If you’re a student trying to figure out what to do after graduation or you’re a school counselor helping kids navigate these big decisions, you’ve probably heard this a million times: “You HAVE to go to college to be successful.”
But here’s the thing: that advice might be seriously outdated.
We’re seeing some pretty surprising data that suggests it’s time for a real talk about career paths. And honestly? Skilled trades are looking like a really smart choice these days.
Let’s Talk Numbers
Okay, so you know how everyone says college guarantees a good job? Well, the latest data from the Federal Reserve tells a different story:
- Almost half (41.3%) of recent college grads are working jobs that don’t even need their degree. Yep, you read that right.
- Nearly 5% of college graduates aged 22-27 can’t find work at all.
- College now costs $50,000-60,000 per year at many schools (gulp!).
- The average student walks away with $80,000 to $150,000 in debt.
Meanwhile, there are over 1 million jobs sitting empty in skilled trades across the country. People, we’ve got a mismatch here!
What Does This Mean for You?
If You’re in Middle School
Good news, you’ve got time to explore! Here’s what you can do right now:
- Actually pay attention in shop class (if your school still has one)
- Check out maker spaces or technology programs
- Ask your parents if you can tag along when they hire a plumber or electrician, most are happy to chat about their work
- Look into summer camps that involve building stuff
Trust me, there’s something pretty cool about creating things with your hands.
If You’re in High School
Okay, decision time is getting closer. Let’s do a quick self-check:
- Do you like figuring out how things work?
- Are you the person friends call when something’s broken?
- Do you get satisfaction from fixing or building something?
- Does the thought of $100,000 in student loans make you want to hide under a blanket?
- Would you rather start making money sooner than later?
If you’re nodding along, keep reading.
Why Skilled Trades Are Actually Pretty Amazing
Let’s Talk Money (Because, Let’s Be Real, It Matters)
- Trade programs usually cost way less than college. We’re talking thousands instead of hundreds of thousands.
- You can be working in 6 months to 2 years instead of 4+ years.
- Many skilled workers earn more than college graduates (seriously!).
- These jobs aren’t going anywhere, you can’t outsource a leaky pipe to another country.
But It’s Not Just About the Money
- You get to see what you’ve accomplished at the end of each day
- Every job is different, no boring cubicle life here
- You’re constantly solving new puzzles and challenges
- Many tradespeople end up starting their own businesses
What Kinds of Jobs Are We Talking About?
- Electricians: Making sure the lights stay on (literally)
- Plumbers: The heroes who fix your shower when it breaks
- HVAC techs: Keeping everyone comfortable year-round
- Welders: Basically sculptors who work with metal and fire
- Carpenters: Building the spaces where we live and work
- Auto techs: Keeping our cars running
- Solar installers: Helping save the planet one roof at a time
For the School Counselors Reading This
Hey counselors! We know you want what’s best for your students, and we’re not saying college is bad. But maybe it’s time to expand the conversation?
Here’s How You Can Help
Instead of the automatic “What college are you thinking about?” try mixing in some of these:
- “Have you ever thought about what kind of work environment makes you happiest?”
- “Are there any problems in the world you’d love to help solve with your hands?”
- “What if we looked at some career options that let you start earning right away?”
Let’s Bust Some Myths Together
You’ve probably heard (or maybe even said) some of these:
- “Trades are just for people who aren’t smart enough for college” → False! Modern trades require serious technical knowledge and problem-solving skills
- “It’s all dirty, dangerous work” → Not really! Many trade jobs are clean, safe, and high-tech
- “There’s no room for advancement” → Wrong again! Many tradespeople become supervisors, inspectors, or business owners
Different Kids, Different Strengths
Remember that kid who can’t sit still in history class but lights up during hands-on projects? That’s your future electrician or carpenter right there. Not every brilliant kid learns best from a textbook.
So How Do You Actually Get Into Trades?
Community Colleges
Most have trade programs that are pretty awesome:
- Real equipment you’ll actually use on the job
- Teachers who worked in the field
- Help finding jobs after you graduate
- Classes that fit around other schedules
Apprenticeships (These Are Gold)
This is like being paid to go to school:
- You work alongside experienced pros
- You earn money while you learn
- Your pay increases as you get better
- Often leads to a permanent job
Trade Schools
Schools that focus only on preparing you for trades:
- Intensive training that gets you ready fast
- Strong connections with local employers
- Career services to help you land that first job
- Financial aid is usually available
Wait, Does This Mean College Is Bad?
Not at all! Look, if you want to be a doctor, lawyer, teacher, or engineer, you absolutely need college. No question.
But here’s what’s cool, you don’t have to choose just one path forever. Some students:
- Start in trades, then take business classes later
- Use trade skills to pay for college without debt
- Combine a trade with an associate degree
- Work in trades for a few years, then decide if they want more education
The Real Talk
Here’s what’s actually happening: the job market is changing, and the smartest students and counselors are paying attention.
College used to be a guaranteed ticket to the middle class. Now? Not so much. But skilled trades? They’re offering something college often can’t: good pay, job security, and the satisfaction of doing work that actually matters.
Plus, think about it, when your toilet breaks at 2 AM, you’re not calling someone with a philosophy degree. You’re calling a plumber, and you’re probably pretty grateful they exist!
The trick is helping each student figure out what actually fits them. Maybe that’s college, maybe it’s trades, maybe it’s something totally different. But in 2025, that path might just involve getting your hands dirty and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Ready to Explore?
If this got you thinking, that’s awesome! Whether you’re a student curious about trades or a counselor looking to expand your toolkit, there are tons of opportunities out there.
The skilled trades need smart, motivated people who want to build, fix, and create the world around us. Your next career move might be more hands-on than you ever imagined.
Want to learn more about skilled trade opportunities that might be of interest to you? Check out orchard.careers today!
