Trade schools see growing interest as students seek faster, lower-cost career paths
SSan Antonio

Trade schools see growing interest as students seek faster, lower-cost career paths

  • September 14, 2026

Programs in welding, automotive and HVAC attract students seeking practical skills and steady jobs

SAN ANTONIO – As students head back to class, more are considering trade schools and two-year programs as an alternative to a traditional four-year college path.

The shift is driven in part by cost, time and demand. Programs in nursing, welding, automotive technology and air conditioning can often get students into the workforce faster while preparing them for fields facing worker shortages.

At San Antonio College, about 500 students are enrolled in the school’s two-year associate degree nursing program. That is up from about 300 students five years ago, according to Dr. Eve Rodriguez, who said demand for nurses continues to grow locally and nationwide.

“I believe it’s because there’s a shortage and there’s a huge demand,” Rodriguez said.

Watch the video above to see why more and more students are choosing this path.

Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.

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