Design and Architecture
Can "Modern Trades" Be an Alternative to College?
On the campaign trail, presidential candidates have been talking a lot about the price of college. But does a four-year degree make sense for kids who might be better suited for a trade?
By Frances Anderton • • 4m ListenOn the campaign trail, presidential candidates have been talking a lot about the price of college. But does a four-year degree make sense for kids who might be better suited for a trade? DnA is looking at "Modern Trades" and the folks working in the high-skilled trades that will be part of America's future economy: electricians who will power our net-zero homes, ex-cons who are apprenticing to install solar panels, and sheet metal workers who have switched to become computer-savvy programmers of digital cutting machines. Are California's high schools and colleges adequately preparing students for these jobs?
Photo: An ironworker with Local 416 (Hector Cruz Sandoval)
