Trade schools in Copán: options for learning a trade

If you are wondering what to do after high school, or if you are looking for a quick way to learn practical skills to enter the workforce, trade schools are an excellent option. These institutions focus on teaching practical skills and avoid spending too much time on theory. Most courses are short, and in some cases you can start from the age of fifteen.

The Ruta de Vida guide, published by IPA-Copan in partnership with Rotary, describes several options available in the Copán region. Below you will find information about the main alternatives.

ETAOO: the Escuela Técnica de Artes y Oficios de Occidente

ETAOO is one of the most comprehensive trade schools in the region. It offers in-person training in a wide variety of trades, including:

• Construction and maintenance: Air conditioning, electricity, basic refrigeration, painting, welding, carpentry.
• Beauty and personal care: Barbering, beauty and cosmetology, makeup, acrylic nails.
• Gastronomy and food: Barista training, bartending, gastronomy, bakery, basic pastry, confectionery.
• Arts and design: Drawing and painting, graphic design, jewelry making, flower arranging, wood carving.
• Sewing and tailoring: Dressmaking and tailoring.
• Technology: Motorcycle repair.

Most of these courses are available in Santa Rita or Copán Ruinas. Some courses that require specialized equipment are only offered at the main campus.

Why do we recommend ETAOO?

ETAOO offers several important advantages for students who want to learn a trade and start working soon:

• Well-equipped facilities: Its facilities have the equipment needed for quality training.
• Short courses: Most courses last only twelve weeks, much less than the two or three years required by other trade schools.
• Low minimum age: You can enroll from the age of fifteen. At other trade schools, the minimum age is usually higher.
• Convenient schedules: Most courses have classes only one day a week, which reduces transportation costs.
• Practical approach: The majority of classes are hands-on, and only a small portion is theory.
• Support for entrepreneurs: When you graduate from ETAOO, you can also apply for a loan to start your own small business.

It is important to know that the available courses change frequently. If you are interested in any of these trades, the program team can inform you about the courses currently available. Get in touch with the team for up-to-date information.

Scholarships for trade schools

Scholarships are available for adolescents and adults from the communities supported by IPA-Copan. These scholarships cover school expenses and class materials. Students pay their own transportation, unless classes take place at the main school campus.

If you are an IPA-Copan scholarship recipient, you are already part of the Ruta de Vida program and can access these opportunities. For more information about how scholarships work, consult the complete Ruta de Vida guide.

English courses

Learning English is an excellent option if you are interested in working in tourism, hospitality, or a call center. There are several ways to learn this language:

Duolingo

Duolingo is a very popular app for learning English. It is free, so you do not need a scholarship to use it. If you dedicate about thirty minutes a day, you will progress quickly. You can use Duolingo in two ways:

• Download the app on your smartphone.
• Visit the Duolingo website from your computer.

In-person and online courses

In addition to Duolingo, there are in-person and online course options in the region. These courses offer different levels and schedules to fit your situation. The program team can help you find the course that best suits your needs. Consult the program team to learn about available options.

Other trade courses

You should also keep an eye out for courses offered by the municipal governments and other organizations in the region. They frequently offer free or low-cost training in various areas. These opportunities can be an excellent way to complement your education or explore new interests.

Trade apprenticeships: a valuable alternative

Trade schools only cover a limited number of professions. If you are interested in a different trade, a good alternative may be an apprenticeship or practical internship.

For example, if you want to become a car mechanic, you could reach an agreement with a repair shop. The shop teaches you and you help with the work. In practice, that shop becomes your school.

The same idea can be applied to other trades, such as masonry. You learn by working alongside experienced people.

«Many skills are best learned by observing, practicing, and doing.» — Ruta de Vida

This is a particularly valuable option because it allows you to learn while you work, and in many cases you can earn income from the start.

How to choose the right option?

To decide which path to follow, consider the following factors:

• Your interests: What type of activities do you enjoy? Do you prefer working with your hands, with people, or with technology?
• Your resources: Do you have access to a scholarship? Can you afford the transportation to the school?
• Available time: Do you need to start working soon? The short courses at ETAOO may be ideal. Do you have more time for a longer program?
• The job market: Is there demand for that trade in your region?

Additional resources

If you want to explore more options, we recommend visiting our section on what to do after high school to learn about all the alternatives available. You can also learn about how to prepare your résumé for when you are ready to look for work.

The Ruta de Vida program team is available to guide you at every step of the way. Get in touch if you need help making your decision or if you would like more detailed information about any of these options.