About Bikash
Bikash Roy is the founder and lead researcher at Trade School Insider. Since 2022, he has researched vocational education pathways, analyzed Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data, and evaluated trade school programs across the United States.
His methodology: review each school's accreditation status, curriculum hours, certification pass rates, and employer partnerships — then compile the findings into unbiased, data-backed guides for prospective students. Every salary figure on this site is sourced directly from the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Every school review is based on publicly available program data, student reviews, and institutional accreditation records.
Bikash does not accept payment for school rankings or reviews. His framing is that of a researcher and data analyst, not a former tradesperson — and that framing is transparent throughout every guide. Where first-hand trade experience is needed, he sources verified quotes from active tradespeople in Reddit communities (r/Welding, r/HVAC, r/electricians) and attributes them by name, trade, and years of experience.
Research Methodology
School Accreditation
Every school is verified through the DAPIP database (ope.ed.gov/dapip) maintained by the U.S. Department of Education. Unaccredited programs are excluded.
Curriculum & Program Length
Total clock hours, hands-on lab hours, and credential awarded (certificate, diploma, associate) are sourced directly from school admissions pages — linked and dated.
Certification Pass Rates
Where available, AWS certification pass rates (welding), NATE pass rates (HVAC), and state licensing exam pass rates (electrician) are sourced from institutional reports.
Employer Partnerships
Documented employer partnerships and job placement programs are cross-checked with school program pages and press releases. Unverified claims are excluded.
Salary & Outlook Data
All salary figures come from BLS OES and BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Survey year is always cited. Data is refreshed every October after the BLS annual release.
Tradesperson Experience Quotes
First-hand accounts sourced from r/Welding, r/HVAC, and r/electricians on Reddit and LinkedIn. Full first name, trade, and years experience cited inline. Permission requested before publishing.
Contact Bikash
For corrections, questions, or media inquiries about Trade School Insider's research.
bikashsb56@gmail.comAlso see our editorial policy and affiliate disclosure.