For decades, the “normal” life plan for the average American was after graduating high school, they immediately go to college to get a higher education and secure a job. Parents always pushed the idea that kids have to go to college to be successful.
As of 2021, college enrollment was down almost 15% from its peak in 2010 according to “College Transitions”. Many teens now are more interested in going to trade, cosmetology or other options rather than going to a four-year university. What are students’ motives to pursue other careers rather than go to college?
Though it isn’t the most common route for high school students to want to enlist in the military right as they turn 18, senior Tytus Kunz plans to join the national guard right after he graduates.
“There’s great benefits such as free college if I decide to go later and health insurance,” senior Tytus Kunz said. “I just think it’s a very underrated job, something that’s different from going straight into college that not a lot of people know about.”
It can be beneficial for someone to go into the military before going to college if they are not sure what they want to study right away. This gives them time to think about what they are really interested in and what they want to spend the time and money on to study.
“I thought it would be cool to learn a new skill, and get school paid for at the same time. I can just take metro classes while training, it’s just a more time efficient option,” senior Tytus Kunz said.
Esthetician school is also on the rise as a path after high school. Many decided to go into esthetician or cosmetology school rather than going to a university. Senior Haley Brabec plans to go to The Aesthetics Academy Esthetician school and specialize in lashes, brows, facials, and more.
“There is always an opportunity and need for it. You have a lot of different paths that you can take,” senior Haley Brabec said. “You can be very successful very fast if you put the work in.”
The passion for helping others feel confident has spread widely among teen girls. An esthetician is a career for all girls, or boys, to go into to make a positive impact on someone else’s self-image.
“I enjoy making people feel good about their bodies and having them leave feeling like the best version of themself,” senior Haley Brabec said.
Another important job in society is plumbing. Although it may seem unappealing, it’s a vital job in society. Senior Landon Johnson decided to do an apprenticeship through Iowa Western with the focus on plumbing.
“They’re always needed in the job field and you would never have to worry about money because there are so many opportunities,” senior Landon Johnson said.
Recently, a lot of jobs are being replaced by AI and technological advances. This is making it harder for people to find job opportunities and make a stable income. With many different routes in trade, cosmetology and other alternate careers, it is common for a person to secure a stable job.
“There are so many different routes you could do with trade school,” senior Landon Johnson said. “I think it’s important to know you have a secure job for your future.”
Trade schools are often for the availability and security of their selected fields, and many students put their trust in the trades.
