Why the Smartest Career Move Might Skip the Four-Year College Degree - 10 to 1 Public Relations
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Why the Smartest Career Move Might Skip the Four-Year College Degree

More than 500,000 skilled construction jobs sit empty across the country right now. For every two workers who retire from the trades, only one steps in to replace them. Mike Greenawalt, Founder of The Greenawalt Foundation and former CEO of Rosendin Electric, knows this reality firsthand. He started as an apprentice electrician in Phoenix without a four-year degree and built a career that eventually led him to run a $3 billion, employee-owned company with 7,000 workers. His path was a registered apprenticeship, and he says it’s one of the smartest financial and career decisions a young person can make today.

The numbers back him up. While college graduates often start their careers carrying tens of thousands of dollars in student debt, apprentices earn roughly $50,000 right out of high school with nothing owed. Arizona electricians at journeyman status earn $60,000 to $80,000 in base pay, with many clearing six figures when overtime is added. Welders average $55,000 to $80,000 annually. With Arizona expected to add 51,000 new construction jobs between 2024 and 2034, plus a national demand for 600,000 electricians and welders for Defense Department infrastructure, the jobs are already here.

Greenawalt urges parents and students to start the conversation early. Arizona offers more than 320 registered apprenticeship programs across 12 industries. Career and Technical Education programs in high schools give students a hands-on look before graduation, and pre-apprenticeship programs connect them directly to paid training. The Greenawalt Foundation is one of several organizations funding that next step.

Read the full article: Why the Smartest Career Move Might Skip the Four-Year College Degree

Why are skilled trades careers a smart alternative to a four-year college degree?
The Greenawalt Foundation points out that apprentices start earning approximately $50,000 right out of high school with zero student debt, while many college graduates carry tens of thousands in loans. Founder Mike Greenawalt built a career from journeyman electrician to CEO of a $3 billion employee-owned company with 7,000 workers, all without a four-year degree. Registered apprenticeships pay workers to learn a trade rather than charging them for school.

How much do electricians and welders earn after completing an apprenticeship?
According to The Greenawalt Foundation, electricians in Arizona earn $60,000 to $80,000 in base pay at journeyman status, with many surpassing six figures once overtime and incentive pay are added. Welders average $55,000 to $80,000 annually. Apprentices start at approximately $50,000 right out of high school with zero debt.

Which industries are driving demand for skilled trades workers?
The Greenawalt Foundation points to AI-related growth, including data centers being built nationwide and high-tech advanced manufacturing expanding across Arizona. The Department of Defense alone needs 600,000 electricians and welders over the next six years to maintain military equipment and national infrastructure. Construction is one of Arizona’s fastest-growing industries.

How many skilled trades jobs are currently unfilled in the United States?
The Greenawalt Foundation cites more than 500,000 open skilled construction positions across the country. For every two workers retiring from the trades, only one is stepping in to replace them. Arizona alone will add 51,000 new construction jobs between 2024 and 2034.

What are common misconceptions about working in the skilled trades?
The Greenawalt Foundation challenges the myth that trades are simple jobs for people who cannot find anything better. Today’s trades workers install smart building systems, operate advanced robotics and solve complex engineering problems. Founder Mike Greenawalt notes that foremen now carry iPads on job sites instead of notepads.

Which apprenticeship programs are available in Arizona?
The Greenawalt Foundation highlights that Arizona offers more than 320 registered apprenticeship programs in over 12 industries. Options range from electrical and plumbing to clean room technology and advanced manufacturing. The Arizona Department of Economic Security maintains the searchable directory.

What is the financial difference between attending college and completing an apprenticeship?
The Greenawalt Foundation explains that college-bound students often graduate with tens of thousands of dollars in debt, while apprentices earn approximately $50,000 right out of high school with nothing owed. A registered apprenticeship pays workers to build a career rather than charging them for one. Many journeyman electricians eventually surpass six-figure incomes.

How can parents help their teenagers explore careers in the skilled trades?
The Greenawalt Foundation recommends starting the conversation early, well before senior year. Parents should ask teens whether they enjoy hands-on problem-solving, working with technology and building things that matter. Founder Mike Greenawalt suggests talking with school counselors about career exploration programs and arranging visits to apprenticeship training centers.

What scholarship and grant resources exist for students pursuing the skilled trades?
The Greenawalt Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Arizona dedicated to funding pathways into the skilled trades. Scholarship and grant resources are available for students and programs ready to move forward. More information is available at GreenawaltFoundation.org.

How is technology changing day-to-day work in the construction trades?
The Greenawalt Foundation describes today’s trades as highly technical professions involving smart building systems, advanced robotics and complex engineering problem-solving. Founder Mike Greenawalt notes that when he started his career he carried a notepad and pencil, but by retirement every foreman on his job sites carried an iPad. The field has never been more technical or more rewarding.