According to the National Center for Education Statistics, only 10 out of the 28 top fastest-growing careers could be pursued with vocational training available through public schools. Not only can students embark upon a professional or academic career upon completing all vocational requirements, but many high school graduates even continue to immediately pursue apprenticeships, specialized college programs, or other professional routes. (publicschoolreview.com). Trade-related classes such as culinary arts, horticulture, communications (design and visual), marketing, carpentry/electricity (including heating, ventilation, air conditioning), drafting, automotive repair, technology, and refinishing are important gateways to future careers that high school students should have the opportunity to explore.
According to the Public School Review, “Vocational programs often cater to the needs of active and kinesthetic learners; students enrolled in a vocational class can engage with more movement, hands-on activities, and unique processes for enhancing their education” (publicschoolreview.com). Trade classes allow students to work on hands-on activities and gain real-world skills that regular education classes don’t offer, with the added benefit of preparing them for a career in the future.
According to the U.S. News and World Report, while a college degree tends to lead to higher earnings, the number of high school graduates attending college has declined steadily over the past decade. Combined with the growing demand for skilled workers, the astronomically rising cost of college may be driving declining college attendance (usnews.com). According to We Are Teachers, trade schools can arguably offer many students a far more successful career than if they’d been forced into a one-size-fits-all four-year college plan (weareteachers.com).
The U.S. is facing more and more labor shortages, especially after recovering from COVID. With birth rates lowering, there will be a higher demand for work force labor and a shortage for these jobs. “Investing in high-quality training programs is key to addressing labor shortages for skilled jobs,” said Director Anthony Carnevale, director of Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce (usnews.com).
Experienced, well-trained supervisors and electricians often earn well into the six figures. People with trade school training are slightly more likely to be employed than those with academic credentials and significantly more likely to be working in their field of study, reports the U.S. Department of Education. Trade schools are a practical, affordable, career-focused option for many graduating high schoolers. Vocational training should be regarded as the tremendously valuable option it is, not as the contingency plan for students who aren’t “college material” (weareteachers.com).
Many schools in the San Diego Unified School District offer trade classes. According to the San Diego Unified website, Clairemont, Madison, and Mira Mesa High School offer a transportation class. “There are eight focus areas that fall under the Transportation sector, On-Road, Off-Road, Stationary, Rail, Water/Sea, Air, Space and Small Engines and Specialty Equipment. Students have the opportunity to explore careers, such as auto repair, auto refinishing, operations, and other related fields. Internships in this program may occur in automotive dealerships or independent repair programs” (discover.sandiegounified.com).
Patrick Henry and Mira Mesa High offer Manufacturing and Product Development, which “…provides students the opportunity to learn about manufacturing processes and systems related to technology, infrastructure, and art.” La Jolla High offers Building and Construction, which “…prepares students for work in the local building trades and construction industry, including green construction and renewable energy. Internships in this program occur on construction sites or architectural firms” (discover.sandiegounified.com).
Mira Mesa and San Diego High offer Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation, which ”…provides students with skills necessary to work in hotels, restaurants, theme parks, and other tourism-related businesses. Knowledge and skills are acquired within a sequential, standards-based pathway program that integrates hands-on projects, work-based instruction and leadership development. Internships in this program may occur in hotels, theme parks, or restaurants” (discover.sandiegounified.com).
With the amount of students entering college after high school decreasing, and the amount of jobs in the trades needed inevitably increasing, high schools need to rethink the pathways they are offering. Students need the opportunity to train for jobs in various trades. The opportunities would benefit both the students and society.