Recent headlines about rising college tuition, increasing student loan debt, and divisive discussions about artificial intelligence taking over entry-level jobs are prompting this generation to reconsider their future career goals. The data support these fears and have led many young people to ask, “Should I consider trade school or college?”
If you or your child has asked this question, The Hourglass Foundation has outlined the pros and cons of Trade School vs College to help you decide which path may be right for you.
According to Fortune Magazine, students are now describing degrees as “useless” because the unemployment rate for men ages 22 to 27 is the same regardless of whether a degree has been earned or not. As a result, many young men and women are choosing to pursue skilled trades certifications and are bypassing college.
However, before deciding whether to pursue a career in a skilled trade, let’s delve into what a trade school is and what to expect if you choose to forgo college for a 2-year trades program.
What is a 2-Year Trade School?
Trade schools, technical schools, and vocational colleges are often used interchangeably to describe a specific type of training that requires specialized education. Students can choose from various focus areas, including HVAC, automotive, plumbing, electrical, construction, and more. Trade schools can be public or private, and many programs are offered through community colleges. To apply, students must have earned a high school diploma or a GED, typically with a minimum of a 2.0 GPA.
Pros/Cons of Trade Schools
- More affordable than traditional four-year degrees.
- Shorter training timelines.
- Faster entry into the workforce.
- High demand for skilled workers.
- Job security.
- According to Forbes, trade graduates are more likely to start their own businesses within the first decade of work experience compared to Bachelor’s degree graduates.
- Physical Demands.
- Certain trade positions may have lower long-term earning potential when compared to professions that require a bachelor’s degree.
- Potential for irregular hours or high travel may be required. Think emergency calls, evening shifts, or working on the weekends.
What is a 4-Year College Degree?
A Bachelor’s degree (College or University degree) typically requires about four years to complete, combining general academic courses like science, math, and English with a focus on a student’s chosen major, such as Communications, Business, Psychology, Healthcare, etc.
Pros and Cons of a 4-Year College Degree
- Offers general learning on a range of topics to create a broad perspective of the world and supports critical thinking skills.
- Networking opportunities with faculty, career services, and alumni associations.
- Potential to earn a higher income through certain degrees like Law, Healthcare, and Engineering, which can only be found at a 4-year university or college.
- Career flexibility. A broad education can provide various skills transferable to different industries.
- Most careers have structured schedules with predictable hours, such as an eight-hour workday and a one-hour lunch break, Monday through Friday.
- If you are uncertain about your talents or which field of study to pursue, attending college is an excellent way to gradually discover what suits you best.
- According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost for students earning a bachelor’s degree has more than doubled. When you calculate student loan interest rates and lower salary income, it can cost upwards of $500,000.
- On average, it can take four years to earn a degree compared to completing a two-year program at a trade school.
- According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate among recent college graduates is approximately 5.7%. Compared to vocational and community college graduates, unemployment is lower at 2.1%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- May involve strict office schedules or location-based work environments.
Sources:
Data compiled from Education Data Initiative’s
“Average Cost of College,”
Edvisors’
“How Much Does Trade School Cost?,”
and BestColleges’
“How Much Does Trade School Cost?.”
Costs are approximate national averages and may vary by institution and geographic location.
Workforce Demand
The demand for skilled trade workers is increasing rapidly due to a shortage caused by older generations retiring, a push towards green energy, and the construction of new AI data centers. This demand is not dwindling any time soon. For example, McKinsey & Company forecasts that roles such as welders, construction workers, electricians, and other skilled trades will see an increase in net new jobs, more than 20 times the annual average from 2022 to 2032.
McKinsey & Company forecasts that roles such as welders, construction workers, electricians, and other skilled trades will see an increase in net new jobs, more than 20 times the annual average from 2022 to 2032.
Many industries are currently having difficulty replacing experienced workers who are retiring. For decades, young people were encouraged to earn a college degree, leaving a gap in trade careers that organizations are now struggling to fill. As a result, there are mass shortages in fields such as plumbing, HVAC, automotive technology, manufacturing, and construction. The demand for skilled workers is more prominent than ever.
Additionally, with the increase in renewable energy projects, EV (electric vehicle) manufacturing, and the construction of AI data centers, all require skilled trades professionals to complete them. Although AI is eliminating many entry-level jobs, skilled trades still require manual labor, hands-on problem-solving, and quick on-site decision-making not be easily replicated through artificial intelligence.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Choosing
Before deciding what school, program, or degree to pursue, ask yourself the following questions:
What kind of job am I looking for?
As mentioned earlier, some careers require a bachelor’s degree, some skills are transferable, while other areas of focus can only be found in niche programs. Imagine your day-to-day life. Can you picture yourself commuting to an office? Or do you envision a more hands-on, travel-based career that is more common with skilled trades?
How much can I afford to spend?
For many students, the burden of responsibility falls on their shoulders. How much debt are you willing to take on to achieve your career goals? When applying for college or skilled trades programs, keep this in mind, as costs vary depending on the type of school or program you hope to attend.
Whether you choose to attend college or trade school, prospective students are encouraged to research options for financial aid and scholarship opportunities to alleviate high student loan debt. The Hourglass Foundation supports students enrolling in skilled trade programs through scholarships designed to make career training more affordable and accessible.
How do I determine the ROI (Return on Investment) of an apprenticeship or a degree?
Research average salaries of potential careers, demand for them, and a variety of schools that offer programs in your area to determine if the student debt is worth the investment for your future.
Am I looking out for my best interest, or the interest of others?
You only get one life! Ensure your decisions come from your own talents and interests, not from external influences or societal pressures. Public perception is fickle and can change quickly; make sure to choose what is best for your situation rather than focusing on outside perspectives.
Would I prefer hands-on training or more theoretical learning?
If you enjoy lectures, research, and academia, a university may be the right fit. If you get a kick out of fixing, building, or creating with your hands, trade school may be a great option.
Conclusion
Whether students choose a skilled trade or a traditional college degree, the most crucial factor is finding a career path that supports a student’s goals, strengths, and financial independence. The Hourglass Foundation is committed to supporting students pursuing meaningful careers through scholarships, workforce development initiatives, and advocacy for skilled trades education.
Our foundation believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their career goals through hard work and commitment. We support trade school and community scholarship programs to create a better future for students and communities.