A vocational school (alternatively known as a trade school, or technical school), is a type of educational institution, which, depending on the country, may refer to either secondary or post-secondary education designed to provide vocational education or technical skills required to complete the tasks of a particular and specific job. In the case of secondary education, these schools differ from academic high schools which usually prepare students who aim to pursue tertiary education, rather than enter directly into the workforce. With regard to post-secondary education, vocational schools are traditionally distinguished from four-year colleges by their focus on job-specific training to students who are typically bound for one of the skilled trades, rather than providing academic training for students pursuing careers in a professional discipline. While many schools have largely adhered to this convention, the purely vocational focus of other trade schools began to shift in the 1990s "toward a broader preparation that develops the academic" as well as the technical skills of their students.

This type of institution may also be called a trade school, career center, career college, or vocational college.

Vocational schools were called "technical colleges" in Australia, and there were more than 20 schools specializing in vocational educational training (VET). This model of "technical college" has largely been superseded by vocational schools offering courses under a framework known as TAFE. Only four technical colleges remain, and these are now referred to as "trade colleges". At these colleges, students complete a modified year 12 certificate and commence a school-based apprenticeship in a trade of their choice. There are two trade colleges in Queensland; Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Australian Industry Trade College and one in Adelaide, St. Patrick's Technical College, and another in Perth, Australian Trades College.

In Queensland, students can also undertake VET at private and public high schools instead of studying for their overall position (OP), which is a tertiary entrance score. However these students usually undertake more limited vocational education of one day per week whereas in the trade colleges the training is longer.

In Canada, vocational education is primarily offered at the post-secondary level through institutions commonly referred to as career colleges or polytechnic institutes. While the term "vocational school" was once widely used, it began to be phased out in the 1960s and 1970s in favor of more modern terminology.

During the 1960s and 1970s, many Canadian provinces transitioned away from standalone vocational high schools toward integrated secondary schools offering both academic and vocational tracks. This shift aimed to reduce educational stratification and provide students with broader post-graduation options.

Education in Canada is under provincial and territorial jurisdiction, resulting in diverse vocational training systems. For example, Ontario has a robust network of community colleges such as George Brown College, Centennial College, and Fanshawe College, offering diploma and certificate programs in skilled trades, health sciences, and technology. Quebec uses the CEGEP (Collège d’enseignement général et professionnel) system, which includes both pre-university and technical programs. In Alberta, institutions like the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) specialize in applied education in engineering, trades, and business.

Several prominent vocational and polytechnic institutions in Canada include: