Many generations have been told that college is the answer and the only way to make a living and get a good job, but for many teenagers, trade schools offer specialized technical training in one subject. Trade schools give graduates of their program certification for a much lower cost than college, and also great opportunities for employment after graduation. We live in a society that values a college degree and education more than a learned skill and that shouldn't be the case.

College has proven to be very valuable in its own right but getting through a four-year program is costly and isn't a guarantee of a high-paying job. Many college graduates are stuck paying high-interest loans decades after graduation. Colleges offer full liberal art education and require that students become educated in a wide array of subjects, not just their major.

Trade schools are a viable and wonderful option for many teenagers who just know college isn't for them. College is a much longer program and can be tedious for many. There are also many individuals out there who are so gifted in a chosen trade but struggles in a typical academic setting. Here are 10 trade schools that teenagers can consider if they just know college isn't the right choice for them.

10 Cosmetology

Professional hair and make-up is a skill not many can do. A cosmetologist must learn how to apply makeup and do the hair for a wide array of clients. This means learning all makeup types, coloring, and how to style and do a variety of hair types. This isn't a high-paying trade school job, but it does have the potential and cosmetologists do get tips for their work. Cosmetologists can work at salons or can work for companies that offer makeup for special events, and personal clients,

9 IT Technician

IT techs can also be referred to as computer specialists and they're trained to maintain computer systems. They make sure everything is secure and running smoothly on an IT network. IT techs also get new employees' emails set up and teach others how to use software and troubleshoot any tech problems. This job is expected to grow 8% by 2029.

8 Esthetician

An esthetician is a skincare expert that applies a variety of serums, cleansers, cream, and other treatments to their client's face and body. They're trained on the chemicals in skin products and what each one is supposed to do specifically for the skin. They then choose the best treatment for what a client wants. An esthetician must get a certification in the state they are in. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job of an esthetician is expected to grow by an incredible 29% through 2030.

7 Welding

Welders and ironworkers are responsible for strengthening construction projects with steel. They work on the framework usually in new construction projects. Welders can be certified after completion of a program, and then they must do a 3–4-year apprenticeship. This occupation is expected to grow 5% in the next 10 years.

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6 Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist is responsible for cleaning a client's teeth at the dentist's office. They use special oral tools to remove plaque and tartar from teeth. Dental hygienists are also trained to look for signs of oral cancer. They also assisted the dentist during larger procedures This occupation is expected to grow by 6% in the next ten years. This is a three-year Associate's degree and according to Best Colleges a median salary of $77,090.

5 Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

A licensed practical nurse (LPN) works under registered nurses and trained doctors. LPNs are trained to provide medical care to patients in a variety of settings. LPNs are in every nursing home providing care to elderly patients, and they can also work in hospitals caring for patients of all ages. Nursing can be very personally rewarding but takes the right person to be successful in this career. Compassion, attention to detail, and a genuine desire to care for others are great characteristics for future LPNs. This is a one-year program plus state licensure.

This is a position to support lawyers in an administrative setting. Paralegals usually maintain case files, do lots of legal reading for research, and can aid in trial preparation. They're basically a first assistant to a lawyer and do a lot of the same work short of actually representing clients. This requires a vast knowledge of law and legal jargon. The career of a paralegal is expected to grow 10% by 2029 according to the BLS. There are associates degrees for paralegals as well as a certification by the American Bar Association.

3 Massage Therapist

People love massages and for good reason. Massage therapists are the ones giving massages and must know about certain muscle groups and the human body. They're trained on tension and stress relief as well as soft tissue and how to handle muscles gently and effectively.

2 Plumbing

Fixing pipes that carry water and gas is a specialized skill that can be a high-paying career. It's specialized and one that really gets your hands dirty. Plumber typically completes a multi-year apprenticeship, somewhere around 4-5 years. Best Colleges state that the median salary is $56,330 and plumbing careers will grow by 4% by 2029.

1 Culinary Arts

Cooking is a passion for many that can be made into a career. Chefs will always be needed on all levels and a degree and training n culinary arts put you at an advantage. Here, you learn how to cook, the science of cooking, flavors, what blends together, and of course technique.

Source: Best Schools, Prep Scholar, Military Benefits, Best Colleges, Bureau of Labor Statistics