For decades, the message to young Americans has been consistent: go to college, earn a degree, and build a stable career. But across industries—from tech to real estate to healthcare—there’s growing evidence that this one-size-fits-all path may be leaving critical gaps in the workforce.
A recent question posed to professionals across sectors—has the push for college degrees gone too far at the expense of skilled trades?—reveals a clear and consistent answer: yes, and the consequences are already being felt.
A Workforce Imbalance Is Emerging
John Turns, Chief Technology Consultant at Seisan, sees the issue firsthand in the tech world—an industry typically associated with degrees and advanced education.
“In my SaaS work, we often get stuck finding onsite techs because we focus too much on degrees. We actually delayed a launch recently waiting for a network technician, a job you definitely don’t need a college degree to do.”
His experience highlights a surprising reality: even in high-tech environments, companies rely heavily on skilled, hands-on roles that don’t require traditional academic paths. When those roles go unfilled, entire operations slow down.
Real Estate Feels the Pressure
The shortage is even more visible in industries like construction and real estate.
David Bokman, CEO of Philly Home Investor, describes a growing bottleneck:
“Finding a reliable electrician or plumber for my renovations is a nightmare compared to ten years ago. It costs more money and blows my timelines constantly.”
As demand for housing and development continues, the lack of skilled tradespeople is driving up costs and delaying projects—an issue that impacts not just businesses, but entire communities.
Similarly, Stanislav Sadovnikov, Founder of Magnum Estate, emphasizes the irreplaceable value of trades:
“Try building a luxury villa without skilled masons and electricians. It won’t happen. School teaches theory, but tradespeople are the ones actually making the building exist.”
Perspective from Presence News
Kasdyn Click, founder of Presence News, adds a broader, real-world perspective shaped by experience across both coasts:
“I think education and your health are two of the most important things that determine your success in the future. But learning how things are built—from a mechanical or builder’s perspective—creates a level of confidence that stays with you for life.
There is a major shortage in the labor section for the trades. I am in Los Angeles right now and there is barely any construction, but in the Northeast where I used to live in Connecticut and New York there was constant building—it’s a huge business.
It is pretty easy to get into an ownership position in a company right now in the trades. Most owners I know in those sectors are financially successful—many are millionaires in the Northeast, living comfortably, traveling with their families. It isn’t a bad path.”
This perspective highlights not only the shortage, but also the opportunity—particularly for those willing to pursue ownership or entrepreneurship within the trades.
Education vs. Practical Skill
The conversation isn’t about dismissing higher education—it’s about balance.
Dr. Nick Palmer, Founder of Orthodontics.net, brings a unique perspective from both academia and healthcare:
“My best dental techs learned through apprenticeships, not four-year programs, and they keep the office running.”
His point underscores a broader truth: many essential roles are learned through hands-on experience, mentorship, and technical training—not lecture halls.
A Cultural Shift May Be Needed
For years, societal messaging has framed college as the “default” path to success. But as industries evolve, that narrative is being challenged.
Trades offer:
- Strong earning potential
- Job stability and demand
- Faster entry into the workforce
- Lower or no student debt
Meanwhile, overemphasizing degrees can:
- Create labor shortages in essential fields
- Inflate hiring requirements unnecessarily
- Delay career entry for roles that don’t require a degree
The Path Forward
What emerges from these insights isn’t a rejection of college—but a call for diversification in how success is defined.
Encouraging trade schools, apprenticeships, and skill-based careers alongside universities may be the key to restoring balance. As multiple industry leaders point out, both paths can lead to success—what matters most is alignment with real-world demand and individual strengths.
Final Thought
In an economy that depends on both innovation and execution, the divide between degrees and trades may be less about competition—and more about recognition.
The question now isn’t whether trades matter—but whether society is ready to value them accordingly.