Construction Curiosities #105
Choosing Your Path: The Tale of Traditional College and Hands-On Trade Education
Hey! Happy Saturday! Matt here.
Welcome to the Construction Curiosities newsletter!
This weekly Newsletter explores the Curiosities of the Construction Industry. It's meant to help Drag the Construction Industry into the 21st Century by making you think, smile, and become motivated to drive innovation in your realm of the industry.
The Newsletter will focus on 4 primary areas of Innovation:
Technology & Tools
Growth Marketing
Upskilling/ Mentorship
Being People First in all of the Above
We won’t hit on each of these topics every week but that’s what is in rotation!
Summary
This week we will look at:
One Guest Post: Choosing Your Path
One Article: The Death Of The Point Solution?
One Meme: “Kids Don’t Want to Work”
Choosing Your Path: The Tale of Traditional College and Hands-On Trade Education
by Cory Thomas Fisk from Construction Management Online
In the bustling heart of America, high school students everywhere are gazing into the crowd of proud parents, with graduation caps and gowns flowing under the Friday night lights of the field where many memories were engrained into their young minds. Thoughts of freedom, opportunities to move out from under the wings of protective parents looking out for their progeny. Few are thinking past the experience of the night – and why should they? This moment deserves to be embraced, absorbed, and shared with loved ones. But tomorrow will be a different day and the realization of what life has in store is just around the corner.
“Will I go to college or straight into work?”
Unfortunately, this may be the first time that this question has been asked with the weight it carries – using 18 years of life lived to identify a crossroads that has the potential to design the next 40 – 50 years of your life. “What if I make the wrong decision?” “How will this impact the rest of my life?” These questions are often asked with the immediate need steering the decision – How do I gain freedom – leave the nest – I need money – what jobs do I qualify for – and how can I make it all happen today!?
Construction is a perfect choice. It needs little education to start, a little elbow grease and work ethic to move into the entry level and it provides skills that you can carry with you for the rest of your life. However, construction poses a difficult question – do I work in the field or in the office, do I need a degree or experience?
This decision is going to be a personal choice but one that will need you to put in some work to determine what really is the right path for you.
It’s a decision as old as time: to pursue a traditional college education or to embrace the hands-on trade education that builds the very foundations of our society. Today, we explore this choice, understanding that what is right for one might not be right for another, and why the most important part of the journey is educating yourself about your options.
The Story of Two Paths
Meet Jordan and Sally, two high school friends from a quaint town in the Midwest. Jordan was always the academic type, his nose buried in books, dreaming of becoming an engineer. Sally, on the other hand, struggled with math, loved working with her hands and found joy in creating and repairing.
As graduation approached, both faced a decision. Jordan had his eyes set on a prestigious university, while Sally felt a pull towards the local trade school. Their families and teachers offered advice, many times trying to “talk them out of, or into” a specific direction, but ultimately, it was up to them to choose their paths.
Traditional College Education: Jordan's Journey
Jordan’s journey took him to a sprawling university campus, where he dove into a sea of lectures, textbooks, and late-night study sessions. He found himself immersed in theories, research, and the pursuit of knowledge. For Jordan, the college experience was about more than just earning a degree; it was about intellectual growth, learning how to make decisions on his own, finding his independence, and expanding his horizons.
In his construction management courses, Jordan learned the intricacies of design and innovation. He was surrounded by peers and professors who challenged him to think critically and solve complex problems. The college environment offered him a structured path with clear milestones, leading to internships, research opportunities, and eventually, a coveted diploma.
Jordan thrived in this setting. The traditional college education suited him well, providing the academic rigor and social experiences she craved. It wasn’t without its challenges—student loans and the pressure to succeed weighed heavily - but for Jordan, the rewards were worth it.
However, that is not where the challenges ended for Jordan. When he entered the construction workforce he found a resistance against his degree, often being told it was no good without experience. Additionally, he struggled with the transition from school to working in “real-life”, the people he was working with were “different” than the students and professors he had been engaging with. Nonetheless, he loved the industry and through the right mindset, found a way to grow his experience while he continued working on his goal of becoming a successful construction manager.
Hands-On Trade Education: Sally's Story
Sally’s path was different but no less valuable. She enrolled in a trade school, where the learning was hands-on and immediate. It took her back to the days as a child working with her dad in the garage, favorite memories to reflect on especially since he has now since passed. From day one, she was immersed in the practical skills needed to excel in the trades. She learned to weld, and operate heavy machinery, but carpentry is where she really thrives. These experiences created clarity and understanding of the intricacies of construction.
Trade school offered Sally something unique: the opportunity to learn by doing. Her instructors were seasoned professionals who shared their real-world experiences, and her classmates were fellow enthusiasts who shared her passion for building and fixing. The education was direct, relevant, and aligned with Sally’s natural talents.
Sally’s training included internships and apprenticeships, where she worked alongside experienced tradespeople on actual job sites. These experiences were invaluable, providing mentorship with the skills and confidence to excel. Unlike the traditional college path, Sally’s education was focused and efficient, leading her directly into a rewarding career.
However, it was not all roses. Being a woman had its obvious doubters, pranks being played that often undermined her confidence. Sally could also see the inevitable need to plan for an exit strategy that would be able to implement her experience and learning in the industry but offer a competitive salary without the physicality. Nonetheless, the joy of seeing work accomplished, creating magical projects, and even the freedom of hard work and sweat drive a feeling of accomplishment that could be beaten by no other.
