Alternative Educational Pathways for Today’s Demands
Alternative Educational Pathways for Today’s Demands
Guest writer Mick Vaught talks education in today’s blog. In “Alternative Educational Pathways for Today’s Demands,” he writes about the different schools within education that would bring a broader array of skills into the American workforce.
One of my first jobs after college was working for a German construction equipment manufacturer. My primary objective was to start at the top, make a ton of money and retire early. It didn’t take long to discover that nearly a million other people had that same goal -meaning I had to start at the bottom and work many years climbing the corporate ladder. What became very evident through those years was the difference between European and American educational cultures. Regardless of my previous college education I began a six-month European apprenticeship method of working in all departments through the manufacturing process. I gained a complete understanding of how the company functioned from the beginning to the end of the manufacturing process. I also became aware that many of the German machinist, welders, fabricators, and plant managers did not have a college degree but rather an apprentice certificate. Most followed a designed apprenticeship career path from early high school.
Over the years, it has also become clear that we as Americans have at times failed to understand the paradigm shift in our educational system that could better prepare students for a successful future. In previous years, a college education was a must for any young person trying to succeed in their career. If you had a college degree you were looked upon with more prestige, more opportunities for success, and more earning potential. Conversely, if you chose not to attend a college or university, you learned a trade (either by a technical or trade school or an apprentice program) and became a “mechanic, plumber, machine operator and the like. We are beginning to see more options available for those students who are not inclined to attend a college or university. We are beginning to see the paradigm shift where parents and students are becoming more aware of their return on investment while attending a college or university as opposed to enrolling in a trade or tech school. There are a number of important reasons why this is happening including costs and the increase in viable opportunities now available. Let’s take a look at some of those opportunities and the differences between them.
- Trade Schools
- Tech Schools
- Apprentice Programs
Trade Schools vs. Technical Schools:
Typically, trade schools cover a broader range of hands-on occupations while tech schools focus, more specifically, on the technology sector. Trade schools can (and often do) offer the same type of programs offered at tech schools but often offer additional types of programs in unrelated areas.
Trade Schools:
Trade schools are also known as vocational schools that prepare students for skilled jobs in a broader set of professions or trades such as healthcare (nursing, medical assistants, dental assistants, pharmacy assistants), construction and maintenance plumbing. electrical work, welding, carpentry, etc. Trade schools also emphasize practical, hands-on training over traditional lecture-based classroom learning. The goal is to ensure job-ready skills required for those fields of study. Trade school programs can usually be completed in two years or less. Trade school programs also offer excellent employment prospects for graduates.
Tech Schools:
Tech schools basically focus on careers in technology and related fast paced, ever-evolving technical jobs. Some prominent areas include IT technicians, computer science or software engineering. They also provide specialized knowledge in an emerging set of interrelated industries that have a stable employment outlook for the foreseeable future. Technology- focused careers tend to offer higher salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and IT occupations are projected to grow 11% by 2029.
Apprentice Programs:
While both apprenticeships and trade school programs provide training in skilled trades, an apprenticeship is distinct because it combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training under the supervision of a skilled professional. A trade school primarily focuses on classroom learning with hands-on practice in a dedicated training environment, often without direct employment while training; essentially, an apprenticeship is a “learn-while-you-earn” model within a real work setting, whereas a trade school is more focused on acquiring technical skills in a dedicated learning space.
Key differences:
Trade schools may offer more specialized training in a particular trade, while apprenticeships can provide a broader skill set depending on the employer’s needs.
Just a side note:
Since the passage of the 1944 GI Bill, college has been pushed over vocational education in a noticeably big way! This college-for-all narrative has been emphasized for decades as the pathway to success and stability. Parents might worry about the future of their children who choose a different path.
Why choose Trade/Tech/Apprentice Schools Over College: The Cost
One of the biggest downfalls of a college education is the amount of debt that students incur while attending college or university. According to recent Education Data, most college students build up an average debt of $36,406 whether they graduate or not. The difference in debt between students who attend college or trade school is shocking regardless of the field of study. The average cost of earning a degree from a trade school is $33,000 in contrast to earning a degree in college with an average cost of $132,000. Time investment is also a huge factor. In comparison with a four-year college degree, trade / tech schools usually finish within one or two years. Ultimately, students are able to enter the workforce right after school while bachelor’s and master’s degrees will invest at least 3-4 years of their life in an effort to graduate.
Student Loan Debt Statistics:
College student loan debt in the United States now totals a whopping $1.753 trillion! The outstanding federal loan balance is $1.620 trillion and accounts for 91.2% of all student loan debt. 42.8 million borrowers have a federal student loan debt. Here’s the big one. The average student loan debt growth rate outpaces rising tuition costs by 166.9%. You can see where I’m going with this. Since the 1980’s the tuition cost for a four-year college degree has increased by 65% over the years.
Now let’s compare U.S. Trade/ Tech/ Apprentice Programs to our European counterparts:
In Europe, vocational training is often a core part of secondary education, with students choosing a vocational track early on. US trade/tech schools are often seen as a separate path from traditional high school or college. European trade schools emphasize apprenticeship programs, where students gain practical experience on the job alongside classroom learning. Conversely, US apprentice programs are less prevalent (usually private companies) and not as well structured. In Europe, vocational training is viewed as a prestigious and valuable career path, while in the US, college is often seen as a preferred route at times leading to a stigma around trade/tech schools. European trade schools tend to offer a broader range of vocational training with a focus on theoretical knowledge alongside practical skills, while American trade/tech schools might prioritize quick training for specific trades.
The future of our American educational system is at a crossroads, where our actions moving forward over the next decade will be critical. Our economy and how we compete in a global market will depend on how well we interface our training needs with company and corporate demands. Our industry’s demand for skilled labor is at an all-time record high. How we respond to these challenges will be critical for the next generation.