By Donald Norcross

6/12/25

Credit: The Hill

As students around the country put on their caps and gowns and prepare to graduate high school, they are no doubt thinking about their future. For many graduates, going to college makes sense as they work towards a career that requires a higher degree, such as medicine or accounting.

But for other graduates they may choose a different path, such as a trade school, going directly into the workforce, or bravely volunteering to serve our nation in the Armed Forces. All are equally important.

A college degree is a necessary requirement in some job sectors, but it should be viewed as a pathway to the workforce instead of a piece of paper to hang on the wall. In South Jersey, we have some of the best colleges and universities in the country that help students build meaningful careers.

But for over 50 years the narrative for our students has been that you have to go to college to make it in America. It’s time to change the conversation and prepare our students for the demands of the workforce. Parents, guidance counselors, college professors, teachers, community leaders and elected officials should celebrate all our graduates and the career paths they choose.

Growing up, I enjoyed taking things apart and putting them back together to understand how they work. I loved to work with my hands, so while my siblings decided to attend traditional four-year colleges, I chose the other four-year school: a Registered Apprenticeship Program with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). It allowed me to earn while I learned and set me on a path to go from the construction site to Congress.

Some of the most in-demand jobs don’t require a four-year college degree. Airplane mechanics, construction trades, chefs, flight attendants, bus drivers, health care aides, and servicemembers, are only a few of the high-demand jobs that leave you with little to no debt and set you up for a successful career.

A recent National Defense Industrial Association survey found that 63 percent of private sector respondents said it was somewhat difficult or very difficult to find skilled trade workers.

We have to make career and technical education more accessible and celebrated, and South Jersey serves as a model for states nationwide. Our Camden County and Gloucester County Technical Schools offer job training and certification programs that make our students career ready. Many times, these students are already employed in their field by the time they graduate high school. Rowan College of South Jersey and Camden County College offer career certification and pre-apprenticeship programs in health care, welding, auto-mechanics and other trades.

We also need to make a point to celebrate and honor students who decide to join our military. That’s why I started the Congressional School to Service Program to celebrate high school seniors who choose to serve in the U.S. military after graduation with a certificate of commendation and red, white, and blue cords to wear at their graduation ceremonies.

Bottom line is, at home, in our schools, and in our communities, we need to improve our perception of post-high school career, educational and training opportunities. Collectively, we can encourage our students to explore every career path. Investing in access to apprenticeship programs and career-ready training is necessary to meet the demands of the future and to ensure our students have good jobs and a career they can be proud of.

It takes a wide range of jobs to keep our country running. Whether it’s the doctors and nurses who keep us healthy, the servicemembers who keep us safe, or the construction workers who build our homes, each plays a pivotal role in moving our country forward. They should all be valued equally, and in Congress, I will continue to champion opportunities that meet the needs of our students and celebrate their choices. It’s what they deserve.

https://thehill.com/opinion/education/5345755-celebrating-non-traditional-career-paths/