As the time for decision making for the class of 2026 comes to a head, it’s interesting to see how students respond to the question, “What’s next?”

For a lot of people after high school, plans are traditionally to continue their education at a 2-4 year college or university. 

However, that isn’t the only pathway to success, and recently a lot more students have come to that realization. While only about 15 percent of H-F’s 2025 graduates went into trade – according to the Illinois Report Card – the amount of students interested in pursuing trade is on the uprise, and that isn’t without reason. 

Trade school costs remarkably less than four-year universities, and can typically be completed in two years. Which to some students is more appealing than four years of school, and the idea of debt looming over you for years following. 

Money means a lot, and when people see opportunities to save as well as benefit in the long run, they lean towards it. Trade school provides you with hands-on learning and direct skills for your desired career, which for students who complete four-years of high school learning things they feel are unnecessary, is a big deal.

Research showed that the interest in trade and vocational education has been steadily increasing as students reconsider traditional college paths. 

Nationwide, trade school enrollment has grown significantly in recent years, even as overall four-year college enrollment declines, which suggests a real shift in post-high school plans. 

According to an article from Accredited Schools Online by James Tobin, between 2020 and 2023, trade-focused programs saw nearly a 20% increase in enrollment, while four-year institutions lost students from their peak numbers. One major reason for this trend is the cost difference. 

Trade programs often take two years or less and typically cost far less than a four-year degree, which now can run well over $100,000, leaving many college graduates with heavy debt. 

Additionally, a survey from the American Staffing Association found that more adults now recommend trade school to graduating seniors rather than a four-year college, reflecting changing attitudes about the value of practical skills and direct career preparation.

       A student of the graduating class of 2026, Evan Wells, has already chosen, and begun the trade route. 

      “I first considered trade school in junior year,” Wells explained. ‘I was mainly stuck between welding and automotive.” 

Although he wasn’t completely sure of his direction at the time, he recalled taking a welding class during his sophomore year. That experience helped guide his decision.

When asked if he had ever planned to attend a four-year university, Wells was straightforward about his perspective. “I never really cared for school. I got the work done, but thought to myself “why do another four years of papers on papers? It made me realize that I didn’t want to attend college. I wanted to go to work and make money.”

Wells shared that he has always enjoyed hands-on work, especially projects he worked on with his dad while growing up. Those experiences played a major role in shaping his interests.

Currently, Wells is enrolled in a welding program and working toward becoming a welding specialist. “I’m taking a welding class, but my degree is a welding specialist, which is the goal,” he said. 

He chose welding over automotive studies because he felt it was a smarter long-term career choice, while keeping cars as a personal hobby. He also mentioned wanting to avoid turning a passion into something that might eventually lead to burnout.

When asked who influenced his decision most, Wells considered the influence of his father.

 “My dad influences me the most. He’s the one that really gave me the sauce and told me how everything works. When I wanted to get into welding, he was really the only one who supported it and motivated me to go to school for welding,” he explained.

 Evan is also an early graduate who finished school in December, and will join us in May to cross the stage.

There’s a number of reasons why people make the choices they do when it comes to school, and where to go with life. There’s no right or wrong answer believe it or not, just make sure you make the decision that’s best for you. Whether that’s getting a degree, earning a certificate or getting a job, go for it.

Next year, H-F plans on implementing career pathways which will offer opportunities that will better prepare students for their desired career paths. Though this year’s seniors like Evan won’t experience this, future graduates will, and hopefully benefit from the new schedules.