RVTI Working to Address The False, Negative Stigma Around Trade School

During the week of July 11-14, 2021, the RV Technical Institute and Camping World, an Authorized Learning Partner (ALP), were in Las Vegas for the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Annual Conference. Approximately 3,500–4,000 school counseling professionals, including K-12 school counselors, college professors, graduate students, and school counseling supervisors, were in attendance. The RV Technical Institute and Camping World highlighted how schools can implement the RVTI training program, allowing high school students across the country to jumpstart their career as an RV tech and graduate with the Level 1 certification. Through this process, schools will partner with local dealers to fill the pipeline of future RV techs!

Why is it always, “Make sure you go to college,” and never “Make sure you go to trade school?”

Most high school students are funneled into two- or four-year universities. Little thought is given to other paths toward adulthood, and schools and parents often fail to present alternative options.

The allure of a college degree has tarnished the reputation of trade schools.

COVID-19 hammered most professional sectors but many trade jobs saw double or triple growth. During the economic downturn, trade labor continued expanding despite a volatile world. The pandemic revealed just how much rests upon the shoulders of skilled trade workers.

For students who may not know what they want to do, or if they merely want to try something other than college, trade school offers promise. Many trade workers collect far higher salaries than college-educated young adults and, in some other countries, trade school is popular and encouraged.

One reason high school conversations rarely gravitate to trade school is, in part, because of the stigma that comes with not attending college. But forgoing college does not equate to failure; in some cases it means better pay and better work-life balance down the line.

We should advocate for pursuing trade school just as vocally as we praise the college-bound.

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Jobs that do not require a four-year degree — such as industrial, construction or service trades — still demand highly skilled, competent and effective individuals. More dangerous trade jobs, such as those in the fishing industry or coal miners, pay far better than some white-collar jobs and ask applicants for skills rather than experience.

Check out the full article from USC Annenberg Media here.