Unconventional Wisdom

Skilled trades offer opportunity without a degree, debt

For a long time now it’s been looked upon as a given that to get ahead in the world you need a four-year college degree.

But that attitude seems to be changing.

Parents and educators have encouraged students to go on to college from high school. A bachelor’s degree was sure to add hundreds of thousands of dollars in lifetime earnings. Go on to get an advanced degree—or a professional education as a doctor or lawyer—and that could add up to millions more.

And to a certain extent, that’s still true. But graduating college students are facing tougher times these days. Finding a job is more difficult than it used to be. Finding a high-paying job is more difficult still. And college loans are a big burden for many graduates.

But there is opportunity out there— specifically in the skilled trades.

On Wednesday, Julian Alvarez of the Texas Workforce Commission made just that point at the Workforce and Economic Prosperity Summit in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

He noted that skilled plumbers, air conditioner repair people and others trained in the trades are always in demand. And likely always will be.

He urged the audience to reconsider recommendations to young people. With the changing economy, skilled trades offer exciting and lucrative opportunities. They are, in essence, the modern equivalent of the high-paying factor jobs of the 1950s. We aren’t likely to get those well-paid, lifetime jobs back. But for skilled tradespeople, there is still the opportunity to earn a very good living without a four-year degree and the debt that too often comes with it.

Something to think about. Especially if you have a high school student or recent graduate in the house.