Why Trade School is a Better Option for Many

Let’s be real. Traditional 4-year colleges and universities are not a realistic path for many. Whether you focus on the costs, the career paths, or the length of a 4-year education, traditional colleges are not for everyone. It is unsurprising that many Americans question the true value of traditional four-year college education, and many individuals are beginning to lean toward trade schools over traditional colleges. The benefits of trade school extend beyond financial savings. Trade schools offer practical skills, professions that are and will continue to be high demand, and a quicker access to the workforce. Let’s dive deeper into why trade school might be the right choice for you.

Advantages of Trade School Over College

Trade schools focus on teaching practical skills and providing hands-on experience that directly translates to job readiness. Unlike colleges, where theoretical knowledge is the main focus, trade schools offer real-world training. For example, students in plumbing or electrical programs are often involved in actual projects during their training, which prepares them for immediate employment post-graduation.

Additionally, many trade programs incorporate paid apprenticeships, meaning students can earn money while learning. This contrasts sharply with traditional college students, who often face unpaid internships. With trade jobs in high demand—especially in fields like welding, plumbing, and electrical work—the earning potential is significant.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electricians have a median annual wage of $60,040, and demand for electricians is expected to grow by 7% from 2021 to 2031 . Similarly, plumbers and pipefitters earn a median salary of $61,550, with a projected growth rate of 6% during the same period .

Trade schools also tend to be significantly more affordable and shorter than four-year colleges. The average trade school degree costs around $33,000. In contrast, Education Data states the average private, nonprofit university student spends $58,628 a year living on campus. Education Data also states that over the 4 years it takes for out-of-state students to complete their education, the average cost of attendance is $182,584. However, this is not the norm, as only 42% students complete their bachelor degree in 4 years, and most earn their degree within 6. This means the cost of attendance is higher than originally thought, averaging around $229,620. Add to this the student loan interests, moving expenses, extra living expenses and other factors that are not easy to predict. “Considering lost income and loan interest, the ultimate price of a typical bachelor’s degree may be as high as $509,434.”

The difference in cost when attending a trade school, allows students to avoid substantial debt and enter the workforce sooner. Meanwhile, college graduates often face a competitive job market with no guarantee of employment in their field of study .

Personal Experiences and Decisions Regarding Trade School

If you are someone that enjoys hands-on activities instead of a more theoretical profession, you might find trade school offers a more engaging and practical education that suits your preferences and studying methods. For students that enjoy learning through experience, professions like welding, electrical work or even construction are excellent choices. A typical desk job might not be your cup of tea, and that’s alright! There are other paths that break the paradigm of the office 9-5. The practicality of trade school, combined with the shorter duration of trade programs, allow students to gain experience as they work towards their license or degree. Unlike college graduates, who graduate to start building their work experience, trade school grads enter the workforce even before graduation. 

People can find work in trade fields more dynamic and enjoyable. Jobs in fields like welding or HVAC maintenance are more satisfying than the routine tasks of office work. A recent Angi survey showed that almost 91% of trade workers were “very satisfied” or “somewhat satisfied” with their careers. Angi mentions factors like the competitive salaries and benefits, the entrepreneurial opportunity to start your own business and the flexible nature of tradework, as reasons why trades can be so attractive.

Criticisms of Traditional College Education

If it wasn’t obvious already, one of the most common criticisms of traditional college education is its high cost. However, we previously discussed the average costs of traditional four-year college, so let’s dive into something you might not even realize.

In a recent episode of The Key by Inside Higher Ed, the issue of underemployment among college graduates was discussed in detail. The episode highlighted that over 50% of bachelor’s degree holders are underemployed within their first year after graduation, with 40% still underemployed a decade later. This suggests a gap between college-acquired skills and actual job market demands.

The discussion emphasized that graduates with practical skills and internships face better job prospects, underscoring the importance of hands-on experience alongside academic qualifications. Do you know what gives you that actual experience? Hands-on learning.

Concerns About the Future of Trade Jobs

While trade jobs are currently in high demand, we must address the concerns about the future. Some worry that as more people recognize the value of trade jobs, there will be an oversaturation, potentially lowering wages. For example, while the demand for electricians is high now, if too many individuals enter the field, it could impact wages and job availability.

While outsourcing has been a concern for manufacturing jobs, many skilled trades require physical presence and on-site work, making them difficult to outsource. Jobs like plumbing, electrical repairs, HVAC maintenance, and welding need to be done in person.  Additionally, recent policies aimed at bolstering domestic production and reshoring manufacturing have increased the demand for U.S.-based tradespeople. Policies like the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (2021) and the Inflation Reduction Act (2022) are driving demand for trade workers. The Infrastructure Act allocates $1.2 trillion to rebuild roads, bridges, and public transit systems, which requires a significant number of skilled workers, such as electricians, welders, and construction laborers.

Similarly, the Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions for renewable energy development, offering incentives for solar and wind energy projects, creating jobs for electricians, HVAC specialists, and other trade professionals involved in green energy installations.

If you take a look at the Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade jobs have projected job growth that are above average. See Construction Laborers and Helpers, who enjoy a projected job growth of 7% during the next ten years!

Trade School Is For You

Trade schools offer a promising path for individuals seeking to avoid debt, enter the workforce quickly, and gain valuable hands-on experience. As criticisms of the traditional college system grow louder and more people share positive personal experiences from trade schools, it’s clear that this form of education deserves renewed attention. Whether for those interested in culinary arts, plumbing, or mechanics, trade schools provide skills that are both in demand and rewarding, making them an increasingly attractive option for students across the country. If you’re asking yourself “what trade job is right for me?” find the answer in our future posts detailing each trade one by one!