November is here! It’s National Career Development Month. As we brainstorm ways to teach about careers, it’s essential to recognize that college isn’t the only path to a successful career. While there’s no denying the value of higher education, encouraging students to explore their options is a crucial component of school counselor duties. That’s why I want to remind you to open your students’ minds to the dynamic world of trade careers!
Unlike some college degrees, which can lead to a saturated job market, the trades remain in high demand. Whether it’s in construction, plumbing, electrical work, or other fields, trade careers provide a wealth of opportunities for students who may not have considered them before. They also provide amazing opportunities for students with various talents. With the rising costs of college, it’s essential to empower students with alternative paths to success. Trades are one of those paths! Trade education can lead to fulfilling careers that are consistently in demand.
Another benefit of trade career exploration is the hands-on experience they offer. Students learn through doing, and trade careers provide that type of opportunity right from the start. Many students excel in this environment, and it’s vital to expose them to it as early as possible.
- Let your students know that trade careers require hands on skill.
- Remind them that they will still need the skills in ELA and Math that they are learning in school.
- Emphasize the importance of on the job training with apprenticeships.
- Finally, encourage students who may be unsure about college to explore trades as an option. Got a student who is great with their hands and enjoys traditional academics? They can certainly do both! There are even some trade schools that operate in similar ways as 2 and 4 year colleges. With opportunities to live in dorms and participate in athletics teams, places like Williamson College of the Trades might be a perfect fit for some students looking to go into trade careers.
Click the image or link below for a free resource that introduces your students to trade careers. This engaging resource dives into the world of trades and sparks inspiration in students. You’ll get:
- A full, ASCA competency aligned lesson plan.
- Student resource page.
- Student Activity
The free lesson plan and activity introduces students to trades in a fun and engaging way. It provides a gateway for students to explore the world of trades and discover exciting opportunities they may not have considered. By introducing students to the trades, we’re opening up a world of possibilities and showing them that success doesn’t just come in the form of a college degree.
Need a full unit? Click here to get your 7 lesson Trade Careers Unit including:
- 7 full lessons include pre and post test assessment.
- A student activity with each lesson.
- A trade careers escape room game!
No time for a full unit? Pair your free resource with this Trade Careers Escape Room Game!
As school counselors, we have a responsibility to guide students towards success. While a college degree is an excellent option for some, we must also help our kids explore their choices! Trades offer a fantastic opportunity for students to explore careers that provide hands-on experience and are in consistent demand.
The lessons and activities above are the perfect tools to begin the conversation and ignite curiosity in your students. Let’s empower the next generation with the tools for success!
To read more about the school counselor’s role in trade career exploration, check out ASCA’s position statement here:
(https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Career-and-Technical-Educ)
You’ll find another great resource here:
(https://explorethetrades.org/)
And for girls interested in the trades, be sure to explore and learn from https://nabtu.org/twbn/