More students in the US are choosing skilled trades instead of going to college.
Many high school students are offered well-paid jobs in welding, plumbing, or similar fields right after graduation. Some of these students can earn more than 50,000 or even 75,000 dollars without a university degree.
This is happening because there is a strong demand for workers in these areas. At the same time, more college students are using AI tools like ChatGPT to complete their assignments. Some students admit they don’t write anything themselves, which makes people question the value of a college degree today. Even at top schools, many students feel they learn more from online sources than from their classes.
Because of this, experts and companies are starting to promote alternatives to college. They want to bring back shop classes and support programs where students learn real-life skills. These options can lead to good jobs and even help young people start their businesses.