For many parents, seeing their child cross the stage with a college diploma in hand is a lifelong dream — and for good reason. College can open doors to incredible opportunities, lifelong friendships, and personal growth. But it’s not the only path to success — and it’s not the right fit for every student.
Today’s workforce needs skilled tradespeople just as much as it needs doctors, lawyers, and engineers. In fact, many careers in the building trades offer competitive salaries, strong job security, and advancement opportunities — often without the burden of long-term student debt.
At the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation, we believe that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether your child chooses college, trade school, or another path entirely, the goal is the same: to help them find a fulfilling, sustainable career where they can thrive. Here’s a look at how both options stack up — and why the trades deserve a spot in the conversation.
The Case for College
College can be an excellent choice for students who:
- Want to pursue fields like medicine, law, engineering, education, or specialized sciences.
- Thrive in an academic setting and enjoy research, writing, and theoretical learning.
- Are prepared for the financial and time commitments that come with earning a four-year (or longer) degree.
There’s no question that for certain professions, a college degree is essential. And for many students, college offers not just a credential, but a transformative life experience.
The Case for Trade School
Trade schools — and the skilled trades they prepare students for — are often overlooked, but they offer a powerful path to success for students who:
- Prefer hands-on learning and real-world application over lectures and textbooks.
- Want to enter the workforce more quickly, typically in 2 years or less.
- Value earning strong wages without taking on large amounts of debt.
Careers in the trades — such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, HVAC, masonry, and welding — are in extremely high demand. These jobs are the backbone of our communities, and many skilled tradespeople can start their own businesses, climb into management roles, and build financial security early in life.
In many cases, trade school graduates find themselves making as much — or even more — than peers who chose a four-year degree path.
Debunking the Myths
Myth: “Trade school is only for students who can’t make it in college.”
Reality: Trade careers require intelligence, precision, creativity, and strong problem-solving skills. The work is challenging, respected, and essential.
Myth: “Trade jobs don’t offer long-term growth.”
Reality: Many tradespeople become project managers, business owners, or highly specialized experts, with salaries that reflect their experience and expertise.
Myth: “College graduates always earn more over a lifetime.”
Reality: While statistics often favor college graduates on average, those averages don’t account for student debt, time out of the workforce, or regional labor demands. Many trades offer starting salaries that rival or exceed those of new college grads — with significantly less debt.
Helping Your Child Find Their Best Fit
The most important thing you can do as a parent is to support your child in finding a path that matches their interests, strengths, and goals. Some key questions to explore together:
- What type of work energizes them — hands-on, technical, creative, strategic?
- Are they excited about spending several years in a classroom, or do they want to jump into real-world experience sooner?
- What industries are growing and offer strong job opportunities where you live (or where they want to live)?
- How important are things like entrepreneurship, flexibility, and financial independence to them?
Both college and trade school can open the door to fulfilling, successful careers. What matters most is that your child feels empowered, informed, and excited about the journey ahead — wherever it leads.
At the YBA Workforce NOW Foundation, we’re proud to support students who are building their futures right here in York County — whether that’s through higher education, apprenticeships, or straight into the workforce. The future is bright, and it’s full of options!
Find helpful resources on our website for parents & students – including opportunities for internships, job shadowing, building trades career exploration and more – right here in York County, PA
