With skyrocketing education costs and a growing skills gap, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we need to focus on preparing students for careers outside of the traditional academic track.

One avenue that is often overlooked is trade schools. By offering hands-on training in fields such as plumbing, welding, and electrical work, these schools provide students with the practical skills they need to secure well-paying, in-demand jobs. Despite this, trade schools have long been stigmatized as a “second-best” option for students who aren’t able to make it into traditional four-year colleges.

However, this perception is starting to change as educators and policymakers are recognizing the importance of trade schools in the modern economy. Here are a few reasons why we need to normalize sending kids to trade school:

1. They provide valuable skills. Trade schools teach students the practical skills they need to succeed in a variety of industries. This includes hands-on training in areas such as welding, automotive repair, and construction, as well as instruction in fields like plumbing and electrical engineering. By learning these vital skills, students are better equipped to secure high-paying jobs that are in demand.

2. They offer more affordable education. Attending a traditional four-year college can be incredibly expensive, with many students graduating with tens of thousands of dollars in debt. In contrast, trade schools are often much more affordable, with many programs costing only a fraction of the price of a traditional college education. This makes trade schools a more accessible option for students who are looking to avoid crippling debt.

3. They fill critical job vacancies. With many people still clinging to the idea that a four-year college degree is the only path to career success, there is a growing skills gap in industries that require practical skills. This includes fields such as plumbing, electrical work, and welding, all of which are facing critical shortages of trained workers. By encouraging more students to attend a trade school, we can ensure a steady supply of skilled workers for industries that are vital to our economy.

4. They promote equality. Trade schools can serve as a more inclusive option for students who may not have the same opportunities as their peers. Many trade schools offer programs specifically designed for low-income students, immigrants, and other groups that may face barriers to traditional higher education. By promoting trade schools as a legitimate career path, we can encourage more students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers that can offer financial security and stability.

In conclusion, trade schools offer a variety of benefits to students and society as a whole. By normalizing these schools as a legitimate option for students, we can help bridge the skills gap, promote equality, and ensure that our economy has the skilled workers it needs to thrive. Investing in trade schools is not just a smart policy, but it’s also a smart investment in the future of our country.