The standard advice for high school students through several decades advocated the “college for all” educational path. The student debt situation together with the need for practical skills has transformed the educational landscape. The current workforce prefers trade schools which used to function as second options for career training.
The Avoiding of “Debt Traps”
The average cost of a four-year degree has skyrocketed, often leaving graduates with six-figure loans. Trade schools provide education at much lower prices because most students pay only a small portion of the total cost of a university degree. Students can start working immediately after school because they don’t need to deal with unpaid student loans.
High Starting Salaries
The country faces a severe shortage of skilled workers who can handle electrical plumbing and HVAC system repairs. The entry-level salaries for these positions exceed those of most white-collar office jobs because companies need workers and there aren t enough available candidates.
Resistance to Artificial Intelligence
AI systems can perform coding and writing tasks and data entry work but they lack the ability to repair burst pipes and install electrical systems and maintain jet engines. Physical work-based trades create job security which many office workers currently experience in their jobs.
The “Silver Tsunami”
The present skilled workforce has a large percentage of workers who are now reaching retirement age. The retirement of experienced electricians and welders will create millions of high-salary job openings which companies must fill.
Tangible Job Satisfaction
Office workers who need to see their work outcomes face challenges when they work in office environments. Trade workers build houses, fix cars, and restore power. The psychological advantage of using your hands to solve a tangible problem remains high throughout the working day.
Employer-Sponsored Training
Trade schools receive funding from companies which want to train students because of their critical need to find skilled workers. The sponsoring company will pay for all educational expenses which students need to complete their required work period.
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Trades provide business owners with straightforward paths to establish their own companies. After working as an electrician or plumber for several years, most professionals can open their own businesses. Operating your own business becomes easier through trade work compared to working in a corporate setting.
Flexibility and Travel
Skilled trades are needed everywhere. Certified welders and aircraft mechanics can work in high-paying jobs throughout the United States and international countries. The “portable” skill set enables workers to travel freely between different job locations which office workers can never achieve.
Learning by Doing
Many people find it difficult to understand traditional university lectures which require them to remain seated and pay attention. Trade schools focus on kinesthetic learning—actually doing the work with your hands. Students find this method of learning to be both effective and interesting.
Removing the Social Stigma
The old idea that you “only go to trade school if you can’t get into college” is dying. Social media and influencers are highlighting the high salaries and cool lifestyles of “blue-collar” workers, making these paths respected and even trendy.
