Kickstart Your Career

At least once in your life, you may have heard the saying, "Well, back in my day," or maybe you find yourself uttering that phrase more and more often. Things have certainly changed in recent generations. One transformative change to society over the decades is secondary education - specifically the price tag associated with that pursuit.

According to Bankrate, the cost of tuition and required fees at public universities in the U.S. has tripled since 1980. While the country has experienced periods of inflation over the last century, it seems more individuals are entertaining exploratory measures rather than the traditional four-year university route. In fact, career-technical education (CTE), more commonly referred to as trade schools, has become of the more accepted and sought after pathways for the current generation.

While CTE industries were widely deemed as "men's occupations," the stereotype has begun to diminish with the rise of diverse programming that has inspired more women and ethnicities to enroll in this education model. In 2024 alone, over 140,000 Ohio students participated in CTE courses*. It's evident that CTE is an attractive option for students that seek concentrated academic studies accompanied by a higher chance of employment for in-demand jobs.

In comparison with a four-year college degree, trade schools allow students to finish their study courses within one to two years. As students face increased costs both with in- and out of state tuition rates, more high school graduates are looking for ways to acquire the education they need to enter the workforce without extensive debt.

At Telhio Credit Union, we believe in the power of education, which is why our Trade School Loans are a valuable option to help our members cover the cost of their program without the assistance of traditional aid. With a simple application, low interest rates, and a flexible first payment, members can kickstart their career in the following eligible programs:

· Vocational School

· Technical School

· Trucking/CDL Driving School

Learn more and apply today by visiting https://www.telhio.org/trade-school.

*Data obtained from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce FY2024 CTE Fact Sheet.