Rethinking the Road: Why Skilled Trades Deserve a Spotlight

For years, the message to high school seniors has been clear: go to college, get a degree, and you’ll succeed. But that narrative is changing—and for good reason. Skilled trades and trade schools are becoming a smart, rewarding alternative. With labor shortages, lower education costs, and strong earning potential, these careers aren’t just viable, they’re strategic.

Cushman & Wakefield Is Leading the Charge

At Cushman & Wakefield, we’re passionate about creating career paths that matter. At the 2025 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference, our team showcased opportunities in skilled trades. Leaders like Elizabeth Harris, Skilled Trades Learning & Development Manager, and Roger Collins, Senior Workforce Planning & Apprenticeship Specialist, shared why these roles are critical for the future.

Elizabeth put it perfectly:

“We’re not just hiring for roles—we’re building careers.”

Roger added:

“These students are the future of our industry.”

We’re also engaging Gen Z in creative ways—like national competitions where students design marketing campaigns for trade careers. It’s about sparking interest and showing that trades are exciting, innovative, and full of opportunity.

The Money Talk: Real Salaries in Skilled Trades (from Salary.com)

Here’s what the numbers look like:

Top earners can break the $100K mark, and the average skilled trades professional earns about $75,150 per year. That’s competitive pay—without the crushing student debt.

Why Trade Schools Make Sense

• Affordable: Programs cost $3,800–$16,000, compared to tens of thousands for college.
• Fast: Certifications often take 18–24 months, so they start earning sooner.
• High Demand: Retirements and labor shortages mean job security.
• Debt-Free: Skip the loans and start building their future now.
• Hands-On Work: Appealing to those who prefer tangible results over sitting at a desk.

Entrepreneurship: Your Next Step

Skilled trades aren’t just jobs—they’re launchpads for business ownership. Many professionals start their own companies in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and contracting. With experience and credentials, professionals can set their own rates, hire a team, and build something that’s truly theirs.

Final Thought: Skilled trades are booming. They offer competitive pay, fast career growth, and real entrepreneurial potential. If a high school senior is ready for a meaningful, direct path to success, this is it.