Learn a Skill and (possibly) Get Paid to Do It

The truth is that utilizing the benefits of an apprenticeship or trade school program may prove a better investment of time and money for some students than attending a 4-year college right after high school. Here's why.

Why Trade Schools and Apprenticeships Might Be the Best Option for Your Teen

As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to grow, many students are discovering that trade schools and apprenticeship programs offer a quicker, more cost-effective path to a successful career than a traditional 4-year college. These programs focus on practical, hands-on training, allowing students to develop industry-specific skills and start earning sooner—often while still learning. With many local technical and community colleges offering programs at little to no cost, it’s no wonder that more students are considering these alternatives. In less time and with a smaller financial investment, students can gain the expertise needed to secure well-paying jobs in fields like plumbing, electrical work, healthcare, and more.

Let’s break down these two options:

• Apprenticeships: These programs typically start around age 16 and can last 2 years. Apprenticeships can be youth (for high school students) or adult programs, offering both college credit and hands-on experience in fields like plumbing, electrical work, or manufacturing. Apprentices are paid while they learn, earning raises as they gain experience. This means students can graduate with both skills and financial stability.

• Trade Schools: Think of these as focused, hands-on training programs that teach industry-specific skills, often with instructors who have real-world experience. Many trade schools offer job placement programs, and the curriculum is often tailored to meet the current demands of the workforce. Students often complete their certification faster than they would a 4-year degree, and they may even get internships or direct job offers from companies in their field.

Changing Perceptions of Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

Many parents and students still view these programs as less prestigious compared to 4-year universities. But in today’s job market, this isn’t true. Employers in fields like technology, healthcare, and skilled trades are looking for employees who have the practical experience to get the job done, not just a theoretical background. Apprenticeships and trade schools give students direct exposure to real-world problems, making them highly desirable to employers.

In fact, many growing fields, like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), often offer better opportunities through trade schools or apprenticeships. These programs typically finish faster and often come with job placements, so students can start their careers sooner—and they might even get their education paid for by employers.

The Financial Benefits

Here’s a key point: graduates of technical programs often out-earn their peers with bachelor’s degrees. According to the Association for Career and Technical Education, technical degree holders earn, on average, $2,000–$11,000 more annually than their counterparts with a 4-year degree. When you factor in the debt many students rack up during their 4 years at college, the financial advantage of a trade school or apprenticeship is even clearer.

Who Benefits the Most from These Programs?

1. Students Who Struggle in Traditional Schooling: Not every teen thrives in the traditional school environment. Trade schools and apprenticeships offer a more hands-on approach to learning, which can be ideal for those who are more practically inclined.

2. Teens Who Don’t Want a Liberal Arts Degree: Some career paths, especially in fields like IT, healthcare, and skilled trades, don’t require a 4-year liberal arts education. Trade schools and apprenticeships are a great alternative for these students.

3. Teens Who Need to Earn While They Learn: Many students have to work during college to support themselves. A trade school or apprenticeship program lets them earn while gaining valuable experience, setting them up for better-paying jobs down the line.

4. Teens Who Want to Start Their Career Now: For students who have a clear career path in mind and don’t want to spend four more years in classrooms, trade schools and apprenticeships provide focused, industry-specific training that gets them into the workforce faster.

Bottom Line: A Solid Career Path Starts Early

Trade schools and apprenticeships offer the chance to build skills, network in an industry, and earn money—often all before a 4-year degree is even completed. And while college can be a great experience for some, it’s important to remember that it’s not the only path to success. For many students, trade schools and apprenticeships can be a more direct route to a stable, rewarding career.

If you’re a parent trying to figure out what’s best for your teen, consider all their options. Trade schools and apprenticeships might just be the key to a successful future—one that doesn’t require years of student loan debt.

For more advice on post-high school options, check out my book, College Is Not Mandatory: A Parent’s Guide to Navigating All the Options Available to Our Kids After High School.