ROCHESTER, N.Y. — According to a recent survey by American Student Assistance, only 45% of students are choosing college after high school, down from 73% in 2018.
More teens are choosing trades instead. The number of students selecting trade careers has more than tripled, going from 12% in 2018 to 38% in 2024.
Part of the reason for that is the cost of college. The average student loan debt in New York is almost $39,000. Many trades pay students while they learn.
Josh Moore is a young dad who knew learning a trade was a way to build the life he wanted. He chose sheet metal fabrication.
“Sheet metal was attractive to me because it’s something new every single day. It’s hands on,” Moore said.
Moore is paid during his apprenticeship. He started at $19.50 or $20 an hour, which is about $41,000 a year. He’s now in his fourth year of the five-year program.
“Actually every year you graduate is a different level of pay,” Moore said.
In year four, he’s making more than $60,000 a year while still in training.
Tom Martin is president of the Sheet Metal Air Conditioning National Association. He said upward mobility is built into the system.
“Normally within collective bargaining agreements, there are 3 to 4% raises every year,” Martin said.
As part of a union, apprentices get benefits that include health insurance, dental and a pension.
“The opportunities are endless. You can become a journey person and all of a sudden become a field leader, shop foreman, superintendent, project manager,” Martin said.
Moore wants to become a foreman with a six-figure income. This kind of sheet metal fabrication is physically demanding, but there are opportunities for everyone.
“Yes, there are different aspects. There’s the service route. You’re more working on the low voltage side of it. Or even the testing and balancing side of duct work,” Moore said.
There are dozens of union apprentice programs in Rochester. To learn more and apply, click here.
Consumer Alert: Why more high school graduates are skipping college for trade jobs WHEC.com.
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