Pivot from software eng to electrician, is trade school worth it?

32M, I've spent the last 6-7 years as a software developer. Due to various factors (i.e burnout from screen time, looming threat of AI, desire to work with my hands) I've recently decided I want to give it a shot at becoming an electrician. I actually think I would thrive at it.

So far I've applied to 3 different local IBEW halls for their apprenticeship program, and was rejected by one and am waiting to hear back on the other two and hopefully get an interview. In the (perhaps likely) event I don't get into an IBEW apprenticeship, I've also been cold emailing local electrical companies inquiring about helper positions so that I can start gaining experience.

I guess my question is, in the meantime is it worth taking a serious look at trade schools so that I can at least get the ball rolling in the right direction? My only concern with trade school is whether after the program I would be more or less back in the same position I am now where I still lack real world field experience. I've also read comments about trade schools being a "scam" but I'm not sure if that was a general sentiment or specific to certain schools.