Opportunities abound
More students turning to trade schools
College used to be the dangling carrot. But the world has changed and with more and more employers seeking candidates who are ready to work now, trade schools are becoming a first choice for many high school students.
“I was brought up initially to believe college was the way to make a good living but as I got older I realized on my own that trade school is also a great option,” said Nick Jaeger of Chesterfield Township, who is attending Southeast Michigan Construction Academy (SEMCA) to become a journeyman electrician. “Being able to get hands-on experience before landing an apprentice was important to me.”
He’s not alone.
Many men and women between the ages of 18 to 27 are turning to trade schools in order to get in on the jobs that are open in the industrial and construction trade industries including everything from welders, mechanics, machinists and tool and die makers to carpenters, electricians and plumbers.
Six years ago, enrollees in SEMCA classes totaled about 185. As of the fall semester this year they have more than 500 students and at least 600 expected to enroll by the time the winter 2023 courses start in January.
“Enrollment has gone crazy,” said Deanna Morley of Shelby Township and vice-president of the Madison Heights-based SEMCA, which was started by a builders and contractors trade group whose leadership realized 30 years ago their workforce was shrinking.
Morley said the first school was small and driven by the trades people. But new leadership realized there was a need to make it more of a company-driven school and it’s been growing ever since. Now, instead of the school seeking companies where graduates can find a job, the pendulum has swung the other way.
“We used to seek out companies to work with,” Morley said. “Now they are reaching out to us.”
Have you tried to hire a contractor lately, an electrician or are waiting on a house to be built?
“If you have, you probably already know these jobs are in high demand,” said Robert Farrington, in a report for Forbes, whereas in many other industries oversaturated with new graduates, jobs are scarce.
The current job market for the industrial and manufacturing industry, particularly in southeast Michigan, is one of the reasons parents and students can see that the nontraditional pathway to a career through trade school can be as beneficial as college. Much of the coursework is developed by seasoned industry professionals, who provide face-to-face learning and skill application.
“What I enjoy most about SEMCA is the
staff,” Jaeger said, noting all of his teachers have a great deal of experience and have been able to help with any questions in class or in the field.
Trade school also costs significantly less than traditional college.
“The initial cost of attending trade school is one of the biggest benefits this type of education has to offer,” Farrington said. “Where the average cost of attending a public, four-year school worked out to $10,740 for in-state students during the 202122 school year per CollegeBoard figures, you can attend trade school for as little as $4,000 per year. Not only that, but you can often learn a trade and enter a related profession in 18 months to 24 months vs. the four years or longer it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree.”