College education has become the norm. Across the United States, we have seen a surge in students attending college, focusing less on hands-on, practical trades. As the gap continues to grow, we want to recognize those who are actively helping our students find the path that matters most to them. 

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College isn’t for everyone. Trades aren’t for everyone. The choice comes down to capability, mental capacity and affordability. But why are some who are lacking in two and three still choosing college for their career path? Has it really become such a social norm that we blindly follow the leader to the next makeshift cubicle?

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Students hear it from their educators and mentors first- “You need a college education. You won’t get hired anywhere without it!” Trickling down into the ideologies of families, students are told, “You won’t make enough as a tradesman.” This may be true to the students who are dreaming of millionaire success, but the reality is, most students won’t make as much as they were hoping to fresh out of college. 

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Garabedian Properties believes in education and the power to make informed decisions. We are highlighting an important initiative that empowers students to make the informed decision to go into trades, or go to college. 

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According to the National Association of Home Builders, SkillsUSA and Professional Women in Building are, “working to bridge the skilled labor gap in construction through a new workforce development.”

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“This summer, PWB members can help by:

• Learning about the partnership during the Spring Leadership meeting in Washington, D.C.;
• Connecting with their state’s SkillsUSA director before June 30 (PWB local council chairs will receive an introduction email);
• Planning a state call to coordinate all councils in July;
• Preparing for the academic year by attending summer professional development conferences, serving on technical committees and more;
• Coordinating activities with students in August and September;
• Participating in a check-in webinar to share experiences and plans for October’s Careers in Construction Month”

At Garabedian Properties, we want our young adults to be informed about their career options. Each path looks different, and it’s important to be advantageous of opportunities. For more information on how you can get involved, please visit the link here.

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More about this initiative can be found on NAHB's website: https://www.nahb.org/blog/2025/06/how-pwb-members-are-bridging-the-skilled-labor-gap-in-construction