employee. This way, you’re specializing in your field and preparing to launch your business.
Extra Tip:
Seek out small business incubators or local entrepreneurship centers—they often help vocational graduates turn their trade into a profitable business.
Bonus: Skilled Trades in the Age of AI
The rise of AI and automation is reshaping the job landscape, and some knowledge workers are in danger of losing their jobs. Yet, skilled trades workers don’t really have this issue. That’s because these types of jobs are harder to automate. They involve physical dexterity and situational judgment.
A plumber or electrician cannot be easily replaced by a robot. That’s because their work depends on unpredictable physical contexts. Sure, automation can assist trades (like robotics in construction or smart tools for mechanics). Still, full replacement is unlikely because these jobs require manual precision, local presence, and problem-solving in dynamic environments.
In terms of earning potential, running your own business as a skilled tradesperson is the best way to reach six figures. Additionally, if you are flexible with location and schedule, there’s plenty of room for profit growth.
Extra Tip:
Use AI-based apps and platforms to automate administrative tasks and coordinate field teams. This way, you save time and money while still running an efficient, highly appreciated business.
Wrap Up: Is Vocational Training Worth It?
Yes, vocational training can be highly valuable for entrepreneurs who want to launch a business based on specialized, hands-on skills.
The training provides structured learning, recognized credentials, and industry connections that enhance credibility and confidence. While some of these skills can be self-taught, accredited training accelerates readiness, reduces costly mistakes, and strengthens long-term success.
For entrepreneurs aiming to blend craftsmanship with scalable enterprise, vocational training is a strategic investment.
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