Skills for the Future: Why Trades Matter

The way we think about education after high school is changing. It's not just about going to a four-year college anymore. There are many paths to a good career, and trades are becoming a big part of that.

Trades: A Viable Path to Success

In the Pacific Northwest, places like Cascadia Tech Academy are showing how important trades can be. They offer programs in things like:

• Car repair
• Building
• Hair styling

Around 1,600 students are learning skills that will help them get jobs right after school. This is a big deal because not everyone wants or needs to spend years in college.

The Value of Skilled Workers

Some people think college is the only way to success. But the truth is, many jobs need skilled workers who know how to do specific tasks. These jobs can pay well and don't always require a degree. For example:

• Car mechanics
• Construction workers

These professions can offer a good living without the need for a four-year college degree.

Legislative Support for Trades

There are also big changes happening in the law to support trades. A representative from Washington, Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, introduced a bill called the Fairness for the Trades Act. This bill would help people save money for:

• Tools
• Training
• Not just college tuition

This is important because starting a career in the trades can be expensive.

The Role of College

But college still has its place. On average, people with a four-year degree make more money over their lifetime. However, college isn't for everyone. Many people can't afford the high costs, and some just don't see the value in it. This is why it's important to have different options for education and training.

Preparing for the Future

The world is changing fast, and new technology might take away some jobs. This means we need to think carefully about how we prepare young people for the future. We need both:

• College graduates
• Skilled workers

To keep the economy strong.