Did you pursue the trades? Tell us why

August 12, 2026 - 17:30

There is a quiet shift happening in how young people think about work. For decades, the standard advice was simple: go to college, get a degree, and find a stable career. But that path is no longer the only one, or even the preferred one, for many recent graduates. Instead, a growing number of people are turning to skilled trades like plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and welding. They are choosing apprenticeships over dorm rooms and hands-on training over lecture halls.

We want to hear from you if you made that choice. Specifically, we are looking for people who finished high school within the last ten years and decided to skip the traditional four-year university route. Maybe you started an apprenticeship right after graduation. Maybe you tried college for a year or two, then left to pursue a trade. Or perhaps you took a job in construction, HVAC, or another skilled field because it felt like a better fit for your skills and goals.

Why did you do it? Was it the cost of tuition? The promise of earning while you learn? The appeal of working with your hands and seeing a finished result at the end of the day? Or was it simply that the classroom never felt like your place? We are also curious about the aftermath. Looking back, do you feel the decision was right for you? What do you wish you had known then that you know now?

Your story matters because it helps paint a fuller picture of the modern workforce. It challenges the old assumptions and shows that success is not a one-size-fits-all formula. If you are willing to share your experience, we would love to hear the details. Tell us about the moment you decided, the challenges you faced, and where you are today. Your perspective could help another young person who is standing at the same crossroads, unsure of which way to go.