An Outdated vs. REAL Look Into Today's Trades!

The College Path Isn't Working in This Economy... So What is? 

After two decades of hearing “College is the best way to get ahead,” most school councilors and parents have internalized that message as gospel. 

But that message wasn’t built for this economy. 

We now have record student debt, degrees that don’t align with jobs, and a rising number of young adults struggling to find steady footing.

Meanwhile, critical trade industries are begging for skilled, tech-capable, leadership-minded tradespeople—and offering real pay, real pathways, and real-life stability in return.

So where do you start? Who do you ask? Where can you get solid answers to guide the next generation into reliable careers?

What Today's Mentors Need to Know

If you have or are guiding a young adult you need the facts, not misinformation. Here are some steps to help families and young adults make smarter, calmer, better-informed decisions.

1. Paths to Advancement

From apprentice to journeyman to master—and even business owner. 
Many trades have defined progression, specialized certifications or roles, and paths that lead to leadership or ownership. Although career advancement can depend heavily on the local market, trade chosen, and quality of the program or employer, you have a lot of influence into your growth potential.

Check if your area have union or non-union trades in the field your kid or mentee has interest in.  Both have clear benefits and trade off considerations around pay, flexibility, and mobility.  

Ultimately, the real return comes from choosing a trade and training path with long-term demand and growth, and finding great mentors along the way!

2. Trades Are High-Tech and High-Skill

Modern trades is professional work, not always dirty grunt work!  Do you have the skills for tech, communication, time management, and an aptitude to keep learning and growing in your trade?  Then consider this a viable path to a bright future!

More fields use tech, drones, and digital diagnostics, schematics or trainings. This isn’t yesterday’s jobsite. So if tech is your thing, don't count out the trades.

Have the skills to work and communicate with a variety of people and  clear boundaries so you can do your best even when the pressure is on? Excellent, you'll go far!

3. Wealth and Stability are in Reach 

Because trades in high demand, resistant to AI take-overs, and well paying, there is real wealth building opportunity

It's NEVER too early to develop the financial skills early to budget, save, and build wealth so they can enjoy the stability that  a personal emergency fund and safety net brings. Check out Martin's FREE Money Muscle kickstart course in the links below.

The trades notoriously have busy and slow seasons, learn to save against the slow times and use that time wisely to build skills and connections with others. 

4. It’s Not Just for the Guys

Programs like NABTU and Trades Foundations have massively expanded opportunities for women, with strong DEI metrics for professionalism, retention, and safety.

There are many mechanical and tech advancements that enable women to work smarter and not harder in the field.  Tech and newer equipment help level the playing field and make the workplace safer for everyone.

Real Moves You Can Make This Week

✅ Ask your teen or college grad what they think a trades career really looks like. Their answer might surprise you.

✅ Compare ROI (return on investment): Look at local apprenticeship earnings vs. college debt and possible unsteady job markets. Check out this STR Income Calculator resource to help.

✅ Tap into the SkilledTradeRescue.com resources in our Community.