During my time teaching at the University of Southern California, I had a remarkable student named Jake. Jake excelled in my first-year English class—he was witty, a talented writer, and incredibly bright. Fast forward a few years, and I discovered that Jake had chosen to forgo his university degree, which he had completed, in favor of attending trade school. Today, Jake is the best electrician I know. I take pride in telling my children, “I taught Jake!” and I happily recommend him to friends and family.
I genuinely feel the same pride for Jake as I do for another student of mine who recently earned her MD.
Growing up, I noticed a certain stigma attached to vocational or trade schools. The prevailing belief was that to achieve success, one had to attend college. This was what our parents, teachers, and society ingrained in us from an early age.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, “Between 2000 and 2016, total undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions increased by 28 percent (from 13.2 million to 16.9 million students). By 2027, total undergraduate enrollment is projected to reach 17.4 million students.” That’s a significant number of young people being told that a college education is essential for a successful future.
However, as reported by The Atlantic, trade schools, or vocational schools, often provide a more reliable path to stable employment and better pay. Fields like manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation are expected to thrive in the upcoming years, with many of these roles not requiring a four-year degree. This means young people don’t need to spend tens of thousands of dollars to enjoy the college experience; they can attend a two-year trade school right after high school—or even while still in it—and emerge with solid job prospects.
Yet, there remains a significant issue: our societal perception of trade schools as a fallback option rather than a legitimate career path. Many parents still view these institutions as places for those who struggle in traditional academics. As one mother expressed to The Atlantic, “Vocational schools in our area seemed reserved for those who weren’t succeeding in ‘real’ school, so we were unsure about our son attending one.” Another parent shared that when she mentioned her high-achieving son’s enrollment in a vocational-technical school, the immediate question was, “Why? Is he having trouble in school?” This reveals a widespread belief that trade schools are only for students facing difficulties in conventional education.
In Europe, around half of high school students are guided toward trade schools, a model that seems more progressive. During my time as a university professor, I observed that many students were unsure of what they wanted from their degrees. They often attended college without a clear purpose, leading to a struggle for high-paying jobs and resulting in burdensome student loan debt. Conversely, had they pursued trades, they could be thriving like Jake, secure in jobs with good incomes.
Additionally, the burden of student debt cannot be ignored. The Atlantic notes that only two-thirds of graduates believe their education was worth the loans they accrued. The potential earnings often do not justify the expense of a traditional degree. Vocational and technical education usually costs significantly less than a four-year college degree, making it a more economical choice for families. In some cases, attending part-time while still in high school can even reduce costs to nearly nothing.
It’s time to dismantle the stigma surrounding trade schools and the trades themselves. College should not be viewed as the sole indicator of success. Many of my friends, despite holding advanced degrees, are struggling with student debt and lack stable employment. In contrast, individuals like Jake are financially independent, living fulfilling lives without the burden of loans.
Ultimately, isn’t that the true essence of the American dream?
This article was originally published on March 31, 2019.
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Summary:
Trade schools provide a viable alternative to traditional college education, offering pathways to stable jobs and good pay. The stigma surrounding vocational training needs to be challenged, as many successful individuals thrive in trades without the burden of student debt. It’s time to recognize that success comes in many forms.
Keyphrase: trade school stigma
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