13 Trades Scholarships for College

Overview of Trade School Scholarships & Grants

Trade schools, also known as technical or vocational schools, provide hands-on training for careers in fields such as construction, automotive repair, HVAC, healthcare, information technology, and precision manufacturing. Although trade school programs are typically shorter and more affordable than four-year degrees, tuition, tools, equipment, certification fees, and living expenses can still add up.

To help reduce these costs, students can apply for a wide range of trade-focused scholarships and grants. Many awards are funded by industry organizations, labor unions, community foundations, and state workforce programs that want to grow the skilled-trades pipeline. Whether you are a high school senior, military veteran, adult learner, or someone changing careers, you can find scholarships designed to support your training goals.

Below, you’ll find the most common types of scholarships and grants available, broken down by eligibility, career type, and funding source — making it easier to start your trade school journey with financial confidence.

Does Trade School Give Scholarships?

Yes. Many trade and technical schools offer their own institutional scholarships to help students lower tuition costs. These awards often target specific trades, academic achievement, financial need, or workforce shortages in areas like healthcare and skilled labor.

Common types of scholarships trade schools offer include:

• Merit-based scholarships: Awarded for academic performance, prior experience, or strong personal statements.
• Need-based scholarships: Given to students who demonstrate financial need through FAFSA or internal applications.
• Program-specific scholarships: Available for high-demand programs such as welding, HVAC, diesel mechanics, dental assisting, or medical technology.
• Tool and equipment scholarships: Help cover the cost of tools, uniforms, or safety gear required for training.

Institutional scholarships are often easier to win because the applicant pool is limited to enrolled or accepted students.

What Trade School Scholarships Are Available for Adults?

Adult learners make up a large portion of trade school students, and many programs specifically support individuals returning to school or switching careers. Some of the best trade school scholarships for adults include:

• Imagine America Adult Skills Education Program: Provides up to $1,000 for eligible adult learners attending participating trade schools.
• Mike Rowe Works Foundation Work Ethic Scholarship: Rewards students who show dedication, work ethic, and commitment to a skilled trade.
• Local Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) Grants: Federal workforce grants administered by state job centers that can fully cover training in approved programs.
• Adult Learner Community Foundation Scholarships: Many local foundations offer scholarships for adults continuing education or pursuing career retraining.

These programs are ideal for adults who are transitioning into high-demand careers without taking on excessive debt.

Are There Grants for Trade School?

Yes. Students attending accredited trade schools can access several federal, state, and institutional grants. Grants do not need to be repaid and often provide significant financial support.

Common grants for trade school include:

• Federal Pell Grant: Available to undergraduate students demonstrating financial need; can be used at eligible trade schools.
• FSEOG Grant: Provides additional federal funding for students with exceptional financial need.
• State Workforce Grants: Many states offer grants for training in high-demand industries such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare.
• Institutional Grants: Provided by trade schools to help reduce tuition for qualifying students.

Checking your school’s accreditation is essential — only accredited institutions can offer federal financial aid.

Are There Scholarships for Electrician Trade School?

Yes. Numerous organizations support students pursuing electrical training and apprenticeship programs. Popular electrician scholarships include:

• NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) Scholarships: Awarded to students pursuing careers in electrical contracting or electrical engineering.
• IEC Foundation Scholarships: Supports apprentice electricians and students enrolled in IEC chapter programs nationwide.
• IBEW Local Union Scholarships: Many IBEW local chapters provide financial support for apprentices and electrical trainees.
• Regional Construction & Trades Scholarships: Local construction associations often fund scholarships for electrical students entering the workforce.

These programs help cover tuition, tools, electrical certifications, and apprenticeship training fees.

Are There Trade School Scholarships for Women?

Yes. Trade scholarships for women are expanding as more women enter skilled trades traditionally dominated by men. Some of the top programs for women include:

• WIST — Women in Skilled Trades Scholarship: Supports women pursuing careers in construction, electrical, and mechanical trades.
• PEO Program for Continuing Education: Provides financial assistance to women returning to school after a significant break in education.
• AAWCC Scholarships: Supports women studying at community and technical colleges.
• Tradeswomen, Inc. Grants: Available for women entering apprenticeship programs in the building trades.

These scholarships help make the trades more accessible and increase diversity within the skilled workforce.

Are There Scholarships for Welding Trade School?

Yes. Welding is one of the most scholarship-supported trades due to strong industry demand. Top scholarship options include:

• AWS Foundation Scholarships: More than 100 awards offered by the American Welding Society for students pursuing welding training or certifications.
• Mike Rowe Works Foundation Scholarship: Supports welding students who demonstrate strong work ethic and commitment to the profession.
• Regional Manufacturing Scholarships: Many local manufacturers and fabrication companies sponsor welding scholarships.
• Community College Welding Scholarships: Many technical schools offer funding for welding programs due to local workforce needs.

These scholarships can help pay for tuition, helmets, tools, safety gear, and testing fees.

What Scholarships Are Available for Trade School Students?

General trade school scholarships are open to students pursuing various skilled careers. Popular options include:

• Horatio Alger Association Career & Technical Scholarship: Provides financial support for students pursuing career or technical education programs.
• NCCER Build Your Future Scholarship: Supports students entering construction-related trades such as carpentry, HVAC, and electrical.
• State Workforce Scholarships: Many states offer grants and scholarships for high-demand trades like plumbing, HVAC, and machining.
• Union Apprenticeship Scholarships: Labor unions often fund scholarships for students entering registered apprenticeships.

These awards help reduce training costs and improve access to skilled careers.

Can You Get a Pell Grant for Trade School?

Yes. Pell Grants are available for trade school students if the institution is accredited and participates in the federal financial aid system. Pell Grants can be used to pay for:

• Tuition and fees
• Books and training materials
• Tools or supplies required by the program
• Living expenses, depending on the student’s cost of attendance

Pell Grants are one of the strongest financial aid resources for trade school students.

Does FAFSA Include Trade Schools?

Yes. The FAFSA can be used for both traditional colleges and accredited trade or vocational schools. Completing the FAFSA allows trade school students to access:

• Federal Pell Grants
• FSEOG grants
• Federal work-study programs
• Subsidized and unsubsidized federal student loans

Students should confirm that their trade school is accredited and eligible to receive federal financial aid before applying.