Trade School Graduates Hiring Rate (2025 Data & Employer Insights)

Updated September 13, 2025 | Brad Fishbein

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Graduation rates show who finishes a program. Hiring rates show real value. High placement numbers mean:

  • Employers trust the school's training
  • Programs match industry needs
  • Students see a faster return on investment
  • Career services actively help graduates land jobs

Real Trade School Hiring Data

Source Key Stats Link
South Dakota Board of Technical Education (2025) 99% of employable graduates employed; 93% in a job related to their program; 85% in their exact field. SDPB
South Dakota Searchlight (2025) Confirms: 99% employed, 93% in a related field. South Dakota Searchlight
Southeast Technical College (2024) 99% of grads employed in their field/major within 6 months; 87% work in-state. Southeast Tech Career Outcomes
Congressional Research Service (2023) Workers with non-degree certificates have higher employment rates and wages than those without postsecondary education. CRS Report R47166

What Drives High Placement Rates

  1. Employer Advisory Boards & Partnerships
    Schools with active employer input deliver programs that lead to jobs.
  2. Hands-On Training
    Apprenticeships, labs, and externships increase graduate readiness.
  3. Career Services Departments
    Resume prep, mock interviews, and job fairs improve outcomes.
  4. State Oversight & Transparency
    States like South Dakota publish data annually, making it easier for students to choose quality programs.

Employer-Connected Schools (Examples)

School Focus Employer Partners Link
UTI (Universal Technical Institute) Automotive, Diesel, HVAC Toyota, Ford, Cummins, Peterbilt UTI Employer Partnerships
State Technical College of Missouri Multi-trade Local contractors, manufacturers State Tech
IBEW Apprenticeships Electrical NECA Contractors, IBEW Locals IBEW.org
Center for Employment Training (CET) Welding, IT, Medical Community employers CET

Placement Rates by Trade (Estimates)

Trade Field Placement Rate Sources
HVAC Technician ~85% BLS Occupational Outlook
Electrical ~90% IBEW Apprenticeships
Welding ~80% American Welding Society
CDL Truck Driving ~95% U.S. Truck Driver Shortage Report
Medical Coding ~75% AAPC Industry Outlook

Questions to Ask When Evaluating a School

  1. What % of grads are in-field within 6 months?
  2. Is the data verified by a state board or third-party audit?
  3. Which employers hire your graduates?
  4. Are internships or apprenticeships built in?
  5. How long do alumni get job support?

FAQ

Are hiring rates higher than for 4-year degrees?

Yes, many skilled trades offer direct employer pipelines. CRS data shows certificate holders often see better job placement than peers with no degree.

What does “employable graduates” mean?

Defined by South Dakota's Board of Technical Education: excludes grads continuing education, entering military service, or not seeking employment.

Can schools guarantee jobs?

No. Legitimate schools provide transparent placement data and career services but never promise employment.

How to Use Hiring Data to Choose a School

  1. Compare multiple schools' outcome reports.
  2. Focus on in-field placement over “any job” stats.
  3. Check for published employer partnerships.
  4. Choose programs with built-in apprenticeships or externships.
  5. Verify that placement stats are tracked annually and state-verified.

Bottom Line

Trade schools with strong placement records deliver a clear ROI. Look for:

  • State-verified placement rates
  • Employer-backed curriculum
  • Built-in job experience opportunities

Schools like Southeast Tech and State Tech of Missouri set the bar, with nearly 99% of graduates hired in their field.

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Brad Fishbein Licensed Mold Assessor

Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.