Job Security in Uncertain Times: Vocational Training A Path | CISNewsStudio1s

In an uncertain job market, job security is increasingly found in skilled trades and vocational training rather than traditional four-year college degrees. The long-standing belief that a college degree is the key to a higher-paying job is being challenged as more high school graduates opt for vocational schools. This trend is driven by the appeal of quicker entry into the workforce, lower educational costs, and the potential to earn higher wages earlier in their careers, according to Bart Taylor, a professor at Texas A&M University specializing in career and technical education programs.

From 2019 to 2024, hiring rates for roles requiring a bachelor’s degree declined among workers in their 20s, while roles requiring vocational or associate’s degrees saw an increase, according to data from national payroll processing company ADP. Simultaneously, bachelor’s degree program enrollment dropped by 4%, whereas vocational school enrollment grew by 5%, based on data from the National Student Clearinghouse.

As vocational programs resume normal operations post-pandemic, more Americans are acquiring trade skills to fill in-demand jobs in fields such as electrical work, carpentry, and plumbing, where there remains a shortage of skilled labor.

This shift is reflected in the growing number of 20- to 24-year-olds working in blue-collar roles, which now surpasses the share of those aged 25 to 39 in these jobs, as highlighted in an August report by Hanowell. Blue-collar jobs, which involve manual labor, are generally considered less susceptible to replacement by artificial intelligence, providing a sense of stability in an evolving job market.

Taylor remains optimistic, stating, “The appreciation for skilled trades is likely to persist.” However, he cautions that a severe economic downturn could slow wage growth and introduce more job volatility, potentially affecting the stability currently seen in these roles.

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