Can you get scholarships for trade schools?

Discover resources to help you pay for your trade program

Congrats to those considering trade school—you're already ahead of the pack by having discovered your passion. More goods news? Scholarships aren’t just for students going to a university or college. There are thousands of resources out there that can help pay for all kinds of trade programs. Dive into the nuts and bolts of it all below.

Build up your knowledge of the basics

First things first: Everyone interested in the trades should know that you can use the money you earn from scholarships to pay for your program just as college and university students can use scholarships to pay for tuition. So, if you were hoping to alleviate the financial burden with some free money—no wrench in those plans!

Reasearch the rules: To use a scholarship to help you pay for trade school, you'll need to be enrolled or registered in a qualifying program. Connect with the financial aid specialist at the school you’re attending or planning to attend, and they'll help make sure your money goes to the right place.

Know your options: Trade school scholarships come from a wide range of sources—from the federal government to trade unions to nonprofit organizations. But before you start applying, make sure to look at the eligibility criteria. Some scholarships may be industry-specific, while others could be based on financial need, academic achievement, or specific skills.

Search with Scholly by Sallie*

A search app like Scholly by Sallie* is a great place to start looking for scholarships. Just create a profile and share your interests, background, and accomplishments and you'll start getting matched with scholarships in minutes. It's a super easy way to discover awards that were handmade just for you. And the best part? It’s free to use. 

*By clicking the link, you'll visit our affiliate Scholly's site. Any information that we may collect or that you provide will be shared with Sallie Mae and will be covered under the SLM Education Services, LLC privacy policy and terms of use.

Trade school scholarship opportunities

Lockheed Martin Vocational Scholarship: For students of all ages that are pursuing a skills-based education in engineering, technology, and advanced manufacturing fields.
Amount: $5,000

Dewalt Trade Scholarship: Stanley Black & Decker’s DeWalt Trade annual Scholarship is eligible for students in a two-year program or vocational school for mechanics, construction, and more.
Amount: $5,000

Nuts & Bolts & Thingamajigs: The NBT Foundation provides financial support for those interested in a manufacturing career. It offers three scholarship options with different eligibility requirements.
Amount: $3,500

The Home Depot and Skillpointe Foundations’ Path to Pro Scholarship: The Home Depot and Skillpointe Foundations launched this nationwide annual scholarship together to encourage a career in the trades.
Amount: $2,000

Whether you want to become a skilled electrician, plumber, or are interested in any other professional trade, there are plenty of scholarships out there to help. Just brush up on the basics, hammer down the details, and fine-tune your search so you’re ready to nail down some free money.