In recent years, the push toward college degrees and university learning has left most of the trades with only a small pool of workers from which to choose. The measure of success has become graduating from college. But what about those individuals who do not desire the typical college degree and the path it leads to?
Some trade unions have begun forming partnerships with colleges in order to fill this niche. Because of a new partnership, some apprentices are now getting the opportunity to enter a trade-related field while earning a degree from their training. By taking the mandatory courses through a trade union and then taking a few more optional courses through the local college, these students can earn an associate’s degree.