{"id":435737,"date":"2026-09-14T17:06:26","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T17:06:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/435737\/"},"modified":"2026-09-14T17:06:26","modified_gmt":"2026-09-14T17:06:26","slug":"trade-schools-see-growing-interest-as-students-seek-faster-lower-cost-career-paths","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/435737\/","title":{"rendered":"Trade schools see growing interest as students seek faster, lower-cost career paths"},"content":{"rendered":"

Programs in welding, automotive and HVAC attract students seeking practical skills and steady jobs<\/p>\n

SAN ANTONIO \u2013 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

At San Antonio College, about 500 students are enrolled in the school\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cI believe it\u2019s because there\u2019s a shortage and there\u2019s a huge demand,\u201d Rodriguez said.<\/p>\n

Watch the video above to see why more and more students are choosing this path.<\/p>\n

Copyright 2026 by KSAT – All rights reserved.<\/p>\n

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