Alternatives to College: Finding Success on a Non-Traditional Career Path 

For many students, a four-year college seems like the obvious next step after high school. But the traditional path isn’t right for everyone. Rising tuition costs, mounting student debt and changing workforce needs mean there are other valid options. 

For students who thrive with hands-on learning or who want to start working sooner, alternatives to college can open doors to meaningful careers. One powerful example is Michael Groomes, a Universal Technical Institute (UTI) graduate who chose a non-traditional career path and became a diesel technician for Peterbilt at just 20 years old.¹ 

Why the Traditional College Path Isn’t for Everyone 

While college can be a great fit for some, others find it doesn’t align with their goals or circumstances. Common reasons students look for alternatives include: 

• Cost and debt: The average student loan borrower carries nearly $30,000 in debt upon graduation (Federal Reserve). 
• Time commitment: Bachelor’s degrees typically take four years, and sometimes longer, delaying entry into the workforce. 
• Learning styles: Many students prefer hands-on, skills-based training instead of lecture-driven academics. 
• Career goals: Not all in-demand careers require a bachelor’s degree. Skilled trades, healthcare and IT often rely on certifications and applied training. 

The key takeaway: Success doesn’t look the same for everyone. 

Exploring Alternatives to College 

If college isn’t the right fit, you have options. Some of the most common alternatives to college include: 

• Trade and technical schools: Institutions like UTI offer training in diesel, automotive, welding, HVACR, robotics and more. 
• Apprenticeships: Paid training opportunities where you learn directly under industry professionals. 
• Short-term certification programs: Earn credentials in areas like IT, healthcare or skilled trades. 
• Military service: Build technical and leadership skills while serving your country. 

These paths can lead to rewarding careers and strong income potential in industries actively seeking skilled workers.⁶ 

Michael’s Story: Choosing a Non-Traditional Career Path 

Michael once dreamed of attending MIT to study aerospace engineering. He excelled in math and science, even winning academic competitions. But during high school, he discovered a passion for working on cars and fixing engines. That interest led him to enroll at UTI instead of pursuing a four-year degree. 

An open letter to Mike Rowe 

In a Facebook post that has received over 66,000 likes and 15,000 shares to date, Mike Rowe shared a letter Michael’s father, Kender MacGowan, wrote to him as well as a response. Here’s what Kender wrote to Mike: 

Mike, 

My son always wanted to go to MIT to get an engineering degree in aerospace. I feared the cost but never said a thing to him about it. I instead tried to get him to consider Caltech, where my connections at JPL could have given him a hand with an internship. But then he decided to attend Universal Technical Institute, to learn to be a diesel mechanic. 

When I asked him why he said "I can make good money, it's a two year program, I'll get hired straight out of school. I'll save my money for five years or so, then go get my degree, and I won't have school debt when I graduate. And if I don't find the engineering job I want I can still fix diesels." 

Then he added, "Have you heard Mike Rowe talk about the skills gap? Someone has to fill it.” Today, my son is working for Peterbilt. He did get hired right out of school, and his loans will be paid off after one year of working. He was the top student in his class, by the way. 

I wanted to thank you for setting my son on the path to success. Your words did it. Your work is more important than you know. Thank you again. 

Kender MacGowan 

Mike’s response 

Within the same post, Mike responded to Kender: 

Hi Kender, 

Your son is a genius, and so are you. A lot of parents would have bristled at the idea of their brilliant child, "settling" for a two-year school, when MIT awaits. Many others would have discouraged them from learning a useful skill before going straight into a university. Good for you, and good for your son. I'm sharing your note because lots of other kids and parents are in the same position, and I want them to know we're awarding a million dollars in work ethic scholarships to people who think like your son. If you know any such people, please direct them here. mikeroweworks.org/scholarship. 

Good luck to your son, and thanks again for the kind words. 

- Mike 

This Facebook post has created a much larger conversation about just how satisfying a career in the trades can be, and the importance of spreading awareness to the younger generation. In the comments, countless stories have been shared about those who are finding success in the skilled trades by taking what American standards have deemed as the ‘non-traditional path.’ 

Michael’s journey at UTI 

Michael was always interested in science and math. He excelled in school and succeeded at pretty much anything he set his mind to, including winning his high school academic decathlon and graduating at the top of his class. “He was a ridiculously brilliant kid,” Kender shares. 

From a young age, Michael wanted to attend MIT to become an aerospace engineer. However, his father, Kender, had hesitations about the location of the school being so far from home. He encouraged Michael to consider Caltech, where he could most likely get an internship with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) because of Kender’s connections.  

While in high school, Michael explored all of his options. At the time, he had a Subaru that blew up, so he turned to YouTube to learn how to fix it himself. He discovered that he had a natural knack for working on cars, and when a recruiter from UTI came to his school, things clicked for him. 

