Fewer students are going to four-year colleges. Instead, many are learning skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, or auto repair. This career path can lead to good jobs and less student debt.
The Key Points
- Trade schools teach job skills for careers like construction, healthcare, or technology
- Students can complete training programs in 1-2 years instead of 4 years
- Trade school costs much less than a 4-year university degree
- There are many open jobs available for skilled trade workers
- Artificial intelligence (AI) is unlikely to replace roles that require hands-on skills
Do you know someone who chose a trade career over attending a traditional 4-year college? Read on to learn why this path is growing in popularity.
Why Trade Schools Are Appealing
The most significant appeal of trade schools is they provide faster job training at a lower cost. Most programs can be completed in 7-15 months of full-time study.
Scott Shaw is the CEO of Lincoln Tech, which has trade school campuses across 13 U.S. states. He says the average student pays around $20,000 to $35,000 for career training.
In contrast, the average four-year university student takes on over $30,000 in loans for their bachelor’s degree, according to EducationData.org. At some private colleges, costs can easily exceed $100,000.
Getting Hired Quickly With Less Debt
Trade schools also help students launch careers and earn sooner with much less debt. After graduating in under two years, skilled trades workers can quickly get hired into high-paying jobs in high demand.
“Our students leave with only around $14,000 in debt on average,” Shaw explains. “With typical wages in the skilled trades, that’s a very reasonable amount that allows them to pay loans back quickly.”
Finding employment shouldn’t be difficult either. Shaw says employers are actively recruiting at Lincoln Tech’s campuses due to significant shortages of skilled trades workers across construction, manufacturing, transportation and other sectors.
Training for Careers That AI Can’t Replace
Another benefit of trade school programs is the type of hands-on work they train for. Careers like electricians, welders, automotive technicians or HVAC technicians require physical skills that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot easily replicate or automate.
“AI will not be able to take these jobs away from skilled trades workers,” Shaw states firmly. “You can’t have an AI system install your home air conditioning on a hot summer day.”
Many trade vocations were deemed “essential” during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic shutdowns. Skilled tradespeople were needed to maintain infrastructure, transportation networks, hospitals, homes, and businesses.
Trade School Demographics
Trade schools attract a wide range of students:
- About 26% enrol directly after finishing high school
- Around 50% of students are 21 years old or younger
- But many adult career-changers in their 30s, 40s or older also enrol
“People want to follow their passion and learn hands-on skills,” Shaw says. “We get students who tried out 4-year colleges but it just wasn’t the right fit for their interests and learning style.”
How to Choose a Trade Program
With the rising popularity and diverse options, students today have many trade school paths they can pursue depending on their interests:
- Construction and building trades: electrician, HVAC tech, plumber, carpenter
- Transportation: auto technician, aviation maintenance, diesel mechanics
- Healthcare: medical assistant, dental assistant, pharmacy tech
- Technology: computer & network support, cybersecurity, electronics
Do any of those potential careers sound interesting to you? If so, exploring trade school options could be worthwhile to further your education and career prospects affordably.
