'AI is not coming for the trades': More students are shifting from traditional college to trade school careers

Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Waco, Texas, is experiencing record enrollment growth, with nine consecutive semesters of double-digit increases, rising from 6,500 to 9,000 students in less than three years. The shift reflects a broader trend as students prioritize skilled trades over traditional college paths, driven by strong local demand for technicians. Local industries in central Texas are actively recruiting skilled workers, with around 4,000 new job postings added in the past three to four years. Beth Wooten, provost at TSTC, emphasized that the demand is particularly high for HVAC technicians and advanced manufacturing roles, urging the college to expand its training programs. Students like Maxwell Migliozzi, an HVAC student, highlight practical benefits over theoretical education. Migliozzi, who grew up working with tools, chose TSTC after troubleshooting a heating system during a winter storm, motivating him to formalize his skills. He now recommends the program to peers, with many following his lead. Wooten dismissed concerns that artificial intelligence could replace trade jobs, stating that AI poses no threat to skilled trades. Instead, she argued that technical skills remain irreplaceable, providing students with long-term career security. New funding from BlackRock is further supporting TSTC’s electrical program, helping the institution scale alongside rising admissions. The college’s success underscores a growing recognition of trade education as a viable alternative to traditional degrees, particularly in regions with high demand for specialized labor.