The misconception is that one's career path is a straight line. From A to B. From school to job to retirement. This is a career myth that has deep roots and must be challenged.
The more traditional career path is that there is no traditional path. Everyone has a different journey. Everyone finds their way on their terms. The goal of Your Future: Make it Your Own (YF:MIYO) is to give students tools, information, and resources that will help them identify their strengths and abilities, and uncover their passions and interests, to help them find a meaningful career.
Essentially, identify what they're good at, what they like, and how they can get paid for it.
Select one of the career paths to learn more about opportunities and resources.
Going into a Skilled Trades Program
There has been a common theme that has been communicated and taken at face value for decades now and that is that you have to get a college degree if you want to make a good living.
Today's career landscape would beg to differ. Going into a skilled trades program - or vocational training or even an apprenticeship — can absolutely lead to great and oftentimes even better career opportunities. Furthermore, joining a skilled trade can mean job security, even during market upheavals, like a recession. Also, the current (very) high demand for skilled trade workers leads to relatively high wages that grow over time.
In terms of annual salary, skilled trades programs can beat out many college degrees. Especially, with the high demand for skilled workers in many industries.
The BLS reports that over half of the nation's 20 fastest-growing occupations between 2020-2030 do not require a bachelor's degree. A few of these include solar photovoltaic installers, exercise trainers, motion picture projectionists, and makeup artists.
Look at the sliders to review this career path to see if it makes sense for your situation, needs, and wants.