Table of Contents
If your job includes promoting a trade school or vocational school, regularly writing and distributing press releases should be high on your to-do list.
Here’s why:
Press releases serve multiple strategic purposes for trade and technical schools. They help establish credibility by showcasing achievements, program expansions, and industry partnerships. This visibility is particularly important given the growing demand for skilled trades and the increasing recognition of technical education as a valuable career pathway.
From a recruitment perspective, press releases help reach potential students and their families with concrete examples of the school’s value proposition. When a school announces high job placement rates, new facilities, or industry partnerships, it demonstrates tangible benefits to prospective students. These announcements can be particularly effective when picked up by local media, reaching audiences who might not otherwise encounter the school’s marketing.
Press releases also create a virtuous cycle with industry partnerships. When companies see other organizations supporting technical education through media coverage, they’re more likely to consider similar investments. This visibility can lead to additional partnerships, donations, and opportunities for students.
For technical and trade schools receiving public funding or grants, press releases provide accountability and transparency. They demonstrate how funds are being used to benefit students and meet workforce needs. Additionally, by highlighting student success stories, salary potential, and industry demand, schools can help shift perceptions about technical careers and attract more students to these fields.
Need examples of press releases issued by other trade, technical and vocational schools? Here are 15 of them!
Tool company announces trade school scholarships
Trade school announces summer program
Organization announces program to respect the trades
Company launches skilled trade recruiting program
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/trade-jobs-officially-launches-to-help-elevate-employment-in-the-home-service-industry-302008463.html
Company announces continued funding of trades
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lowes-foundation-skilled-trades-workforce-investment-eclipses-25-million-through-new-cohort-of-community-and-technical-college-gable-grants-recipients-302203276.html
Company partners with trade school to offer paid work experience programs
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/crown-equipment-joins-universal-technical-institutes-early-employment-program-302193773.html
Website releases ranking of top paying skilled trades
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/onlinecollegeplan-sheds-new-light-on-trade-school-programs-300592799.html
Technical school program opens online course offerings
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wisconsins-first-career-technical-education-online-school-opens-300221104.html
Accreditation board recognizes schools of excellence
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accrediting-commission-of-career-schools-and-colleges-honors-uti-sacramento-and-uti-dallas-as-schools-of-excellence-302225537.html
New vocational school opens its doors to students
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/career-institute-vocational-school-founded-by-shalom-klein-opens-its-doors-in-the-chicagoland-area-266813931.html
Company announces new AI-powered software for vocational school training
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/schools-hub-announces-release-of-ai-powered-learning-solution-marketplace-for-vocational-training-302143186.html
Finalists announced for technical competition
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/empowering-emerging-engineers-for-the-ev-world-12-north-american-teams-of-universities-and-vocational-schools-selected-for-the-battery-workforce-challenge-302011914.html
Technical school opening new campus
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/improved-access-to-vocational-and-career-training-with-new-uei-college-location-coming-to-tacoma-301378356.html
Vocational school receives tool and equipment donation
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/chicago-vocational-career-academy-receives-tool-and-equipment-donation-in-memoriam-of-bears-great-dick-butkus-302009099.html
Company awards grants to spur trade adoption
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/to-help-grow-the-trades-dewalt-announces-grant-recipients-302253748.html
It’s always easier to write if you have a fill-in-the-blank template. So here are several templates for commonly-issued press releases you can use to make your job easier:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [School Name] Launches New [Program Type] Training Program [CITY, STATE] — [School name] has announced the launch of a new [specific program name] training program to meet growing industry demand in [geographic area]. The program will begin accepting students [timeframe] and expects to graduate its first class in January 2025.. The [duration]-month program will provide students with comprehensive training in [list 2-3 key skills], preparing them for careers in [specific industry sector]. Industry projections indicate a [X]% growth in demand for these skills over the next [timeframe]. “[Quote from school administrator about program’s importance],” said [Name], [Title] at [School]. The curriculum, developed in partnership with [industry partner type], includes [2-3 key program features or technologies]. Students will gain hands-on experience using [specific equipment or technology], while also learning [other important aspects]. “[Quote from industry partner about workforce needs],” said [Name], [Title] at [Partner Organization]. Enrollment for the inaugural class begins January 2025.. Interested students can learn more at [website] or by attending an information session on January 2025.. About [School Name]: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [Industry Partner Type] Donates $[Amount] in Equipment to Support [Type] Training at [School Name] [CITY, STATE] — Students at [School Name] will now train on state-of-the-art [equipment type] thanks to a major donation from [industry sector] partners. The new equipment will serve approximately [number] students annually in the school’s [program name] program. The donation includes [list of major equipment pieces] and will allow students to gain hands-on experience with the same technology currently used in [industry name] workplaces. “[Quote about impact on student learning],” said [Name], [Title] at [School]. The equipment will be installed in the school’s [facility name] and will be ready for student use by January 2025.. This addition will help the program meet its goal of [specific educational objective]. “[Quote about workforce development],” said [Name] of [Donor Organization]. [School Name] will host a dedication ceremony on January 2025. at [time], featuring demonstrations of the new equipment by current students. About [School Name]: About [Donor Organization/Industry Partner]: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [School Name]’s [Program] Achieves [X]% Job Placement Rate [CITY, STATE] — [School Name] announced today that [X]% of graduates from its [program name] have