By DELANEE BOGAN
With unstable economic conditions and college tuition prices increasing as time progresses, students are choosing vocational careers instead of going to college.
According to a Pew Research Center poll, 75 percent of Americans believe college is too expensive for most Americans to afford. Over the past five years, the average debt for seniors in college has increased 11 percent. Florida’s community colleges and state colleges have increased their tuition fees from $2,000 to $3,000 over the past five years.
“People think if you don’t go to college you’re lazy but I don’t believe that[stereotype],” junior Elayne Bejanano said.
The general consensus of the public is that one has to go to college to succeed in life. For some people, it is better to go to a vocational school and get training to start them in a career instead of going to college to get a degree. A person who attends a vocational school can make the same amount, or more than someone with a degree.
An Automotive Mechanic makes an expected salary of $33,811. An AT&T store manager makes $24,000, but a manager at AT&T must have a bachelor’s degree, experience in business, or master’s degree in business administration, depending on various branch requirements. An automotive mechanic needs a certification.
“It’s cheaper [to go to vocational schools]; it actually helps put you into footsteps of getting a job. It’s not easier, but it’s more direct,” senior Shaiquan Williams, who is taking electricity classes at Mid Florida Tech, said.
A licensed electrician can make $20-$30 per hour depending on one’s position and the company one works for. Senior Shaiquan Williams is enrolled in Electricity 2. A salary of a licensed electrician is $47,000 per year.
“[Others should get involved in the Electricity program] because it helps build self confidence, puts you in a right place for a career and overall makes you a better person in life,” Williams said.
Bejanano is currently enrolled at Avalon in the Facial program and is working on getting her certificate. The average yearly salary with a cosmetology degree in Florida is $24,850.
“The earlier you start, the more educated you will be. People should take multiple classes to better educate [themselves] and get more knowledge of the field,” Bejanano said.
Senior Christopher Hoover is currently enrolled in Automotive Service Technology 2 at MFT. By the time he graduates, he will be eligible to get a job as a mechanic at any automotive repair shop.
“I chose to go there to learn more about cars. It’s a good experience and it opens your mind to how college life is and how different it is from high school,” Hoover said.
Hoover plans on attending college while working part time as an mechanic. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor’s statistics the average hourly wage of a certified automotive mechanic is $18.21.
Senior Alexandria Vanhouten is currently enrolled in the Delayed Entry program, which helps prepare one for the United States Marine Corps. They can remain in this program up to one year before being deployed.
“[One should get involved because] it is a great experience. It keeps me active and well disciplined,” Vanhouten said.
The starting salary of one enlisted in the marine corps is $16,974 a year, salaries vary depending on ranking. One in the army with four months experience receives $29,959.80 a year.
“I think [joining the service is] a great choice; for some people, it prepares you for life,” Commander Craig Rouhier said.