A vocational-technical school, often called a vo-tech school, is a high school in the United States and Canada designed to bring vocational and technical training to its students. Proponents claim that students bound for college may be able to use such skills to realize a distinct educational advantage over other students in their major.

Within the context of American and Canadian post-secondary education, vo-tech schools differ from a traditional four-year university since vo-tech curriculums aim their focus on careers that do not require a four-year undergraduate university degree. Rather than provide specialized academic training for university-bound students in a major pursuing white collar careers in a professional discipline in a manner offered by a traditional university, vo-tech schools instead offer apprenticeships for the skilled trades as well as citations, certificate, and diplomas for skilled technicians and workers in support roles in various professional fields related to academia, engineering, high technology, accountancy, business administration, financial services, hospitality, nursing, medicine, architecture, and criminology.

Additionally, vocational-technical schools often provide training to adults from the surrounding communities. The training, offered for a cost, may range from a single course to an entire program of ten or more courses.

Vocational-technical schools are licensed, registered, or accredited like any other high school. You can search US vocational schools at www.applytotradeschool.com.