Trade Schools Are Eating College’s Lunch 🔧🎓

February 22, 2025

Buenos dias, everyone!

Thank you to everyone for following and sharing this journey with me.

As of today, we have 6,900 followers on X. Are we connected yet? If not, let's fix that: Let’s be friends. Every follower feels like another step forward, and I appreciate each and every one of you for being part of this journey.

Our newsletter community is almost at 1230 subscribers, and more excitingly, 223 people have already started or been approved for the WIOA grant! My goal is to help 1,000 individuals across different states get access to this life-changing funding—and at this rate, it won’t be a secret for long!

Help me reach 1,000 by the end of this year! 

Have you shared this newsletter with anyone? https://tradeschoolsecret.com/subscribe

Trades Are Winning: Quick Stats

Enrollment in trade programs jumped 11.5% (mechanics) to 19.3% (construction) from 2021-2022, while college sign-ups tanked 3.4% (National Student Clearinghouse). Online trade schools? $4-10K total cost, 92% job placement, $62K starting pay. College? $127K and a barista audition. Ouch.

Admin’s Trade Crush

The new crew in charge is all about hammers over Hegel. With 7.5 million unfilled jobs (BLS) and a million more trade gigs coming, they’re pushing apprenticeships and vocational cash. Why? Less debt, more bridges—literal ones.

College vs. Trades: Speed Round

  • College: 4 years, $127K, 5.6% unemployment for grads. PowerPoint pro, maybe.

  • Trades: 3-6 months, $9K, straight to work. Fix pipes, not vibes.

Online trade schools = Netflix for careers: skills on demand, no fluff.

Ok, we’re done - have a great weekend.

Why It Slaps in 2025

Student debt is ballooning ($140-150B this year), but trades are the escape hatch. Gen Z’s over degrees—33% say trade school’s smarter (BigRentz). Electricians rake $70K, hygienists $115K, HAVC and Appliance Repair Techs 60-70k.

The Takeaway

College isn’t dead, but trades are the glow-up. Less debt, fast jobs, real skills. Tell me—cap and gown or hard hat? Hit me back!

Here’s to making moves!

Until next time, control what YOU can control, take action on something, and don’t forget to smile.

BONUS: Whoever gives me the best idea about next week's topic I will send you a $100 Gift card 🙂 Please rely here directly.

Like what you read? Here’s how you can help: 

  1. Share this newsletter with friends who could use a boost. Sharing is caring!

  2. Connect with me on X (formerly Twitter) – let's chat and support each other. Find me at @Trade Schools Secrets-WIOA Whisperer. 

Together, we can make a difference! 

What did you think of today's issue?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

The WIOA Ghost Whisperer