Trade vs. College By: Kaylani Clark

During high school, especially in your junior and senior years, Students must decide what the next chapter in their life will be. For many students’ college is the more recommended option, but one option that's not really talked about enough is trade school. Trade school is where students get to learn hands-on skills for two years and go into the work force. Many use this option to have some financial income a lot faster. College, however, is a slower process into your career and provides more options. Although it's a long process, students can dive deeper in their career before they go into their career. Both options are great, but it really depends on what suits the student best.

Trade school is for those who like hands-on work. One Senior for Hillgrove high school, Nehemiah Champion says, “I prefer a job where I can work with my hands because some trade jobs provide a lot of money, and since I wasn’t a school person, I definitely want to job in the trade field.” This field is good for those who don’t see themselves in the college world. Another benefit of trade is that ts is short and you can get inro the workforce faster. Also, trade is in very high demand because of the lack of students, which also means they're willing to get more people. Some say this is probably due to the lack of information about it in Highschool. Senior Nehemiah says, “College was more pushed in our faces as kids that we automatically expect to go to college and not think about anything else.” Due to this, many people automatically see college as the only option. Another reason for the high demand is probably because some people look down on Trade students. Hillgrove High School Senior William Story says that “everyone is taught that you have to go to college, and those people are looked down upon, but at the same time, trade has much more benefits than you can get out of college.” The benefits of trade are alot more than college, but it really depends on what you want to do. 

Some students are really into college. Senior William Story says, “I see myself going to college, and I want to have the college experience and to go into the workforce after.” Since college was pushed in students' faces, some automatically dream of going and also see benefit. Senior Williiam Story says, “You get deeper involved with your career, even though trade has a quicker route in college, you're able to navigate your career at your pace.” Navigating a career you just got into is very difficult, and college helps you navigate your career at your own pace. Even though there are factors like student debt and loans, other students are finding ways out. Hillgrove High School Senior Kendra Ahamiojie says, “Don’t think I'll be doing loans, I'll try to apply for financial aid so I won't have to take any loans, but I do think that student loans can affect your decision, and you want to go to a place where you can pay off your debt the fastest.” Student loans aren't the only setback you need to think about because there are other options available. That also doesn't mean you should automatically go into trade because of that. College is a way to navigate your career and provides more career options.  

Even though some people prefer college, that doesn't mean students in high school shouldn't forget about trade school. Yet again, it really all depends on you and what you want to do.