The FAFSA form is the starting point for all types of financial aid for education. That includes trade school and training for all types of jobs — so yes, if you want financial aid, you need to take this step. (Note: The 2024 form is new. Though the form is easier to fill out, students and parents reported trouble getting into the system when it first opened earlier this year.)Check out How Financial Aid Works. This graphic explains in simple terms what happens at every step of the process and what your responsibilities will be.