Community News
Finally, vocational skills are being valued and viewed as necessary and relevant
BY SIMONE J. SMITH
Back-to-school shopping this year might entail a tool belt and goggles instead of textbooks and binders.
In the past, trades were often regarded with less prestige compared to white-collar professions; they were more so viewed as paths for those who couldn’t excel academically. However, there’s been a notable shift in perspective. Trades are now being recognized as avenues for entrepreneurial advancement, offering lucrative opportunities for skilled individuals.
This paradigm shift is reflected in the increasing number of younger workers choosing skilled trade occupations. As more young people opt for trades, it indicates a changing perception of success and fulfillment in the workforce.
According to National Student Clearinghouse data, enrollment at US community colleges that focused on vocational skills rose 16% in 2023, to its highest level since 2018. The number of students enrolled in four-year colleges rose just 0.8%.
There are certain factors that are enticing young people in the U.S. to explore options outside of traditional schooling:
- The price to attend traditional four-year colleges has surged. Some private colleges and universities recently announced $90k+ annual tuition for the 2024-25 school year.
- Families are facing a record amount of student loan debt, with an estimated ~$100B of new loans to be issued in 2024, up from $98B in 2023.
- More than half of college grads get jobs after graduation that have nothing to do with their degrees.
- The US construction industry alone has a shortage of 500k+ workers as older tradespeople retire, driving up labour costs.
In a Jobber survey of 1k Americans ages 18-20, 75% said they would be interested in paid training at a vocational school. Adding to the temptation, 2023 was the fourth consecutive year that the median pay for new construction workers was higher than that of new hires in professional services, or information industries. The median annual pay for new construction workers rose 5.1% to $48k in 2023, compared to new professional hires whose pay was $39.5k.
The new trend means that younger workers are entering skilled trade occupations:
- The number of carpenters in the US grew from 1.2 million in 2013 to 1.3 million in 2023, while the median age fell from 42.2 to 40.9.
- There were 959k electricians in 2023, up from 730k in 2013, but their median age fell by 2.9 years.
More young people in the trades means skilled professions are getting a rebrand, and technology is helping. Some vocational programs are replacing outdated tools with high-tech solutions like robots. Speaking of tech, one last reason some are turning to skilled trades: AI. The same Jobber’s survey found that 34% of respondents felt trade careers could offer more job security than desk jobs as generative AI takes off.
This trend holds significant implications for the future. It suggests a potential resurgence in craftsmanship, innovation, and practical expertise, which are essential for driving progress in various industries. Additionally, a growing skilled trades workforce could address labour shortages in sectors like construction and manufacturing, contributing to economic growth and stability.
Overall, the embrace of trades as entrepreneurial endeavors heralds a promising future. Finally, vocational skills are being valued and viewed as necessary, and relevant, even during the rage of the digital age.
REFERENCES:
https://fortune.com/2024/03/28/ivy-league-schools-price-increase-90000/