Wethersfield High seniors trade traditional route for skilled labor

By Rocco Colon '26
While many high school seniors spent May 1 donning college sweatshirts, a growing group of students at Wethersfield High School celebrated National Decision Day by committing to tool belts and blueprints.

The school’s annual event, which traditionally focuses on four-year universities, has expanded to include students entering trade schools and paid apprenticeships. This shift reflects a national trend as rising tuition costs and high demand for skilled labor drive more graduates toward vocational training.

For students like senior Luke Tinker, the decision to skip the traditional college experience was based on both passion and practicality. Tinker recently signed his commitment to a lineman apprenticeship program.

“I’ve always preferred working with my hands rather than sitting behind a Chromebook,” Tinker said. “Not only am I earning money from my landscaping business, I will be earning a paycheck while I learn how to be a lineman instead of taking on student loans.”

The trade school track often allows students to enter the workforce in two years or less. Fields such as plumbing, HVAC and advanced manufacturing are seeing record-high starting salaries due to a shortage of skilled workers.

Senior Cayden Dejesus is taking a similar path. Gateway Community College offers an automotive program that Dejess plans to pursue after high school.

"Trade schools are easier and cheaper than college," Dejesus said.

While not all career-technical students head straight to a trade school, area community colleges offer specialized programs for those interested in specific industries. For students who feel lost or confused about entering the trades, Wethersfield High School offers several specialized courses to help them navigate their options.

Classes such as construction technology, taught by longtime teacher Behn Sikora, help students develop hands-on skills while providing valuable career advice. While that class focuses on manual experience, the school's internship course, taught by career counselor professional Mark Danaher, teaches students about different fields, career strategies and professional opportunities. The course offers students a unique opportunity to shadow and intern at local businesses that align with their career interests.

Through these diverse course offerings, Wethersfield High School continues to expand its support for students preparing to enter the skilled trades after graduation.

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