Benefits of Working while in Trade School

Some employers have expressed concern that young people lack basic work experience. Because of this, workers never developed skills like responsibility, accountability and time management. The number of teenagers holding a part-time job has dropped by half from 1990 to today – an all-time low since the U.S. started keeping track in 1948. ¹ Although RSI’s hands-on training programs focus on teaching students career-ready skills, there are plenty of benefits to working a part-time job before beginning post-secondary education.

Time Management

Research has shown that students who work part-time learn to better manage their time as they have to balance school, work and free time. When students have to carefully balance their schedules, they can become better planners and get used to completing tasks on deadlines. Also, students learn to set priorities like working on school and work tasks first before engaging in leisure activities. ² Good time management skills are also crucial to succeeding in completing a vocational HVAC program.

Money & Budgeting

Students who hold a part-time job typically have more options about how to spend the money they earn. This can help students save up for their post-secondary training, reduce the amount of financial aid they need, and helps with additional expenses. In some cases, some may be able to set aside money to pay back their student loans after graduation. Earning money can also teach students how to develop and live on a budget and are more likely to appreciate it more and less likely to waste their money on unnecessary purchases.

Workplace Standards

Holding down a job means there are work place norms everyone needs to follow. This may include showing up on time, completing projects on time, respecting superiors, supporting coworkers – an overall sense of responsibility. Working a job while in school gives students exposure to real world work situations. Learning and developing these traits will help when they start their new careers.

Goal Setting

Setting goals is a great way to track and measure success. Since a part-time job in trade school likely means a fuller schedule and greater responsibilities, students may be more motivated to study hard to achieve their career goals. In addition, setting goals and help students chart a course with decreases the chance of becoming too distracted from achieving them. ³

There are many benefits to having a job while in school. While the obvious one is financial, developing time management skills, learning how to set goals, and knowing what is expected in the workplace can help give students the confidence they need when looking for a new career path after trade school.