This is a topic dear to my heart–non-college options for high school grads. The Ask a Tech Teacher team has a good summary of why students should consider journeyman trades and vocational schools over college:
From Play to Profession: Why Kids Should Discover Skilled Trades
For years, the dominant message to young people has been that college is the only pathway to success. However, a growing number of educators, industry leaders, and parents are recognizing the immense value of skilled trades. Not everyone needs to attend a four-year university to build a successful and fulfilling career. By introducing kids to trades early, we open up opportunities for them to explore careers that match their skills, interests, and personalities while also addressing critical workforce shortages.
Hands-On Work is Good for the Brain
Working with our hands isn’t just about building or fixing things—it’s also beneficial for cognitive development. Research has shown that hands-on tasks improve problem-solving abilities, focus, and confidence. When children engage in activities like wiring a circuit, operating heavy machinery, or constructing something tangible, they develop critical thinking skills and gain a sense of accomplishment. As Dr. Kelly Lambert, a professor of behavioral neuroscience at the University of Richmond, explains, hands-on work can stimulate cognitive growth and enhance decision-making skills. Exposing kids to trades isn’t just about preparing them for jobs—it’s about strengthening their minds and teaching them valuable life skills.
Life Skills That Go Beyond the Job
Learning a trade isn’t just about mastering technical skills; it’s about acquiring knowledge that has real-life applications. Basic plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry can empower individuals to fix things in their own homes, saving money and boosting self-sufficiency. Programs like the one led by Evin Jarrett in Philadelphia show how hands-on training can help young people build confidence and independence. By integrating math, geometry, and physics into trade education, students not only develop job-specific expertise but also enhance their overall problem-solving abilities—skills that will serve them well regardless of their career paths.
The Trades Teach the Value of Hard Work
Skilled trades demand discipline, persistence, and a strong work ethic—qualities that employers value in any industry. Programs like the Minnesota Trades Academy and Philadelphia’s Mayfair School initiative help students understand the dedication required to excel in the trades. These programs emphasize the importance of showing up on time, following safety protocols, and continuously improving one’s craft. When kids see the direct results of their labor—whether it’s wiring a working light fixture or constructing a shed—they develop a deep appreciation for the rewards of hard work. This hands-on approach builds resilience and prepares students for success in any field.
A Trade for Every Personality
One common misconception about skilled trades is that they are only for those who enjoy manual labor. In reality, the trades offer a wide variety of career options suited to different personalities and interests. For those who enjoy working outdoors, careers in construction, welding, or electrical work might be appealing. Creative individuals may find fulfillment in trade careers like interior design, home renovation, or graphic design. Those with a passion for technology can explore fields like HVAC, automotive repair, or industrial automation. By exposing kids to different trades early, they can discover pathways that align with their strengths and interests, whether they prefer working with their hands, solving complex problems, or designing new solutions.
Conclusion
Encouraging young people to explore the skilled trades provides them with an alternative path to success, one that doesn’t necessarily require a college degree but still leads to well-paying, fulfilling careers. Whether through school programs, mentorship opportunities, or hands-on events like SparkMV, giving children exposure to the trades helps them develop cognitive skills, life skills, and a strong work ethic. With so many diverse career options available, the skilled trades present a world of opportunity for the next generation—one where success is built with both hands and mind.
–image credit Deposit Photos
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“The content presented in this blog are the result of creative imagination and not intended for use, reproduction, or incorporation into any artificial intelligence training or machine learning systems without prior written consent from the author.”
Jacqui Murray has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a K-12 technology curriculum, K-8 keyboard curriculum, K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum. She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, freelance journalist on tech ed topics, and author of the tech thrillers, To Hunt a Sub and Twenty-four Days. You can find her resources at Structured Learning.
