Trade schools. Why are they looked down on?

What'a the deal with much of society looking down on trade schools or people going into a trade? Im so tired of people thinking if you're in a trade or attending school for one, you are an idiot.

My oldest son graduated high school in May and decided he didn't want to go to a traditional college. Many decisions factored into it from cost to campus BS politics, etc... I know Im bias but the boy is one smart cookie. He took mostly AP science and math classes in school. Graduated with honors. So intelligence isnt an issue. (Got that from his mom)

Today he starts with a commercial HVAC/ plumbing company. He's going into the plumbing/ pipe fitting field. They pay for his schooling, which is a day of class every other week. When not in class he's working and getting experience and serving an apprenticeship. After so many hours, he gets a pay bump, and so on. The only catch is, he must stay on 3 years after becoming a journeyman. I know many people that work there, and I don't hear any complaints from them. So it's a decent place to work.

When we tell people his plan, most give a deer in the headlights look. One person said, I guess we do need plumbers. Even my inlaws act this way. WTH? Surprisingly the most supportive are some of his teachers besides those who are in the trades.
I just feel like there's a stigma with trades and young kids see that.

 

This has been posted elsewhere on this site.

 

Just my experience here.. I don't hear or see trade schooling looked down on. No one I know personally or otherwise have knocked it.
I have a son that went through welding school and a daughter going through the 4 year college deal now. She doesn't feel that way at all as she see's her brother starting out life in a great position right now.

 

I guess it's the circles you run in and the attitude towards trade schools. All my friends and my side of the family are very positive.

 

Man, I loved that class (graduated in ‘90). We forged in the metal area, had full wood shop and more. Only thing we didn’t get into was welding. Mr. Snyder (everyone called him pappy Snyder) made a very positive impression on a lot of people in our school.

 

I think the attitude's regarding trades are finally changing. Getting into Vocational schools now is much harder than it was even 20 years ago. Many of the trades offered are pretty high tech and pay well. College degrees aren't required for lots of good paying jobs, but if you want to go to college after trade school you still can.

 

But to speculate on an answer, I’d have to guess when the country became litigation happy… one slip up making a hand forged fire poker could go wrong in a hurry. Or one kick back on the table saw. Just a guess though.

 

Makes sense, plus I'd imagine the insurances differ greatly from a normal High School to a true Vocational High School

 

Yep, probably what sealed the deal, soaring insurance after a few sue happy people.

 

I went to trade school , look where it got me.
Now I am hanging around here??

 

Wow, that’s more comprehensive than us. Vo-tech was an elective class, not everyone was required. Home-ec(economics) was something everyone got. We all sewed a small duffel bag or purse. Got basic cooking instruction.
Another one that just started as I got into 9-12 was computer programming. I remember a little bit, it was mostly a bunch of “if-then” statements. Pretty crazy how far it’s gone since then.
Taking a trip down memory lane…

 

Another big benefit to trade schools is co-op. My school allowed you to work during your shop week starting junior year. We had one week academic, one week shop, alternating. Even back then I was probably making 15k a year on co-op and not having to listen to my teachers

 

For some reason many have been brainwashed into believing you can't earn a good living without a college degree. It's quite the opposite. In fact there are countless useless degrees that a person can get and can't afford to even pay back the student loans they took out to get said useless degrees. Gender studies degree is one that comes to mind. Huge market for those..

 

I graduated highschool as a certified diesel / auto mechanic because of vacational school. I have no idea if its still operational or not.

 

Birds of a feather and all.