In 2022, it is no secret that success can be found without a college degree. The increasing popularity of trade programs and other alternative routes have become widespread. Although a college degree may be helpful in life to secure certain jobs or to bolster your resume, there are other routes.

When Senior year rolls around, many teens begin their college applications. Some do so because they truly feel like they should, but some are influenced by family, friends, or even just the state of society.

For students that dislike the idea of additional schooling, feeling pressured into going to college can be a difficult time in a young person’s life. 

Students who feel as though college is not for them are challenged with finding an alternative pathway that better suits their desires.

Ben Zimmer, a senior student, has faced this challenge. 

“My family always wanted me to go to college like every family does. I just couldn’t do any more school.” Zimmer said.

The post grad center frequently offers visits from professionals in various fields that speak about their professions. A recent visit was paid by members of the pipefitters local union, a profession that only requires an apprenticeship program to get started.

In Zimmer’s case, he has decided that following high school, he will begin training to become a linesmen. This profession only requires an apprenticeship program. No college degree or extensive time spent studying at a trade school is necessary.

“My best friend was talking about being a linesmen and it seemed like a cool job and the pay was really good,” Zimmer said.

One very notable upside of pursuing a career as a pipefitter, linesmen, etc. is that the pay right out of training is a lot better than the pay following college. The average annual salary for a linesman in the U.S. is $83,000. This number is well above the national average which is set at $51,000. There are also no student loans and there is no need to search for a job as one is provided to you following the apprenticeship program.

As alternative post-graduation routes become increasingly popular, we may see a decrease in people that choose to attend college in order to become a part of the corporate rat race.