Students choose Trades over College
Sydney Kasin spends her days learning to cut precise angles with a miter saw, but she’s also cutting a different path than many of her peers. The Waunakee High School senior splits her time between the classroom and construction job sites as a carpentry apprentice, part of a growing trend of students choosing trades over traditional four-year college degrees. Students choose Trades over College.
“I really wanted to use my hands and see what I’m building instead of sitting in an office every day,” Kasin said.
Her decision reflects a broader shift in American attitudes toward higher education. About 1 in 4 Americans now say a four-year college degree is worth the cost if students must take out loans to pay for it. This skepticism has led more students to explore alternative career pathways, particularly in the trades.
“I struggled figuring out what I was going to do with my life… I didn’t know what I wanted to go to college for,” Kasin said.
Growing Demand
Waunakee’s apprenticeship program is experiencing unprecedented growth. This year, the school placed its highest number of students ever with local employers, according to Michelle McGlynn, who oversees the district’s Career and Technical Education programs.
“The demand is definitely growing. There’s an interest from families and students who see value in a work environment like this,” McGlynn said.
The school currently has 13 students enrolled in construction pathways, learning carpentry, electrical and plumbing skills. McGlynn encourages students to make their own career decisions rather than following parental expectations.
“I’m the person who will sit across from them and say, stop thinking about what your parents might want — what do you want to do with your life?” McGlynn said.
Hands-On Training
For Kasin, the hands-on training provides practical skills that extend beyond her future career.
“I’ve definitely learned a lot of skills that will be useful throughout my life,” she said.
The student interest comes at a critical time for the construction industry. Associated Builders and Contractors estimates the sector needs to attract more than 400,000 new workers to meet demand.
“The industry is aging, so in order to replace those who’ve earned their retirement and deserve it we’re going to have to replace them with new workers,” said Kelly Tourdot, president of ABC Wisconsin.
The financial incentives are compelling. The average starting apprentice wage in Dane County is approximately $18.50 per hour. After completing a three-to-five-year program, wages jump to more than $43 per hour.
“Really the sky’s the limit coming into the construction industry. Great wages, no debt coming out of the apprenticeship program,” Tourdot said.
Local employers recognize the stakes involved in attracting new talent. Al Boettcher from Vogel Construction explained how worker shortages affect business operations.
“When you’re short of craft workers and skilled trades, it’s hard to get jobs completed on time. It’s just the nature of it,” Boettcher said.
For Kasin, the apprenticeship program provides clarity about her future direction.
“I think right now it’s setting me up for knowing what I want to do and where I want to go,” she said.
Students interested in pursuing trade careers can take several steps to get started. First, they should identify a specific trade such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work or HVAC. Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Prospective apprentices can apply through contractors, unions or training committees. Wisconsin also offers a certified pre-apprenticeship program through the state Department of Workforce Development.
Conclusion
- Only 1 in 4 Americans now believe a four-year college degree is worth taking out loans, driving students toward trade careers
- Waunakee High School placed its highest number of students ever in apprenticeship programs with local employers this year
- The construction industry needs more than 400,000 new workers, with apprentices earning $18.50/hour starting and over $43/hour after completion
Source: Students choose Trades over College