Vocational Trade Schools in West Virginia

Many career-minded students enroll in trade schools in West Virginia to gain skills for in-demand careers in hospitals, administrative and support services, and scientific and technical services.

Vocational schools in West Virginia offer a faster path to stable careers for a fraction of the cost of a four-year college. Certificates and diplomas at trade schools in West Virginia take about one year. Associate degrees require up to two years. However, self-paced and accelerated programs may speed up the graduation process.

Tech schools in West Virginia focus on a specific skill and offer fieldwork opportunities through internships and clinical. Flexible online programs give students freedom not enjoyed by on-campus learners who often face long commutes. 

Vocational programs usually cost less than a four-year college, especially since West Virginia offers on-the-job training. This program reimburses employers who help pay for students to finish school while they continue to work. 

Read on to learn more about the best tech schools in West Virginia.

Accrediting agencies serve as the gatekeepers to vocational schools in West Virginia. The accreditation process protects students to ensure that they receive a quality education for their money. Accreditation, especially regional accreditation, is also prestigious. Colleges can earn regional or national accreditation. 

Earning accreditation means that a school completed a review and met educational standards set by independent accrediting agencies. The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation oversee accrediting agencies qualified to accredit schools and programs.

Recognized accrediting agencies include the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, which accredits schools that primarily offer distance learning. 

Students cannot receive federal financial aid if they attend an unaccredited college. Attending an unaccredited school can negatively impact graduates’ career prospects.

Vocational schools in West Virginia must also earn licensure. State licensure of tech schools involves a similar quality control process in which creditors assess a school’s academic mission, faculty performance, and curriculum standards.

Students can save time and money by attending accredited online schools. Learn more about the benefits of an online education and read our tips on how to find an online college on this page.

Employers in West Virginia need skilled workers in mining, manufacturing, agriculture, and hospitality. 

Many of the top industries in West Virginia offer strong salaries and stability. However, wages vary, even in the same field and occupation. Factors such as region, company standards, experience, and industry all influence salary potential. 

Education influences salary potential more than any other factor. Vocational schools in West Virginia teach many trades, some of which pay better than others. Before students commit to a program, they can explore careers on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website, which provides median annual salary information, job growth, and on-the-job duties for different trades.

According to the BLS, graduates of technical and trade schools earn a mean annual salary of $55,270. 

Salaries differ among trades. Air traffic controllers in West Virginia, for example, made a median annual salary of $85,350 in 2023, while welders made a median annual salary of $50,040. 

To earn higher salaries, professionals can gain more experience and earn professional certifications.

The following section includes more information about four types of trade schools in West Virginia.

Overall, students can expect to pay less for vocational schools in West Virginia than four-year colleges. Federal loans allow students to borrow funds to pay for tuition and then repay them after college. However, students should be careful about taking out more loans than they need. Additionally, some programs and schools cannot receive federal financial aid because they do not meet eligibility requirements or hold accreditation. 

To determine how much federal financial aid they can receive, prospective students must submit their financial information by completing the FAFSA. 

Scholarships can also help students pay for college. Read on to learn more about scholarships available to trade students.

Trade school students can find state, institutional, and private scholarships. Scholarships provide students with money for tuition, books, and other college-related expenses. 

Students do not need to repay scholarships. As such, scholarships are the best form of financial aid. To apply, students must submit application materials and meet academic and financial eligibility requirements. 

See below for some scholarships for students at trade schools in West Virginia.

Trade and Vocational Schools