The 2025 graduation season will see around 3.9 million American students graduate from high school, which is the highest number in our nation’s history. A trend is developing that would see more and more of these students reject the four-year college path in favor of career training at an accredited trade school.
American Staffing Association (ASA) Survey Finds One Third Of Americans Recommend Trade School Over College
According to a recent survey conducted by the American Staffing Association (ASA), one third of US adults would recommend that high school graduates attend a trade school over a four-year degree.
The full results of the survey are as follows:
- One-third of American adults (33%) say they would recommend that new high school graduates pursue vocational or trade school.
- 28% would suggest enrolling in a four-year college or university.
- 13% believe students should go straight into the workforce.
- 11% would advise them to begin an apprenticeship.
Younger Americans Are Pursuing Skilled Trade Careers
These findings follow a trend of the younger generations questioning the value of a traditional four-year college degree and instead pursuing trade school. According to another recent survey by Thumbtack, 55% of Gen Z men and women are considering a career in skilled trades (marking a 12 point increase over the previous year).
“Americans are clearly concerned that colleges and universities are failing to equip students with the workplace-relevant skills that employers need,” said Richard Wahlquist, chief executive officer at ASA, on the results of this report.
NJ Congressman Donald Norcross recently wrote an opinion piece on the diverse career pathways for graduates. “A college degree is a necessary requirement in some job sectors, but it should be viewed as a pathway to the workforce instead of a piece of paper to hang on the wall,” he wrote. “…for over 50 years the narrative for our students has been that you have to go to college to make it in America. It’s time to change the conversation and prepare our students for the demands of the workforce.
Career Opportunities At ACI Medical & Dental School
At ACI Medical & Dental School, you can get certified for an entry-level job in healthcare in less than four months. These positions, including Medical Assistant and Dental Assistant, do not require a college degree and are in high demand by employers. These jobs also offer numerous career advancement opportunities in the healthcare industry.
Classes are starting soon! To learn more about this exciting new career opportunity and take the next step towards an in demand job in a growing industry, contact us today.
