The following is a report from Forbes.
If you follow education at all, you’ve probably heard that record numbers of young people are ditching traditional college in favor of other routes that cost less time and money. Enrollment at vocational program-focused colleges has grown by 17.6% since last fall, as the humble trades have become a fast track for many young people who no longer see a good ROI from the traditional college pathway.
So what are high schools, colleges and other traditional academic institutions doing about it? According to Cliff Whittingstall, managing senior principal at architecture and engineering firm PBK, they’re making room for the trades in their educational philosophy – and their facilities.
“Our firm has seen a spike in demand for facilities that can accommodate workforce development programs,” he said.
In other words, if you can’t beat them, partner with them. Here’s why this can be a viable strategy for educational organizations in the current landscape.
The case for the skilled trades
While in previous years the skilled trades operated under a cloud of perceived inferiority to other career paths, the forecast is shifting. “The perception of trade schools has undergone a significant transformation,” says Whittingstall. “Today, trade schools are no longer seen as less prestigious, limiting, or associated with ‘dirty’ work. Instead, they are recognized as essential gateways to rewarding, in-demand careers.”
Additionally, says Whittingstall, more people are realizing that a traditional college degree is not the right fit for everyone. “While previous generations pushed for a four-year university education, today people recognize that other viable career paths don’t come with the burden of student debt,” he says, pointing to trades such as HVAC, plumbing, and welding that are in high demand, provide competitive salaries and require less time and money to achieve certifications.
“Young people are recognizing that pursuing a trade offers stability, financial success, and the ability to start their careers earlier without the financial strain of student debt,” says Whittingstall. “Students can enter trade and workforce development programs as early as high school, equipping them with the necessary skills and certifications to begin earning right away.”
