You hit on something that I didn’t say but also try to stress to students. Besides not being cheap, trade schools are tough. There’s a misconception that going to a trade school is “easier” than college and that’s not at all the case. It’s a focused curriculum and zero fluff. And as you said, it’s still going to cost you. Though if you’re lucky some companies are so short of workers that they are willing to help pay for equipment and/or classes.
But I’m preaching to the choir. Lots of folks on this board know way more about this than me because they’ve experienced it.