The American education system has focused its time and energy on encouraging students to attend four-year universities and get a bachelor’s degree.
With an influx of students attending these universities, it is important for high school students to know that there are other options that they can choose.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in the fall of 2018, there were an expected 19.9 million people estimated to attend college.
The Washington Post reported that fewer than 40 percent of those attending college for the first time would actually make it to graduation.
Students leave college early for a number of reasons such as financial issues, a lack of preparation in the secondary system, conflicts with personal life, failing courses and so on.
Not everyone is made to go to a four-year university and that’s OK.
What isn’t OK is making the youth of America believe that it is the only path to take after high school in order to be successful. Higher education is not limited to university.
Trade schools are a great option for those who do not wish to attend a four-year university.
In fact, National Public Radio (NPR) stated that trade jobs are sitting empty because high school students are pushed toward earning a bachelor’s degree.
On average, a person who is in an entry-level trade position makes $35,720, and the average person with a bachelor’s degree earns $48,127.
While there is a difference, a person in a trade position, on average, begins working two years before the average person earning a bachelor’s degree according to careerschoolnow.org.
If your passion lies in trade skills such as welding, plumbing, mechanics, electrical work, cosmetology, among other things, do not be afraid to apply to a trade school.
Know that you do not have to attend a four-year institution to be successful in life. Trade school is always an available option and trade skills are vital to the workforce and the economy.
