Building a Future: Why the Tech Trades are the New College for High School Grads
- Michele Piechowski
- Apr 29, 2024
- 2 min read
For decades, the script has been the same: graduate high school, head off to a four-year university, and land that dream white-collar job. But the world of work is changing, and there's a growing need for a different kind of hero: the skilled tradesperson.
Here's why the tech trades are a fantastic option for high school graduates, and why they might even be a better choice than a traditional four-year university path:
High Demand, High Earning: The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a surge in tech trade jobs over the next decade [BLS website]. From wind turbine technicians to cybersecurity specialists, these careers are crucial for keeping America's infrastructure running smoothly. This translates to job security and competitive salaries, often starting higher than many entry-level office jobs.
Fast Track to Success: Forget the years of lectures and student loans. Trade schools and apprenticeship programs offer focused training that gets you job-ready in a fraction of the time and at a significantly lower cost. You'll be gaining valuable hands-on experience while your college counterparts are racking up debt.
Be Your Own Boss: The trades offer a unique path to entrepreneurship. With experience and certifications under your belt, you can build your own business and be your own boss. Electricians, plumbers, and IT specialists are all in high demand for home service work, giving you the freedom to control your schedule and income.
Make a Difference: Tech trades are the backbone of a functioning society. From building sustainable energy solutions to maintaining complex computer networks, you'll be playing a vital role in keeping America running. There's a tangible sense of accomplishment that comes from working with your hands and seeing the results of your labor.
Sure, a four-year university can be a great path for some. But for many high school graduates, the tech trades offer a more direct route to a successful and fulfilling career. So don't underestimate the power of a wrench or a soldering iron. The American market needs skilled tradespeople, and you could be the next hero we've been waiting for.
Want to learn more about schools and scholarships? Check out your local trade schools and apprenticeship programs. You might be surprised at the exciting opportunities that await you!
National Center for Education Statistics: While not specifically for tech trades, the NCES website offers data on scholarships awarded by gender across various fields. You can use this to show a trend of increasing scholarship opportunities for women in nontraditional fields [NCES website ON Department of Education (.gov) nces.ed.gov].
Organizations focused on Women in Trades: There are many fantastic organizations dedicated to promoting skilled trades careers for women. These organizations often offer scholarship programs or resources to help women find scholarships. Here are a couple of examples:
National Association for Women in Construction (NAWIC): https://nawic.org/ offers scholarships specifically for women pursuing careers in construction trades.
Women in HVACR (WHVACR): https://www.womeninhvacr.org/ provides resources and scholarship information for women interested in HVAC careers.
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