secured employment within [timeframe] of completion, marking a [X]% increase from the previous year. The [program name] prepares students for careers in [industry] through [duration] of intensive training. Recent graduates have been hired by [types of employers] with starting salaries ranging from $[amount] to $[amount] annually. “[Quote about program success],” said [Name], [Title] at [School]. Key achievements include: “[Quote from employer about graduate quality],” said [Name], [Title] at [Employer Company Type]. [School Name] will host a career fair on January 2025. to connect current students with local employers. About [School Name]: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [School Name] and [Industry Sector] Leaders Launch Innovative Training Partnership [CITY, STATE] — [School Name] has partnered with [number] [industry type] companies to create a new training initiative that will prepare students for careers in [specific field]. The partnership includes: Starting January 2025., students will benefit from [specific advantage of partnership], while partner companies will [benefit to industry partners]. “[Quote about partnership significance],” said [Name], [Title] at [School]. “[Quote about industry benefits],” said [Industry Partner Representative Name], [Title]. The program expects to train [number] students annually, with the first cohort beginning January 2025.. About [School Name]: About the Partnership: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [School Name] Expands [Program Type] with New [Amount] Facility [CITY, STATE] — [School Name] has announced the opening of its new [facility name], a [square footage] training center that will increase the school’s capacity to train [type of professionals] by [percentage or number]. The state-of-the-art facility features: “[Quote about expansion impact],” said [Name], [Title] at [School]. Construction of the facility began January 2025. and was completed [timeframe]. The expansion will allow enrollment to increase from [current number] to [new number] students annually. The facility will open for classes beginning January 2025.. A grand opening ceremony is scheduled for January 2025. at [time]. “[Quote about community impact],” said [Local Official Name], [Title]. About [School Name]: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [Company Name] Establishes $[Amount] Scholarship Fund for Trade School Students [CITY, STATE] — [Company Name] announced today the creation of a $[amount] scholarship fund to support students pursuing technical education at [number] regional trade schools. The initiative aims to help [number] students annually achieve certifications in [specific trades]. The [Company Name] Future Workforce Scholarship will cover up to [percentage/amount] of tuition costs for qualified students pursuing careers in [specific trades/industries]. Recipients will also receive [any additional benefits, such as tool stipends or mentoring]. “[Quote about workforce development and company’s commitment to education],” said [Name], [Title] at [Company]. Scholarship criteria include: The first scholarships will be awarded [timeframe], with applications opening January 2025.. Students can apply through [process]. “[Quote about impact on students],” said [Name], [Title] at [participating school]. [Company Name] developed this initiative in response to [specific industry need or workforce challenge]. The company expects to invest $[amount] in technical education over the next [timeframe]. About [Company Name]: For Scholarship Information: Media Contact: ### |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
[Date] [Company Name] Launches $[Amount] Equipment and Training Initiative at [School Type] Schools [CITY, STATE] — [Company Name] today announced a comprehensive workforce development program combining $[amount] in equipment donations with hands-on training opportunities for technical students. The program will serve [number] schools across [geographic area]. The initiative includes: “[Quote about investing in future workforce],” said [Name], CEO of [Company]. The donated equipment includes [list major items], allowing students to train on the same technology used in [Company]’s facilities. Additionally, [Company] professionals will provide [number] hours of on-site instruction each [timeframe]. Students completing the program will be eligible for [specific opportunities] at [Company], with starting wages of $[amount] per hour. “[Quote about impact on training quality],” said [Name], [Title] at [participating school]. Implementation begins January 2025. at [first location], with full program rollout expected by January 2025.. [Company] expects to train [number] students annually through this initiative, helping to address the shortage of [specific type] workers in the [industry] sector. About [Company Name]: Program Participation Information: Media Contact: ### |
By now, my guess is you’re sold on the concept of writing press releases, but you may still be wondering what you could write one about. I’ve got your back! Here are 51 ideas just waiting for you to turn into your own attention-getting press release to build your organization:
Most people think that once they send a press release off to their local media, their job is done. Nothing can be farther from the truth!
Trade schools should consider using national press release distribution services for several key strategic benefits:
The primary advantage is reaching beyond local media to connect with potential students from other regions. As many technical programs are specialized or unique, they may attract students willing to relocate for the right training opportunity. National distribution helps schools compete for students on a broader scale.
These services also help trade schools connect with potential corporate partners and donors across the country. When a company is looking to support technical education or establish training partnerships, they often research schools through news coverage. National press release distribution makes a school’s achievements and initiatives visible to these potential partners.
Industry-specific trade publications and websites often source stories from national distribution services. This targeted visibility helps schools gain recognition within their specific sectors, whether it’s manufacturing, healthcare technology, or sustainable energy. Getting coverage in these specialized outlets enhances the school’s reputation and credibility.
National distribution services also provide better digital visibility through their relationships with major news websites and search engines. This improved online presence helps schools appear in searches when potential students research career training options, even if they’re not specifically looking for that school.
Additionally, these services offer valuable metrics and analytics about press release performance, helping schools understand which types of announcements generate the most interest and from which regions, allowing for more strategic communication planning.
Finally, while the initial cost of national distribution may seem high compared to local outreach, the potential return on investment through increased enrollment, corporate partnerships, and donor relationships often justifies the expense.
Finally, here are some tips and training to help you write an amazing press release: