What type of education credential is needed (trade occupations)? (community college, school, profession)

[heeha]

If I decide to go back to school to learn a trade, which of the following is better to obtain: associate of applied science degree, diploma, or certificate?

I noticed just about every community college offers the educational credentials I listed above for trade occupations such as plumber, mechanic, HVAC, etc, but I don't know which one I should obtain? I know the AAS would probably be the best, but then again would a diploma or certificate be just a valuable for trying to obtain a job?

[lisdol]

I would look at what the standard is for the profession and what the necessary requirement is for licensure.

Some don't require a full associate's and you would simply be adding some academic work to your time in school that is not necessary for working in that field (not to say it has no worth but if a job is all you are looking for, its extra time and money you may not need to spend).

I would also try to find a school that has an apprenticeship program so you get real life work in the field and build lots of good contacts for work when you finish school.

[Fat Freddy]

The best trade education programs are those offered by the unions.
They provide real world working and technical knowledge as well as a job guarantee (depending on the prevailing economic conditions of course).
But, they are more selective and harder to get into than the courses at a Community College that, by law, will admit most anyone.