During my time teaching at the University of South Carolina, I had a remarkable student named Jake. Jake excelled in my first-year English class, showcasing his intelligence and creativity with a great sense of humor.
Fast forward a few years, and I was surprised to learn that Jake had chosen to forgo his completed university degree in favor of trade school. Today, he’s the most skilled plumber I’ve ever worked with. I take pride in telling my sons, “I taught Jake,” whenever he comes over to fix a clogged drain. I enthusiastically recommend him to all my friends.
I genuinely feel as proud of Jake as I do of another student who recently earned her medical degree.
Growing up, I perceived vocational or trade schools as something less desirable. Success, as we were taught by our parents and teachers, meant obtaining a college degree. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that from 2000 to 2016, undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting institutions rose by 28 percent, with projections indicating further increases in the coming years. This translates to countless young people being led to believe that college is the only path to success.
However, the reality is that trade schools often offer more promising job prospects, better pay, and greater stability. According to The Atlantic, fields such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation are anticipated to expand, many of which do not necessitate a four-year degree. In other words, your children don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a traditional college experience. They can attend a two-year trade school right after high school—or sometimes even while still enrolled—and emerge ready for stable employment.
The main issue lies not in the quality of trade schools but in our perception of them. Many parents still view these institutions as a backup plan. One mother shared with The Atlantic that vocational schools in her community seemed to be for students who weren’t succeeding in “real” school, which left her feeling uncertain about her son’s choice. Another parent recounted her experience when a friend questioned why her high-achieving son, who maintained a 3.95 GPA, would attend a vocational-technical school, implying that he must be struggling academically.
In contrast, many European countries have embraced trade education, with about half of high school students directed towards vocational paths. As a former professor, I can attest to this trend; many students at my university were capable of succeeding but lacked a clear vision of their goals. They often found themselves in debt and unable to secure decent-paying jobs. If they had pursued trades instead, they could be thriving like Jake, with stable careers that provide a good income.
Moreover, let’s not overlook the burden of student loans. According to The Atlantic, only two-thirds of graduates feel their education justified the loans they incurred. Vocational education generally costs significantly less than a traditional four-year degree, which means families can save money and possibly incur little to no debt if students attend part-time during high school.
It’s crucial that we change how we perceive trade schools and the trades themselves. A college degree is not the sole indicator of a successful life. Many of my friends, despite holding advanced degrees, are struggling under the weight of student debt, while individuals like Jake are living independently, free of financial burdens, in stable jobs that are often recession-proof.
Isn’t that the essence of the American dream?
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Summary:
Trade schools offer viable career paths that can lead to stable employment and good wages, challenging the stigma that they are a lesser choice compared to traditional college education. Many students are better suited for trades and can avoid the burden of student debt while achieving the American dream of financial stability.
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