Michael enjoyed working on cars, and he was intrigued by the industry demand for technicians and the fact that he could finish his training in a fraction of the time. He enrolled in the Auto/Diesel program at UTI and, after completing his core training, headed to Peterbilt Technician Institute (PTI)to receive advanced Peterbilt training on the company's products and technologies. ¹⁵ 

Pursuing a career in the trades 

When Michael brought up UTI to his parents, they were supportive. “His reasoning was sound, and I had no problem with it,” Kender shares. 

“I love the working man,” Kender continues. He sees the value in people who weld, plumb, run electrical lines, build things and fix vehicles. He realizes that without those who work in the trades, our country would not be able to run at the speed and efficiency we’re accustomed to. 

While Michael was attending UTI, he would always come home and tell his parents stories about his experiences in class and what he was learning. Michael’s instructors not only taught their students skills, but also talked to them about the industry as a whole, including what it takes to succeed, and educated them on the great income potential that comes with fixing diesels. 

Building a future 

Today, Michael is working as a Level I service technician for Peterbilt. Because of his PTI training and certifications, he does much more than a Level I technician would normally do. He loves his job and credits his specialized training program for allowing him to hit the ground running with his career.⁶ 

Even if Michael decides to one day pursue becoming an engineer, he will always have his diesel career to fall back on. In fact, one of the things Michael wants to design is a drone that runs on diesel, so he will likely combine his diesel background with his engineering knowledge one day. 

While he was at UTI, Michael received four toolboxes from contests he won and during his PTI training, and he entered the tech rodeo to sharpen his skills. His natural ability, combined with his strong work ethic, has already taken him a long way in his career. 

The Importance of Carving Your Own Path 

Michael’s journey shows that breaking from tradition can pay off. He faced doubts from others, but stayed true to his goals. For students today, it’s important to remember: 

• You don’t have to follow the same path as everyone else. 
• Skills-based training can lead to immediate opportunities. 
• Building confidence in your career starts with choosing what works best for you. 

Advice to Other Parents 

Michael had the support of his parents, but this isn’t always the case for those who choose to go into the trades. 

According to Michael’s mother, Theresa, “Supporting your child in what they want to do is our job as parents.” For Michael, UTI was a springboard into his future — it provided him with the training and industry connections he needed to get started on the right foot after graduation. 

Kender’s advice for other parents is to always have your child’s back, even if you think their plans are wrong. According to him, “Trade school is the way to go, and you can always go back to school for a 4-year degree later.” 

“We need tradespeople,” Kender continues. “They make a good living, and the work is always going to be there.” There’s something satisfying about working with your hands, and those who follow what they are passionate about are most often the happiest. 

“UTI teaches kids in-demand, real-world skills and sets them up for long-term success,” Kender shares. Learning a skill, whether it’s working on diesels, welding or CNC machining, gives you something you can always fall back on and earn a living doing. 

In the end, everyone’s path is unique. As a parent, it’s important to see this in your child and encourage them in their passions. Michael and his family’s story is a perfect example of how big an impact the support and encouragement of a parent can make in a student as they pursue their career! 

Tips for parents: 

• Listen to your child’s interests and motivations. 
• Research career training outcomes together. 
• Recognize that trade schools can lead to stable, respected paths. 
• Encourage them to pursue what makes them happy. 

Opportunities Are Out There 

If you’re considering a career in the trades, you may qualify for scholarships and grants that can help to lessen the cost of your education and provide other valuable incentives.¹⁰ To learn more, check out the resources listed below: 

• Mike Rowe Work Ethic Scholarship Program: Provides scholarships to those who sign the S.W.E.A.T. pledge, have a strong work ethic and meet the other criteria specified on the mikeroweworks.org website. 
• TechForce Foundation: Awards over $1.5 million in scholarships and grants to aspiring technicians each year. 
• UTI Scholarships & Grants: UTI will make more than $15 million in scholarship and grant money available to students in 2025.¹⁰ 
• Tuition Reimbursement Incentive Program (TRIP): UTI teams up with employers who offer students things such as student loan repayment assistance, hiring incentive packages, tool purchase assistance and sign-on bonuses.¹⁴ 

Non-Traditional Career Path FAQs 

What careers can you pursue without a college degree? 

Careers in diesel, automotive, welding, HVACR, IT and healthcare often require certifications or training instead of a four-year degree. 

Are non-traditional career paths respected by employers? 

Yes, employers value certifications, hands-on skills and the ability to contribute from day one. 

Can I make good money after graduating from trade school? 

Yes. Many skilled trades offer competitive pay, especially as you gain certifications and experience (Bureau of Labor Statistics). 

How can parents support a child choosing a non-traditional path? 

Encourage open conversations, explore programs together and highlight the long-term benefits of skills-based training. 

Is trade school better than college? 

It depends on your goals. College is right for some, while trade schools provide faster, hands-on routes to pursue rewarding careers. 

Train for a Career at UTI 

If you’re looking for alternatives to college, UTI could be the right path. With hands-on labs, manufacturer-specific programs and strong industry connections, UTI prepares graduates for entry-level roles in the skilled trades.¹⁸ To learn more, visit our programs page and request information to get in touch with an Admissions Representative today. 

Apply today and start building your future.