Point: Trade School

High school graduates have many different options to choose from to continue their life. While college is typically the most popular choice, another viable option is going into trade school. Going to a four-year university used to be seen as “the right way,” and going straight into a trade was looked down upon, but in modern times trade school has grown as a respected and practical way to build a career.

One way that graduates could have helped to further their trade during high school was by joining EVIT during their junior year. East Valley Institute of Technology, or EVIT, is a program where students travel to the campus and learn their trade of choice in the form of a class-like program. Not only do students get academic instruction, but they also gain real-world experience and often certifications that make them job-ready right out of high school.

Senior Cohen Widmann shared how EVIT has allowed him to step right into his trade and further his veterinarian career. “Through EVIT I got my Approved Veterinary License… so I can just go work in a clinic.” Widmann shared that EVIT gave students all the hands-on experience that they needed before going straight into working. EVIT offers many different options for students, including nursing, veterinarian training, cosmetology, and many more.

Senior Katelyn Cesarano explored dentistry through EVIT during high school, and is currently interning at a dental office. She shared that EVIT was a big help in getting her career kick-started and they even helped in the internship process. Programs like EVIT also provide students with networking opportunities and access to professionals in the field, which can lead to job offers before they even graduate.

Additionally, trade schools and programs like EVIT can be more affordable than traditional colleges, often allowing students to avoid the burden of student debt. With trades in high demand, graduates entering fields such as welding, dental assisting, HVAC, or medical assisting can often find immediate employment and competitive wages.

Branching out of the traditional “straight-to-college” mindset can allow students to build their future faster and give them the hands-on work they need before going into the job. As more students and parents recognize the value of practical experience and job-readiness, programs like EVIT continue to grow in popularity and importance.

Counter-point: Attending College

Following high school graduation, students have countless options to choose, whether it be a gap year, trade school, or pursuing a college degree. College has long been seen as the best pathway to choose, despite the fact trade schools have risen in popularity in recent years. There are both benefits and drawbacks to attending college. With trade school having its own benefits and drawbacks, it all depends on what you want to major in and what career path you choose.

Senior Riley Dalton shared some benefits attending college can have. “For certain career paths, [college] can further education, a lot of the careers, at least the ones I’ve been looking at, need a college degree.” Dalton plans on becoming a lawyer and stated that a college degree is necessary for her major. Dalton added, “College has been an expectation for me since I was younger, since before I was born really, I’ve been college bound.” 

Senior Chris Johnson exclaimed, “It depends on what you are majoring in but I feel like most of the time employers are gonna look for a degree.” Johnson intends on majoring in Chemical engineering and though it takes a lot of time and money, the long term output justifies the time and money put into college. 

Dr. Arthur Ornelas shared the importance of college degrees. He stated, “Your average college graduate makes about two times more than your average college graduate does.” Some benefits to college degrees include higher salaries as well as more job opportunities. Despite the benefits, there are also drawbacks to going to college, for some students, what they want to do doesn’t need a college degree, whether it be trades or other professions. Dr. Ornelas added, “Well, for some college students they incur a lot of debt, like barring loans…so it’s important that if you’re going to do all that, that you finish your degree and get a degree that will get you a job.” 

Overall, college gives students degrees that they can use throughout their life on job applications. College is far more beneficial than trade school as it familiarizes students with a certain career path and gives them a formal education regarding it. Though college costs a fair deal of money, its long term output outweighs the cost.