Choosing the Trades: Why Plumbing, HVAC, and Construction Education Can Be a Smart Start—If You Pick the Right Program

As more Americans question the cost and value of traditional college degrees, skilled trades like plumbing, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), and construction are gaining renewed respect. These jobs are essential, often well-paid, and generally shielded from outsourcing and automation. For students, recent graduates, and workers looking to pivot, trade education can be a practical path toward financial stability—but only if you choose your training program carefully.

Not all trade schools and programs are created equal. Some offer affordable, hands-on learning and clear pathways to employment. Others—especially some for-profit institutions—prey on students with inflated job placement claims, high tuition, and subpar instruction. The difference between a legitimate program and a predatory one can shape your entire career.

Strong Demand, Solid Wages

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for HVAC technicians is projected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032. Demand for plumbers and construction laborers remains steady as well. These jobs are not only necessary—they pay fairly well:

• Plumbers earned a median wage of $60,090 in 2023.

• HVAC techs made $51,390.

• Construction laborers earned $45,990, with more for those with specialized skills or union backing.

Some skilled tradespeople eventually launch their own businesses, expanding their income potential. Others join unions, where they may receive higher wages, better job protections, and retirement benefits.

Education Without Massive Debt

One of the biggest advantages of trade education is affordability. Community colleges, union apprenticeships, and some public vocational schools offer programs that cost a fraction of a four-year degree. Many apprenticeships even pay participants as they learn, allowing students to earn a living while gaining skills.

Compare this to the average college graduate, who now leaves school with more than $30,000 in student loan debt, often without a clear path to employment.

But low cost doesn’t always mean good value. Some private trade schools, especially those operating for-profit, charge high tuition for short programs with low completion rates and weak job placement. That’s why prospective students must do their homework.

How to Choose a Quality Program

Before enrolling in a trade school or certification program, consider the following steps:

1. Check Accreditation and Licensing: Make sure the program is recognized by state or regional accreditors and meets licensure requirements for your trade.

2. Look at Completion and Placement Rates: Reputable programs will publish data on how many students finish and get jobs. Be skeptical of vague or overly optimistic claims.

3. Talk to Former Students: Ask graduates about their experiences and whether the training helped them find steady work.

4. Compare Costs: Public programs and union apprenticeships tend to be more affordable than private, for-profit schools. Don’t take out large loans without understanding your likely return on investment.

5. Beware of Pressure Sales Tactics: Legitimate schools won’t rush you into enrolling or make grand promises of guaranteed jobs.

The Risks of Predatory Schools

A 2022 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that some for-profit trade schools mislead students about costs and outcomes, while overcharging for low-quality instruction. These institutions often target veterans, immigrants, and low-income students with aggressive marketing.

Under the Biden administration, new Gainful Employment rules and Borrower Defense provisions aim to hold these schools accountable, but oversight can be slow and uneven. Once enrolled and in debt, students have few options for recourse if the program fails them.

A Real Alternative

For those who take the time to research and choose wisely, a trade education can offer something increasingly rare in today’s economy: a stable job, low or no debt, and the chance to build something real—both literally and financially.

Plumbing, HVAC, and construction are not fallback careers. They are vital professions with opportunities for growth, dignity, and independence. As society faces aging infrastructure, rising housing demand, and climate challenges, skilled tradespeople will only become more essential.

For students and jobseekers, the message is clear: You don’t have to go to a four-year college to build a solid future. But you do have to be smart about where and how you get your training.

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Sources:

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024)

• National Center for Education Statistics, “Student Loan Debt and Completion Rates” (2023)

• U.S. Government Accountability Office, “Oversight of For-Profit Colleges” (2022)

• National Skills Coalition, “Middle-Skills Jobs and the Labor Market” (2023)