The pressure to have a college degree is high, but so is the cost. The U.S. News states average tuition and fees alone for 2022-2023 are $10,423 for a public, in-state university. Meanwhile, skilled trade jobs that do not require a college degree are in high demand and trades are looking for employees—just last year, job postings for plumber apprentices increased 24 percent in one month, and postings for electrician helpers increased 15 percent.

With the high price of a college degree and high demand, trades are looking for employees, and many skilled trade jobs pay well. Due to these factors, some students may begin to consider pursuing trade schooling. And Kentucky is bridging the gap with the ESSER plan, which provides funding for supporting Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) advisers, which helps students develop CTSO-geared leadership and engagement through competition. The goal is to boost CTSO engagement at the local and state levels, which dropped by 80 percent during the pandemic.

How is the state ensuring their funding will achieve its purpose? What role do advisers play in shaping the future of trade students? Greg Crumpton, VP of Service Logic and “Straight Outta Crumpton” host, helps listeners understand how the ESSER funds are preparing educators and students to fill trade careers.

Greg’s Thoughts

“I was thrilled to hear about Kentucky and the efforts that they’re setting forth to try to increase the awareness of skilled trades and trades in general through a program that’s driven by their CTSO force. That’s exposing and making aware students in high school and in middle school about career opportunities that are not derived from traditional college degree programs.

Kentucky has taken a proactive on this by creating awareness, by starting the awareness process early, before people get out of school. So, they are working towards something both mentally and in regards to curriculum. So have a look at it, Kentucky, good for you. It could be Kentucky, it could be any state in the union, it could be worldwide.

There needs to be more exposure given to traditional work programs, traditional skill trades, because we’re losing seven people per day to retirement. We’re only bringing in one person per day to offset that number. So, anything you can do to increase the awareness and exposure, do so. We all need things done and this is one way of getting that work done, getting education to the people who need or want that type of education, to keep the country moving forward. Check it out for yourself, see what you think, and all the best to you.”

Article written by Cara Schildmeyer