Help your graduate make a smart career move backed by data, not desperation.
The conversation you're about to have could change your child's life. Here are the resources that show why pivoting to skilled trades isn't giving up—it's strategic upgrading.
These aren't opinions—they're facts from respected sources that show the real opportunity in skilled trades.
Over a third of college graduates are now actively pursuing skilled trade careers.
Gen Z trade workers start at competitive salaries with rapid growth potential.
Trade school enrollment has surged since 2020 while college enrollment declined.
Massive labor shortage means unprecedented job security and negotiating power.
Curated articles, videos, and essays to help you understand and support your graduate's decision.
Resume Builder
Groundbreaking 2025 survey revealing that over a third of college graduates are pivoting to skilled trades. Key stats: median starting salary of $60K, 78% report job satisfaction.
Read →Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe challenges the conventional wisdom about career success and explains why following your passion isn't always the best advice.
Watch →Bryan Caplan
Georgetown economist makes the case that college is largely about signaling, not learning - and that many students would be better served by alternative paths.
Read →Wall Street Journal
WSJ analysis of how AI and automation are reshaping job security, with trades emerging as the most stable career paths.
Read →NBC News
News segment exploring the growing trend of young people choosing apprenticeships over traditional four-year degrees.
Watch →Bloomberg
Analysis of shifting cultural attitudes toward skilled work and why parents are increasingly supportive of trade careers.
Read →NPR
Planet Money episode examining the economics of higher education and alternative career paths.
Watch →Federal Reserve Bank
Federal Reserve analysis of student debt burden and long-term financial impact on graduates.
Read →NerdWallet
Side-by-side financial comparison showing lifetime earnings, debt levels, and ROI for different career paths.
Read →CNBC Make It
CNBC breaks down the math on trade careers vs. traditional degrees, including earning potential and debt comparison.
Watch →The Atlantic
Profile of a liberal arts graduate who found fulfillment and financial success in the plumbing trade.
Read →Mike Rowe Works Foundation
Parent testimonial about supporting a child's transition from college to skilled trades.
Read →Fast Company
How a humanities degree holder found purpose and profit in renewable energy trades.
Read →Psychology Today
Psychologist's guide to having supportive conversations about alternative career paths.
Read →SkillsUSA
Comprehensive resource for parents wanting to understand modern trade careers and how to support their children.
Read →Harvard Business Review
Research-backed article on how definitions of career success are evolving and why that matters for parents.
Read →BLS
Official government data on job growth projections, showing trades dominating the fastest-growing categories.
Read →Associated Builders and Contractors
Industry analysis of the massive labor shortage in skilled trades and what it means for job seekers.
Read →National Student Clearinghouse
Latest enrollment data showing the ongoing shift away from traditional four-year institutions.
Read →Starting the conversation is often the hardest part. Here are some ways to begin.
I've been reading about the skilled trades market...
Lead with curiosity, not judgment. Show you've done research and are open to learning.
Can we talk about your career without me judging?
Create a safe space. Your child may have been avoiding this conversation out of fear of disappointing you.
I want to support you - let's look at this together.
Position yourself as an ally, not an obstacle. Your support is the most valuable thing you can offer.
Take the career quiz with your graduate to discover which skilled trades match their interests and abilities.