A rising number of students are choosing trade schools rather than traditional four year colleges. Many students prefer trades because of the lower costs, job-specific training, hands on experience, and they offer a quick entry into a career path.
Trades are skilled lines of work that require specific training and skills. A trade school, or vocational school is a post-secondary educational institution that provides the specialized programs necessary to prepare students to enter the workforce in trades like plumbing, healthcare, carpentry, HVAC technician, cosmetology, or other technical professions.
Trade schools can be more beneficial for some students than a four year college because it gives targeted training to develop their skills for a specific career. Additionally, some students view colleges as “busy work” because it provides broader knowledge and a longer, more extensive curriculum that may have less relevance to their desired career, leading to more student debt and a longer time before entering the workforce.
Currently, there is a high demand for trades and skilled workers due to the growing population and effects after Covid-19, but specifically the aging workforce and the misconceptions about trade careers.
There has been a negative stigma and perception revolving around trades, such as being low-paying or lacks meticulous intellectual ability. This stereotype led many people, particularly millennials, to lean towards gaining college degrees and professional careers, leaving only a small group of people in trades.
As a result, businesses are now facing labor shortages because of the aging and retirement of current manual workers that has left many jobs unfilled. However, this idea is changing and many are beginning to give recognition to those working in these fields.
Much of that shift seems to stem from growing social media attention, as 77% of Gen Zers say they’ve seen more posts about these fields on social platforms,” according to Contractor Magazine.
Trades have evolved over the years, they are becoming more appealing to the younger generation. As technology continues to advance, trades have integrated these developments giving the youth a unique advantage and interest in vocational jobs.
As society evolves in several different aspects, societal perceptions of education and careers do as well. Society and the government are beginning to recognize the value of vocational schools. They are now encouraged by public figures, policies, K-12 schools and CTE courses, and social media.
“Today, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order to modernize American workforce programs to prepare citizens for the high-paying skilled trade jobs of the future,” said The White House.
Four year colleges are still a great option because they do provide a broader and more diverse knowledge base, gain transferable skills, and allow entry to a workforce that requires a college degree. There are several different pathways to gain a high level education whether it be through hands-on, specialized trade schools, comprehensive schooling at four year colleges, or community college.
Nonetheless, students should be aware of all their possible options and determine which will be more beneficial for their career path. Students should not feel limited or forced into thinking that they must take a four year college in order to have a stable, well-paying job. Instead, they should be excited to have many different opportunities that can still lead them to their desired career.