The Tale of Two Successes
Both Sally and Jordan found success, but their paths were as different as night and day. Jordan graduated with a degree in construction management and landed a job with a leading tech firm. He loved the intellectual challenges and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects. His education opened doors to a career that suited him perfectly.
Sally, on the other hand, became a skilled tradesman, respected in her community for her craftsmanship and reliability. She thought about moving into construction management and talked often with Jordan about his experience but ultimately she decided to start her own construction business, employing others and building a reputation for quality and integrity. For Sally, the hands-on trade education provided a direct route to a fulfilling and lucrative career and a legacy that she would be able to leave her children.
The Importance of Educating Yourself
The stories of Sally and Jordan highlight a crucial point: the importance of educating yourself about your options. What works for one person might not work for another, and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to make an informed decision that aligns with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
The difficulty is seeing the vision of your future self, hard to do when you don’t know what the future brings. But it helps us intentionally choose a path that provides experiences in alignment of who we want to be, rather than being reactionary and simply taking the easy road just because it was an open door.
Traditional college education and hands-on trade education both have their merits. College offers a broad-based education that can open doors to various professions, particularly those requiring advanced degrees. It provides a structured environment for intellectual growth and can be a rewarding experience for those who thrive in academic settings.
Trade education, on the other hand, is highly focused and practical. It prepares students for specific careers that are essential to our society—careers that are often well-paying and in high demand. Trade schools and apprenticeships offer direct entry into the workforce, with less time and financial investment compared to a four-year college.
Another option is identifying educational opportunities that meet you where you are and providing choices for skill-building in specific areas of desired growth. A platform like Construction Management Online can provide the knowledge base necessary to combine your personally gained experience with the practical application of common construction topics to accelerate and streamline your career goals.
The Value of Hands-On Trade Work
It’s essential to recognize the value of hands-on trade work. Tradespeople build our homes, repair our cars, and ensure our infrastructure runs smoothly. It is hard work and needs to be recognized as such so that people are not disillusioned by romantic whispers of independent wealth. However, when you have to work harder for something, often the reward is much more satisfying.
Rather than trying to convince those uninterested in the trades that it’s the right path for them, we should focus on presenting opportunities for discovery and rewards of trade work. Programs that offer internships, apprenticeships, and hands-on experiences can help individuals discover their passion for trade work, much like the vocational education programs of the past. But most importantly, we should be sharing Destination Maps to show what a career path can look like so individuals don’t feel stuck and can create options in case of an injury, body breakdown, family circumstances, etc. that may impact their ability to transition into a different career if needed.
The Role of Internships and Apprenticeships
Internships and apprenticeships play a vital role in bridging the gap between education and career. They offer real-world experience, mentorship, and a glimpse into the daily realities of a profession. For those considering trade work, these opportunities are invaluable.
Organizations that offer these programs provide a platform for discovery, or personal growth companies like Construction Management Online and Construction Yeti’s CM Mentors Podcast support ongoing education available concurrently while working. They allow individuals to explore different trades, gain practical skills, and make informed decisions about their careers. This experiential learning is often the key to finding a path that aligns with one’s talents and interests while leaning on the experience of mentors who have been in the construction industry for years.
Making the Choice
The decision between a traditional college education and a hands-on trade education is deeply personal. It requires careful consideration of your interests, strengths, and career aspirations. It’s about finding a path that brings you satisfaction and success, whether that’s in a classroom or on a job site.
Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. What’s important is that you educate yourself about your options and make a choice that feels right for you. Whether you’re drawn to the intellectual challenges of a college degree or the practical skills of trade education, there’s a path out there that’s perfect for you. By understanding your options and choosing the path that resonates with you, you set the stage for a fulfilling and successful career. So, whether you’re building the future with your hands or designing it with your mind, embrace your journey with confidence and enthusiasm. Avoid being reactionary and focus on being intentional, choosing opportunities that move you closer to your long-term career goals. So don’t get hung up at the cross-roads - The road ahead is yours to create.
Want to be featured in a future Construction Curiosities Newsletter???
Want to be featured in a future Construction Curiosities Newsletter like AJ??
Welp, here’s your chance
There are only a few rules:
1. The Article has to be about something in the Construction Industry (duh)
2. The Article needs to be long enough to cover the topic but not a novel!
3. I get to insert Memes & Gifs within the article 😁
Submit your articles here: Construction Curiosities Guest Article Submission
One Article:
Are We FINALLY Done With Point Solutions?
In recent years, we’ve seen an explosion of point solutions addressing specific pain points in the construction process. However, a new trend is emerging: the shift towards consolidated platforms that aim to provide comprehensive, integrated solutions.
This shift presents both opportunities and challenges for construction firms and tech startups alike.
The initial wave of construction tech was characterised by a proliferation of point solutions.
These specialised tools addressed specific challenges in areas like project management, scheduling, safety, and quality control. The appeal was clear: construction firms could adopt targeted solutions to solve their most pressing problems without overhauling their entire technology stack.
One Meme
⚡ Construction Yeti is powered by Alt.CMO. Alt.CMO is changing the Fractional CMO for the Construction world. Shoot me a message to learn more: matt@altcmo.net
See y’all next week! ✌
