GoKawiilVeteran tradesman pushes back on 'trades over college' narrative
A longtime construction worker argues that the popular claim that trades like electrical work pay more than college degrees and offer an AI-proof escape from poverty oversimplifies reality. He notes that advocates for trades careers, including Mike Rowe, often hold college degrees themselves, and that older tradespeople historically warned apprentices away from the physical toll and uncertain rewards of the work. Data cited shows college graduates still earn more on average than those without degrees.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The piece complicates a narrative that has gained traction amid rising college costs and anxiety about AI displacing white-collar jobs, suggesting that framing trades as a guaranteed high-income alternative may oversell both the pay and the physical sustainability of such careers. This could matter for students and parents making career decisions based on viral claims rather than long-term earnings and labor data. It also hints at a broader skepticism toward narratives promoted by media figures who haven't personally lived the blue-collar path they champion.
- A tradesman with 30+ years' experience disputes the idea that trades reliably outpace college earnings.
- Prominent trades advocates like Mike Rowe hold college degrees themselves, despite promoting trades as 'AI-proof' careers.
- Government and labor data cited suggest college graduates still earn more on average than non-graduates.
Source: asteriskmag.com — Clara Collier, 2026-09-30
Published there as: “So you think you could be an electrician?”
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