Going to a four-year college for most students is like an automatic decision immediately after graduating from high school. The reason is very clear. They want higher income. According to research done by the National Center for Educational Statistics,  a degree holder takes home about $17,000 as an extra income per year compared to a high school diploma.

But research also shows that among 70 percent of American students who study a four-year degree program, less than two-thirds eventually graduate. It is essential to know that following the usual path from high school to college to the workforce is not viable for all students.

Here are some ways parents can encourage their children to choose a trade instead of a college degree:

1. Not All Students Should Go To College

College isn’t the right fit for every student; education is. There’s a difference. You have to find the right fit for the student’s aptitude, financial situation, and other factors. According to research, over 54 percent of Americans who gained admission into college drop out yearly. College is difficult just as it is for those who are inspired and excited to be there, so it can feel impossible for students who don’t want to attend.

There are numerous jobs out there that do not need a college degree. There are a lot of technical and trade schools that organize training in fields like beauty and cosmetology, automotive care and welding and fabrication, plumbing, and wholesales representatives. These jobs don’t require a college degree to make good money and only need a high school diploma or post high school certification.

2. Encourage Students to Find a Mentor

Encourage your child to find a mentor. A mentor is not your study partner or tutor. A mentor will not help you write your term papers or help you do your assignments. That’s where most students miss it. 

A mentor is someone ready to teach and advise you about life and your chosen career goals. Someone has more work experience than you for them to guide you on your chosen skills you will require to succeed in your field. If you or your child is having trouble finding a mentor, you’re in luck. We offer free mentoring every week middle school through college students (click here to register).

3. Encourage Your Students to Take Other Skill Sets

Encourage your students to take other skill sets, especially those not doing well academically. You can encourage them to take skills in plumbing, electrician, welding, fabrication, automotive, etc. These jobs are a hot cake in the labor market, and you are sure of securing a job immediately after your training.  

4. Show Them How Lucrative that Might Be 

Show them how much they can take home yearly if they learn a skill. For a job like automotive service and technician and mechanic that requires a postsecondary non-degree award, you are sure of getting about $47,350 median pay. For line installers and repairers that require only a high school diploma, you are sure of getting paid about $65,880 median pay. For carpenters that require just a high school diploma or equivalent, you are sure of getting about $59,700 median pay. Tell your students how lucrative these skills are. This will encourage them to pick up a skill immediately after their high school diploma. If you need help walking through the process, try our book as a resource. 

Conclusively, it is time to stop looking down on students who choose to acquire vocational and technical education rather than a four-year degree program. Students should be allowed to enter a skill program after graduation to practice technical skills, which will prepare them for specific fields of work.