Trade Schools Are Taking The Spotlight - Here's Why?

No stats today - just a story I would like to share.

Lately, trade schools have been all over the news as more students turn away from traditional four-year degrees to pursue skilled trades. According to Scripps News, students are rethinking the path to success, and it’s clear why. Rising college costs and concerns over job security have many families exploring other options. And according to NPR, Gen Z is leading the way as they seek practical, debt-free alternatives that can set them up for solid careers. So, let me introduce you to two young men who took very different paths after high school: my twin boys, Cody and Adrian.

Cody went the traditional route, pursuing a four-year degree in Communications. After graduating, he spent six months sending out resumes before landing a job paying $51,000 a year. He loves his job, and there’s potential for growth. In fact, if he works hard for the next few years, he could earn a promotion that would bring him up to $70,000 annually. But with $50,000 in student debt, he’s looking at nearly a decade to pay it off. After 7.5 years in the field, Cody has reached his goal salary – and while it hasn’t been easy, he’s happy with his achievements.

Then there’s Adrian. School was never really his thing, but he loved working with his hands. Inspired by his cousin Brendan, an HVAC manager making $150,000 at just 28 years old, Adrian decided to skip college and enrolled in an online trade school to learn HVAC. In just 12 weeks, Adrian completed his training and, within two weeks, had four job interviews lined up. He accepted a job offer starting at $31 per hour, bringing his first-year salary to about $64,000. Fast-forward to his third year and Adrian was making $95,000 working with a commercial HVAC company. By his fifth year, he’s earning $120,000 as a tech – and he’s considering going into business for himself. It’s not uncommon for a one-person HVAC business to pull in $150,000-$200,000 in its first year. Without the burden of college debt, Adrian has saved $50,000 for a down payment on his first home.

Both brothers are happy and successful–but their paths couldn’t be more different.

The statistics back it up. While college graduates carry an average of over $37,000 in student debt, skilled trade professionals often enter the workforce debt-free. Plus, many trades offer faster earnings growth. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that careers in trades like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work are expected to grow by 4-5% over the next decade, often with starting salaries rivaling or even exceeding those of many college graduates.

So, here’s the question: Which route would you pick for yourself – or for your kids?

If you’re considering helping your child choose their path, take a moment to look at what trade schools can offer. Financial freedom, job security, and room for growth are within reach for those willing to take a different approach. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this – reply to this email and let’s start a conversation.

The WIOA Ghost Whisperer