When you ask most high school students what comes after graduation, the answer often sounds the same: go to college, get a degree, and find a job. For years, that’s been considered the “traditional” path, encouraged by parents, teachers, and friends. But here’s the truth: college isn’t the only road to success, and it’s not always the best fit for every student.

We’ve seen firsthand how the skilled trades open doors to stable, rewarding, and high-paying careers. It’s time to rethink the myths and help students (and their families) understand what these careers are really all about.

Debunking the Myth

One of the most common misconceptions is that trade jobs are “less than” careers requiring a four-year degree. Nothing could be further from the truth. Skilled trades like HVAC, electrical work, and plumbing are in high demand, offering steady work and excellent pay. Many trade professionals buy homes, support families, and save for the future earlier than their college-going peers because they’re not spending years paying tuition or taking on debt.

Instead of graduating with student loans, trade school graduates often start earning within one to two years. By the time a college student walks across the stage at commencement, a trade professional may already have years of real-world experience, a steady paycheck, and a clear career path. That’s a major head start.

“Coming out of high school, I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, so I went to junior college. Looking back, I feel like I wasted a lot of money when I could have gone straight into a trade. Now, after six years here, I’ve been able to get married, buy a house, and I’ve got my first baby on the way.” – Steven D., Electrical Installation Technician – Level 3

And it’s not only about money. Trades provide meaningful work. Technicians keep homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses running. They solve problems that impact people’s daily lives. That’s a purpose you can be proud of at the end of the day.

Different Paths, Same Success

Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people dream of leading teams and managing projects. Others want to master their craft and keep learning new skills. The great thing about the trades is both paths are possible.

Many of our leaders started as apprentices or technicians. Over time, they grew into supervisors, project managers, and directors. The skills they built in the field gave them the foundation to lead others. But if leadership isn’t the goal, that’s okay too. Ongoing training and certifications ensure there’s always room to advance and grow.

The trades aren’t dead-end jobs; they’re launching pads for careers that can take you as far as you want to go.

Matching Interests to Pathways

The real question isn’t “college or no college?” It’s: What career path fits me best?

Every student has unique strengths. Maybe you love solving puzzles or figuring out how things work. Maybe sitting in a classroom for four years feels more draining than energizing. Maybe you’d rather learn hands-on, earn while you learn, and see results right away. If so, the trades may be a perfect fit.

Financial goals also matter. If your plan is to become financially independent sooner, avoid student loan debt, and still build long-term growth, the trades check every box.

Exploring all your options can open doors you may not have considered. Touring a trade program, talking with professionals, or job shadowing can give you a clearer picture of what’s possible.

And when you’re ready to take the next step, our in-house training program gives you the chance to learn a trade and earn certifications that set you up for long-term success.

Rethinking the Future

There’s no one-size-fits-all definition of success. Some people thrive in college classrooms. Others excel on job sites, in workshops, and in hands-on environments where they can see their work come to life. Both paths can lead to stability, growth, and fulfillment.

The key is discovering the path that aligns with your skills, values, and goals. For many, the trades are exactly that path. From apprenticeships to leadership to technical mastery, the opportunities are worth a closer look.

In fact, we recently shared more on this topic in another Careers Corner blog, highlighting why a career in the trades may be the perfect fit … covering job security, growth, and trade specialties worth exploring.

So, whether you’re weighing your own future or helping a student weigh theirs, don’t overlook the trades. They may be the best-kept secret to building a strong, stable, and rewarding career.