"Success should not be measured by the color of the 2collar. With the 3lack of skilled 4labor force and those 5trade and technical jobs, we see the need and the impact in the economy that we need more of those jobs."
Over the last five years, enrollment in bachelor's degree programs fell, while 6enrollment in 7vocational schools grew- that, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse.
"You won't have that college debt. You won't have those 8student loans that you normally have with that college education."
Part of the 9shift appears to stem from a post-pandemic 10reevaluation of an investment in 11blue-collar work.
"This 12shipyard runs an 13apprentice program, giving workers the skills to do these jobs. They can earn up to $100,000 a year. And you don't need a college degree."
"Both the federal and state government have invested a lot in infrastructure. So you're seeing a lot of jobs in those areas and construction."
As hiring rates for workers in their 20s have risen in recent years for roles requiring a vocational or associate's degree, some offer this warning.
"You can get a high-paying career, a great wage right out of high school without a college degree. Yes, that is absolutely true. But we also need to pair that with leadership skills and leadership education and saying, after a few years, do you really see yourself physically doing that job 14all the way through retirement?"
