I’ve always loved education, but after six semesters at college and thousands of dollars in student loans, I had three realizations that changed my idea of what makes for a “worthwhile” education.
First, despite my love of learning, I could tell that I had made a mistake by pursuing a degree in philosophy, since it was unlikely to result in a career that earned enough to swiftly repay my student loan debt. Second, I found that what I love even more than learning itself is having a practical way to turn all that knowledge into action. And third, I discovered a new career path that strongly resonated with my growing desire for hands-on learning, and it didn’t even require a four-year degree. However, it did require me to make a choice that many people might look down on: I dropped out of college and enrolled in trade school instead.
Specifically, I chose to attend Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, with the goal of becoming an aviation maintenance technician (AMT). While my experience at a traditional four-year institution often lacked the application of learned skills, which I found frustrating, PIA was the exact opposite. On my very first visit, I saw that there was nothing they taught in the classroom that couldn’t also be applied during lab projects or otherwise demonstrated in some physical, tangible way. And to me—and a growing number of Gen Zers like me—the hands-on component of school and work really matters.
Where the traditional college pipeline goes wrong
The truth is, even if I had been aware of PIA while I was in high school, I’m not sure that I would have chosen to attend a trade school over a four-year college. But it’s not because trade school is more expensive (because it isn’t), or takes longer (it doesn’t), or leads to career options that pay less (according to Salary.com, the average AMT salary ranges from $78,000 to $101,000).
No, the reason I didn’t choose to learn a skilled trade after high school is because every aspect of the high school experience is designed to guide students toward enrolling in a four-year college, and all the student loan debt that comes with it. And for some students, that traditional path is absolutely the best choice, especially if their passion lies in a field of study or a career path that requires a particular degree in order to get started. But for millions of other students who think differently, learn differently, and find value in the kind of hands-on work that colleges don’t typically focus on, trade school is a much more affordable, engaging, and rewarding option.
Unfortunately, the skilled trades are rarely part of the post-high school discussion. Instead, most students are encouraged to pursue the college major that most closely matches their academic aptitude. For example, if students do show an interest in skills like electronics, woodworking, or auto repair, then their teachers, guidance counselors, and parents are likely to suggest a career in engineering. But for someone who likes applying their skills toward the creation or repair of something functional, spending four years or more studying spreadsheets, formulas, and computer programs could feel very unfulfilling compared to studying manuals, connecting circuits, and turning wrenches.
Why we need to talk differently about the trades
Personally, I find it to be a disservice to not only the students in high school but also to the entire country that not enough attention is given to the trades. With such a drastic shortage of skilled labor across the U.S., it’s time for our schools and media to start making people aware of the full range of career possibilities they have to choose from. It’s also time for teachers and parents to recognize that a student choosing to attend a trade school isn’t a “lesser” outcome than attending college. Many things we enjoy in life are built and maintained by the few skilled individuals who have put in the work to understand the impact and the responsibility of their roles. Just as a computer programmer must fully understand the abilities and limits of the languages they’re working in, a skilled tradesperson must have a deep and thorough understanding of the job at hand and the ramifications if that job is done improperly.
I consider coming to PIA one of the best decisions I have ever made. After my first week or two, I found myself enjoying both the curriculum and the experience of coming to school every day, which was not the case at my previous college. As I went through each quarter, I only found myself getting more involved in all aspects of the school. The knowledge and skills I’ve attained in my time at PIA are irreplaceable. I also find that the ability to have intelligent conversations and thought processes about the nature of the work we do while at the same time being able to apply those skills practically is a lost art of sorts.
Looking ahead, while I’m evaluating my options in my hometown of Pittsburgh and beyond, I also have the fortunate opportunity to be recruited by some incredible companies outside of the region, so I am considering future employment beyond Pennsylvania as well.
Knowing that leading employers respect my skills, work ethic, and passion for learning enough to discuss employment opportunities even before I’ve completed my training is incredibly gratifying. It is also the kind of career path validation that many other Gen Zers—sometimes referred to as “the toolbelt generation”—are actively seeking.
Let’s stop guiding every young learner toward the same college-focused future, and let’s start encouraging people to apply their knowledge toward the work they find most fulfilling.
More reading:
The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.