During one of my classes at the University of South Carolina, I had a brilliant student named Alex. He excelled in my first-year English course, showing a great sense of humor and strong writing skills. A few years later, I learned that Alex chose to abandon his completed university degree in favor of trade school. Today, he’s the best electrician I know. I take pride in having taught him, often telling my kids, “Guess what? I taught Alex!” I eagerly recommend him to friends and family.
I’m genuinely proud of Alex, just as I am of another former student who recently earned her medical degree. Growing up, trade schools carried a certain stigma. We were conditioned to believe that success meant going to college. Our parents, teachers, and society reinforced this notion from a young age.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, undergraduate enrollment in degree-granting postsecondary institutions rose by 28 percent from 2000 to 2016, with predictions of further increases. This signifies a significant number of students being led to believe that a college education is the only path to success.
However, research from The Atlantic suggests that trade schools can provide a more reliable route to stable employment and better pay. Fields such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and transportation are projected to grow, and many of these jobs don’t require a four-year degree. Instead of incurring tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt for a traditional college experience, students can pursue two-year programs at trade schools right after high school—or even while still enrolled in high school.
The challenge lies not in the quality of trade schools but in our outdated perceptions of them. Many parents still view these institutions as a fallback option. One parent shared with The Atlantic, “It felt like vocational schools were meant for those who weren’t thriving in ‘real’ school.” Another parent recounted that when she mentioned her son’s 3.95 GPA and his decision to attend a vocational-technical school, her friend questioned, “Why? Is he struggling in school?” This reflects a prevailing attitude that a trade school education suggests a deficiency in traditional schooling.
In Europe, half of all high school students are directed toward trade schools, and as a former university professor, I can attest that many students in the U.S. would benefit from a similar approach. It’s not that these students are incapable of succeeding in higher education; often, they simply lack clarity on their goals. Many enroll in college without a clear purpose, only to struggle with employment afterward, burdened by student loans. If they had chosen a trade, they could have been like Alex, enjoying a stable job with decent pay.
Additionally, consider the burden of student loans. The Atlantic reports that only two-thirds of graduates feel their education was worth the debt they incurred. In contrast, vocational and technical education is typically much less expensive and can even be pursued part-time during high school, minimizing costs.
It’s time to change the narrative surrounding trade schools and the skilled trades. A college degree is not the sole indicator of a successful life. I know numerous friends burdened by student loans, living with financial strain despite their advanced degrees. Meanwhile, Alex and others like him are thriving, avoiding debt, and securing well-paying, recession-proof jobs that allow them to support families. Isn’t that the real essence of the American dream?
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In summary, it’s crucial to shift our perception of trade schools and recognize the valuable opportunities they provide. We must stop associating vocational training with failure and start celebrating the success of those who choose this path.