I’m a Gen Zer and attended college for nearly 3 years before realizing trade school was right for me

I always liked education, but after six semesters in the college and thousands of dollars in student loans, I had three investigations that changed my idea about what makes education “worth it.”

First, despite my love for learning, I can say that I made a mistake by following a certificate in philosophy, because it is unlikely to lead to a profession that has earned enough to quickly pay the students ’loan debts. Second, I found that what I love more than learning itself is a practical way to turn all this knowledge into work. Third, I discovered a new careful professional path with a strong desire for practical learning, and this was not required for a period of four years. However, it is an act Ask me to choose a lot of people: I got out of the college and registered in the commercial school instead.

Specifically, I chose to attend the Pittsburgh Air Navigation Institute, with the aim of becoming an aviation maintenance technician (AMT). While my experience in a four -year traditional institution was often lacking in the application of the learned skills, which I found was frustrated, PIA was the exact opposite. On my first visit, I saw that there is nothing they taught in the semester that could not be applied during laboratory projects or in some way in a concrete way. For me-an increasing number of Gen Zers like me-practical component in school and work is really important.

Where the traditional college pipeline is mistaken

The truth is, even if I was aware of PIA while I was in high school, I am not sure that I was going to choose a four -year commercial school. But not because the commercial school is more expensive (because it is not), or takes longer (no), or leads to professional options that pay less (according to the Salary.com website, the average AMT salary ranges between $ 78,000 to $ 101,000).

No, the reason I did not choose to learn a skilled trading after high school is that each aspect of high school experience is designed to direct students towards registration in a college for a period of four years, and all the debts of student loans that come with it. For some students, this traditional path is the best option ever, especially if their passion lies in the field of study or career path that requires a certain degree for the start. But for millions of other students who think differently, they learn differently, and they find value in the type of practical work that colleges usually do not focus, the commercial school is a more expensive, attractive and rewarding option.

Unfortunately, skilled deals are rarely part of the discussion after the higher school. Instead, most students are encouraged to follow the college’s specialization, which is closely identical to their academic willingness. For example, if students show interest in skills such as electronics, wooden business or car repair, it is possible that their teachers, guidance consultants and parents are a profession in engineering. But for a person who loves to apply his skills to create or repair something functional, spending four years or more in the study schedule, formulas, and computer programs may feel uncomfortable compared to the study of brochures, linking circles, and converting keys.

Why do we need to talk differently from the deals

Personally, I find it harm not only for high school students but also for the entire country that enough attention is not paid to crafts. With this sharp deficiency in skilled workers throughout the United States, it is time to start our schools and the media to make people realize a full set of job possibilities that they have to choose from. It is also time for teachers and parents to realize that a student who chooses to attend a commercial school is not a “lower” result from enrolling in the college. Many things we enjoy in life are built by the few skilled individuals who have been put in work to understand the effect and responsibility of their roles. Just as the computer programmer must fully understand the capabilities and boundaries of the languages ​​in which they work, skilled merchants must have a deep and comprehensive understanding of the job at hand and repercussions if this task is incorrectly performed.

I am thinking of coming to Pia, one of the best decisions I made ever. After a week or two, I found myself enjoying the curricula and trying to come to school every day, and this was not the case in my previous college. With every three months, I only found myself participating in all aspects of the school. The knowledge and skills I have achieved in my time in Pia are indispensable. I also find that the ability to hold smart conversations and thinking about the nature of the work we do while they are able to implement these skills in practice are a lost art of some kind.

Looking at the future, while evaluating my options in my hometown in Pittsburgh and beyond, I also have a lucky opportunity to be employed by some amazing companies outside the region.

Knowing that the main employers respect my skills, work ethics, and a passion for learning enough to discuss job opportunities even before I complete my training incredibly. It is also a kind of validation of the career path that many Gen Zers are looking for – sometimes referred to as “the generation of the tools belt” – actively.

Let’s stop directing every young learner towards the same future that focuses on the college, and let us start encouraging people to apply their acquaintances to the work they find more.

More reading:

• Gen Z needs to be exposed to manufacturing professions, as white collars jobs seem more likely to disturb artificial intelligence-and student debt focus
• I communicate with manufacturers with their workforce. The profession provides manufacturing purpose, communication and balance between work and life
• Against Trump’s definitions: I start an American factory to save my little work
• I am Gen Zer starting a home construction profession. The college was skipping the best decision I made ever

The opinions expressed in cutting comments Fortune.com are only the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect opinions and beliefsluck.

This story was originally shown on Fortune.com

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2024-08-05 14:37:00