After he graduates from the high school this spring, Evan Johnson (12) won’t necessarily be going to a traditional four-year college–instead, he will chase a lifelong career goal is to become a commercial sailor on the Great Lakes. He plans on going to Great Lakes Maritime Academy at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, which is one of roughly 65 trade schools in Michigan.
“It’s very unique,” Johnson said. “Everybody’s worried about going to college and getting some kind of skill, but if you go to a trade school, you’re bound to use that experience, and a lot more likely to get job satisfaction.”
Influenced by his grandmother, who was a secretary at the school, Johnson has continued to find his passion for sailing and our Great Lakes.
However, Johnson has noticed that some people have a negative attitude towards trade school.
“There’s definitely a stigma around it,” Johnson said. “People think that that’s a lower class thing to do because it takes less money, but you can definitely learn equal, if not more, skills.”
Trade schools aren’t the only alternatives college students pursue. Madison Scott (12) is planning on attending Lansing Community College because she is unsure of what she wants to do, and just wants to take her ‘basics.’
“Community college is not only definitely cheaper but it’s a place people can go if they don’t know what they want to do yet,” Scott said. “They can go there and to help find what they’re passionate about. Personally, it’s closer to my family, who I don’t think I’m ready to leave yet.”
Scott has found that people often look down on people who attend community college because they feel it reflects poorly on their level of intelligence.
“I don’t like the stigma around going to community college because it’s not fair for people to judge other people based on what they think,” Madison Scott said. “It’s kind of like, I’m happy where I’m going so they should be happy.”
Bracy McClanahan (12) is also planning on attending Lansing Community College to complete her primary courses. She later wants to obtain her special education degree.
“My family actually inspired me to go to community college,” McClanahan said. “It’s a really smart choice to make, instead of going and spending a bunch of money on college.”
McClanahan has experienced some family members discrediting her choice to go to community college and hopes that people will stop perpetuating the negative reputation of education institutions other than university.
“Anywhere you go to school, whatever you want to do, is fine, because it’s your future,” McClanahan said. “The money that’s being spent on it is your money. You shouldn’t let people tell you that it’s a terrible choice just because that’s what they believe.”
MARINE TECHNOLOGY
NEARBY: Great Lakes Maritime Academy in Traverse City, Michigan.
When studying marine technology, students learn fundamental skills to repair and maintain ship systems and marine technology. Specific skills include boating safety, carpentry, electricity, and vessel storage/handling. The average Marine Technician salary in Michigan is $49,415 but can vary between $40,636 and $60,215.
WELDING
NEARBY: Lansing Community College in Lansing, Michigan AND Baker College in Owosso, Michigan
Simply, welding is the unifying of metal parts using heat or force. Pipe welders are the highest paid position through the welding industry. You can obtain the needed certification to become a pipe welder through either community college or a trade school. Depending on location, pipe welders can earn over $50,000 annually, or around $28 per hour.
