On June 11th, 2024, the seniors here at North Hollywood Senior High School will graduate.
Most students are expected to head off to college once they graduate. College is the main goal here, encouraged by staff and through many outside influences as well. Although college is necessary for some to achieve their goals in life, there are a variety of other options for those who do not find their calling through it.
Graduation is a turbulent time and many students do not know exactly what they want to do with their lives. College is the goal projected for students, but some might have goals that do not align with a traditional four-year degree.
Trade school is not as widely explored and given as much thought as college is. Trades are necessary for the functioning of society and provide for the people working in them with benefits like insurance and high salaries. Trade schools often provide entire careers worth of education within a year and there are trade courses offered at many community colleges.
Cristian Macuitl, a senior aiming to become either an electrician or a chef feels, “The point that I decided to go to trade school instead of college was when I realized that there was not a job that I really wanted to do that relied on a degree, just a couple of classes to get the license to be able to do that job where I would make more money without a degree.”
Students also have the option to go straight into the workforce and climb their way up the corporate ladder. Although many people start at minimum wage there are many opportunities for advancement. Promotions gained through hard work can be something people work towards regardless of whether they started the job with or without a degree.
“I chose to go straight to the workforce because I’ve never been a huge fan of school, so I don’t see the point of putting myself through another four years if I’m just going to hate it and not gain much from it.” Feels 12th grader, Brael Saux, whose name has been changed for privacy.
Joining the military is another option that students have. There are many paths someone who has joined the military can take and a great deal of resources here at North Hollywood High to help interested students. As Ariana Sanchez, an EAOP representative, stated, “It all depends on the students’ goals and preferences. We make sure they do their research before talking to a recruiter, especially with the various pathways after high school.”
Many jobs now require college degrees, but it is important to show that there are still options for those that are not inclined towards higher education. “Not only do we help with college or trade school applications [in the college center] but also looking into starting an apprenticeship with the electrician union, independent cosmetology schools, tattoo apprenticeships, etcerra.” explained Ms. Sanchez
Although NHHS has many career training pathways, such as auto-shop and woodshop, they are not given as much attention as the push toward college. It is important to talk about different options with students because college is not for everyone and everyone should feel comfortable in the career decisions they make whether it be going to trade school, joining the military, joining the workforce, going to college, or something else entirely.
Below are links to check out other career pathways:
