Why High School Should Bring Back Trade Classes

The importance of learning a trade, and why we stopped teaching them

College education has long been considered a necessary route to a successful career. It involves a significant commitment: years of study and often substantial student loan debt. However, this path isn't universally suitable for everyone. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reveals that 38% of students who started a bachelor’s degree in 2012 at a 4-year institution did not graduate within six years.

The high dropout rate from colleges highlights a crucial aspect of student challenges: the varied levels of vision and understanding they possess about their future upon entering college. Students typically fall into one of three categories: those with a clear vision for their future, those with an uncertain or evolving vision, and those with no specific vision at all. Additionally, even students with a clear vision often lack a comprehensive understanding of the path ahead. This includes key factors like the feasibility of securing a job in their chosen field, the potential earnings, and the cost-benefit analysis of pursuing a particular degree. Without this vital information, students may find themselves pursuing a path that is misaligned with the realities of their chosen field, leading to disengagement and a higher likelihood of not completing their degree. This scenario underscores the need for more effective career guidance and planning tools within the education system, especially for those embarking on a college journey.

The rising costs of college education further compound the issue. NCES data shows a dramatic increase in college tuition from $10,231 in 1980 to $28,775 in 2019, adjusted for inflation. This escalating financial burden, coupled with the competitive nature of university admissions, raises questions about the desirability of this traditional path.

Reflecting a broader shift in the job market, some sectors, especially in technology, are redefining their educational requirements. Companies like Google are increasingly valuing skills and experience over traditional college degrees, and recently dropped its degree requirement for many positions. This trend is a testament to the evolving nature of career preparation. Indeed.com reports a range of high-paying tech jobs that no longer mandate a college degree, including roles in cybersecurity, software development, and network administration. This shift signifies a break from the traditional belief that prestigious and well-paying tech careers are solely accessible to those with a four-year college degree.

An alternative to this scenario is vocational training and trade schools. Often underrated, these paths offer lucrative and fulfilling careers without the debilitating debt associated with four-year colleges. These programs are shorter, with some lasting only a few months, and are considerably more affordable. Edvisors notes that while a university degree might cost around $127,000, a trade school degree averages $33,000, potentially saving students $94,000.

Photo by Troy Bridges on Unsplash

Historically, trade classes played a pivotal role in high school curriculums during the 1950s and '60s. These classes were not just about learning a skill; they were integral to preparing students for immediate entry into the workforce upon graduation. They offered practical, hands-on training in various fields like carpentry, automotive repair, and electrical work. This approach was highly valued in an era when not everyone pursued or had access to higher education, and skilled trades were in high demand.

However, the educational landscape began to shift in the 1980s. There was a growing emphasis on liberal arts education and the pursuit of four-year college degrees. This change was driven by several factors, including a societal push towards white-collar jobs, which were often perceived as more prestigious and financially rewarding. As a result, high schools started to focus more on preparing students for college rather than direct entry into the workforce.

This shift had significant consequences. Trade classes began to be seen as less essential, often relegated to being elective courses rather than core parts of the curriculum. The perception of these classes also changed; they were increasingly viewed as fallback options for students not deemed 'college material.' This stigmatization led to a decline in their popularity and availability, which in turn contributed to the current shortage of skilled tradespeople and the undervaluation of trade careers in the broader job market.

Today, as we face a critical skills gap in many trades, it is imperative to break this stigma associated with the role of vocational training in our education system. Vocational careers are not just plentiful but also essential. The 2023 Career Advancement in Manufacturing Report by Xometry and The Women in Manufacturing Association highlights an 82% labor shortage in manufacturing companies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts a 15% growth rate in HVAC/R jobs through 2026, double the national average for all careers. These are not just abundant jobs; they are urgently needed.

It starts with not only reintroducing these classes into high school curriculums but also changing the narrative around them to reflect their true worth and potential as pathways to successful and fulfilling careers. College undoubtedly holds value for certain professions. However, it is important to recognize that it is not the only, nor always the most suitable, path to a successful career. A broader educational perspective, one that includes vocational training as a respected alternative, is vital.

In conclusion, to address the employment crisis and build a diverse workforce, secondary schools should reintegrate trade classes into their core curriculum. By dismantling the stigma around vocational education and highlighting its practical benefits, we can open pathways to careers that align more closely with individual skills, interests, and career objectives. This approach could lead to a future where fewer people are burdened by student debt, and more find careers that are a better fit for them.