Choosing what comes next after high school can feel overwhelming. If you’re leaning toward going to trade school, chances are you’ve already thought about what excites you: working with your hands, solving problems or training to jump into a career sooner rather than later. But while you might feel confident about your path, your parents could be hesitant.
Many parents grew up believing that the only route to success was a four-year college degree. Because of that, they may not know much about trade schools, the careers they could lead to or the long-term opportunities in the skilled trades. The good news? With preparation, patience and the right facts, you can help them see why trade school could be the best choice for you.
Why Your Parents Might Hesitate
If your parents seem unsure, it’s usually not because they don’t want you to succeed — it’s because they want to be certain you’ll have security and opportunities after graduation. Here are some reasons they may hesitate:
They don’t know what a trade school is. Your parents may picture it as less rigorous than college, when in reality it’s structured, career-focused education. Programs often combine classroom lessons with labs that mirror the tools and environments used in the real world.
They worry about job stability. Your parents might assume trade jobs come and go with the economy. But trades like automotive repair, HVACR, diesel and welding are essential services — when cars break down or air conditioners fail, communities need skilled technicians.
They’re thinking about income. Some parents believe college grads automatically earn more. While that can be true in some industries, trade school grads often enter the workforce faster and with less debt, which can even the playing field financially.
They value prestige. Many parents grew up with the mindset that “college equals success.” Helping them see that success can look different in today’s world is a key part of the conversation.
By understanding where their concerns come from, you can prepare responses that show you’ve thought carefully about your decision.
Show Them the Numbers: Cost, Time and Career Outlook
Parents often respond well to facts. Showing them the numbers can make your case stronger:
- Cost: According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for a four-year university can exceed $10,000 for in-state students and even more for private schools. Trade schools like UTI generally cost less overall, especially since the programs are shorter.
- Time: Most four-year colleges take, well, four years or more. Trade school programs can often be completed in less than two years. At UTI, many students finish in as little as 7 to 18 months, which means they are ready to enter the workforce sooner.1
- Career demand: The U.S. is currently facing a shortage of skilled workers. Forbes notes that millions of trade jobs will need to be filled in the coming years.
- Earnings and outlook: The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a continued demand for skilled trades such as automotive, diesel, HVACR and welding careers. While salaries vary by variables such as field, employer, location, demand and experience, these jobs can provide stable incomes with room to grow.
When you explain that trade school often costs less, takes less time and leads to in-demand careers, your parents may start to see that it’s not just a backup plan, it’s a smart plan.
Explain Why It’s the Right Fit for You
Numbers are important, but your parents also want to know how this path fits you. Be ready to share personal reasons:
- Your learning style. If you’re more engaged when you’re learning with your hands than sitting in lectures, tell them that trade school matches the way you learn best.
- Your interests. Maybe you’ve always loved fixing bikes, working on cars or tinkering with tools. Trade school builds directly on those strengths.
- Your goals. Explain what you see yourself doing — whether that’s becoming an automotive technician, a diesel mechanic, an HVAC technician or a welder — and how a program like UTI’s prepares you for entry-level roles after graduation.
- Your timeline. Let your parents know that you’re eager to start building your career sooner, rather than waiting four or more years.
Framing your choice around your strengths and goals can help your parents see that this isn’t just a random decision; it’s a plan you’ve thought through.
Offer To Explore it Together
Parents often feel more comfortable when they’re included in the process. Invite them to learn with you:
- Visit a campus. Touring a UTI campus together can give your parents a firsthand look at the labs, tools and student environment. You can even start with exploring a virtual tour together.
- Check out admissions. Sit down and review the admissions process together so they can see what’s required.
- Talk about financial aid. Money is usually a top concern, so review with them the financial aid options available for those who qualify.10 Scholarships, grants and GI Bill® benefits may help offset costs if you’re eligible.21
- Look into support. If you need to move away from home, show them UTI’s housing assistance and student support services.
When your parents see that you’re open to their input, it shifts the conversation from “convincing them” to “exploring this together.”
Share Stories of UTI Grads Who Built Successful Careers
Real examples can be the most convincing. UTI graduates have taken their training into careers across various industries — from working at dealerships and repair shops to joining companies in the diesel, HVACR and welding industries.
You can explore graduate stories here. Many grads talk about starting with little experience, gaining confidence through training and moving into careers they enjoy. Sharing these stories shows your parents that you’d be following a proven path.
Ready To Take the First Step? Explore UTI Together
At the end of the day, your parents want what’s best for you. Showing them the facts, explaining your fit and inviting them to explore with you can help turn hesitation into support.
UTI offers training in automotive, diesel, HVACR, welding, robotics and more, with programs that prepare students for entry-level technician roles in less than two years.
If you’re ready to start the conversation — and preparing for a career — apply to a UTI program today.
Sources
https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76
https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/occupational-separations-and-openings.htm
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.