Written by Robbie Adler
It seems that the days when the manufacturing industry was the backbone of the American economy are long gone.Upward social mobility, the fundamental impetus of American society, dictated that the industrial era is a remnant of the past to be replaced by a nation of thinkers and leaders. Carpenters and steel workers, electricians and machinists: these were the jobs once dutifully filled by previous generations, but are unfit for a generation of young minds looking for a better life than that of their parents. If so, then one would expect that prospects for college graduates would be on the rise, while vocational schools, the college equivalent for much of America’s skilled labor, would be sliding into neglect.
However, this dynamic does not play out: unemployment and underemployment rates for recent college graduates are nearly double what they were in 2007. Given the steep rise in tuition, there is now serious debate about whether a four-year degree is worth the cost. Meanwhile, the industrial sector is experiencing a resurgence, and vocational schools now look like a promising alternative to a four-year degree.
For many people, the large draw of trade schools is the hands-on type of learning. For some people, large amounts of problem-solving and task-oriented learning are more stimulating than reading, writing, and labs. For these people, trade schools could be a better option than college, and enrollment in these schools has been steadily rising. Another draw is that skilled craftsmen can enjoy more lucrative careers than one might expect. In 2014 the average yearly salaries for a base-level carpenter and an electrician were $45,590 and $54,530, respectively. A cost estimator earned $64,340, and a lineman took home an average of $72,089. These jobs include benefits such as health coverage, life insurance, and comprehensive retirement plans. In contrast, the six-year median salary for Colorado College graduates, according to StartClass, is $26,600.
Another reason that trade schools are a viable option is that the manufacturing industry is still a highly relevant sector of the economy. There is a higher demand for skilled craftsmen now than at any point in the last few decades. A study called “The Skills Gap in U.S. Manufacturing in 2015 and Beyond” stated that almost three and a half million manufacturing jobs will need to be filled in the next decade. This is partly because of age demographics. A disproportionate amount of workers belong to the baby boomer generation, meaning that an estimated 2.7 million workers will retire in the next decade, leaving their jobs open. In addition, the manufacturing sector of the economy is continuing to grow, and unlike unskilled labor, these are jobs that tend to stay in the U.S.
I am not arguing that trade school will necessarily be a better option for everyone than a four-year college—certainly there are advantages that a college education holds over a vocational degree. However, it is undeniable that opportunities for skilled trade workers are on the rise, and vocational occupations, which have long been the foundation of America’s middle class, still constitute an important part of our economy. If a business or liberal arts-minded career path fails spark any enthusiasm, it is worthwhile to give vocational school some thought.