A High School Counseling Officer: Opportunities for a graduate without a Four-year College Degree

Counseling Simulation Context

This representation is based on a counseling simulation inspired by a recent Wall Street Journal article highlighting a national trend: employers in skilled trades, like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work, are now actively recruiting high school students due to a growing shortage of skilled labor. The article follows Elijah Rios, a 17-year-old student from Philadelphia, who secured a $68,000 job offer before graduating from high school.

The main argument is that as baby boomers retire and trades become increasingly tech-driven, the demand for skilled labor is high, leading to lucrative and stable career opportunities for young people, all without the necessity of a four-year college degree. Programs such as welding certifications, pre-apprenticeships, and employer-sponsored internships are reshaping the pathway to financial independence, offering students real alternatives to college debt and traditional career routes. 

Scene: 

High School Counseling Office

Characters:

Ms. Alvarez – School counselor, warm and knowledgeable

Lesly – 11th-grade student, uncertain about college, exploring future options

Ms. Alvarez:

Hey Jordan, I saw you signed up for the career planning session—what’s on your mind?

Lesly:

I’m just not sure if college is for me. I don’t love sitting in classrooms, and I’ve been thinking more about working with my hands. But I’m also nervous about what that means long-term.

Ms. Alvarez:

That’s a smart thing to be thinking about. And I’m glad you brought it up. Did you hear about Elijah Rios in Philadelphia?

Lesly:

No—who’s that?

Ms. Alvarez:

He’s a high school junior, just like you. He’s in a welding program at his school and already has a yearly job offer for $68,000. By the time he graduates, he’ll earn around $24 an hour, plus overtime and paid vacations, as a fabricator working with advanced manufacturing equipment.

Lesly:

Wait, $68,000? Without a college degree?

Ms. Alvarez:

Exactly. And that’s not unusual anymore. There’s a huge shift happening in the labor market. Companies in trades like welding, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical are actively recruiting high schoolers. Why? Because baby boomers are retiring, they need young, tech-savvy people to take their place.

Skilled Trades: Changing Perceptions

Lesly:

So, they’re coming to high schools now?

Ms. Alvarez:

Yes! Places like Father Judge High School are building partnerships directly with local businesses. Companies show up with job offers, internships, and even branded gear to attract students. Some students are getting paid while still earning credit for high school or community college.

We’re seeing it here, too—automotive programs, dual-enrollment technical tracks, and job-shadowing opportunities through SkillsUSA.

The Tech Side of Trades

Lesly:

I always thought welding or plumbing was just manual labor. But these guys are making money?

Ms. Alvarez:

They are. And today’s trades are tech-infused. For example, modern welders use laser cutters, 3D simulations, and computer diagnostics. Employers don’t just want brawn—they want brains and digital skills. It’s no longer the trade jobs of the past—it’s smart, precise work with great pay.

Options, Not One Path

Lesly:

I guess I never thought of that. Everyone pushes college so hard that I feel like I’d be failing if I don’t go.

Ms. Alvarez:

That’s a common feeling, but it's not true. What we want is fit. If you’re the kind of person who learns best by doing, who wants to earn early, avoid debt, and get on a path to $60K–$100K salaries within a few years, this might be for you.

Just like Aiden Holland, another student at Father Judge—he’s going straight into nuclear submarine welding for $75K/year. With zero college debt.

Balanced Guidance

Ms. Alvarez:

Of course, there’s no “one size fits all.” You still want to keep the doors open. Explore your interests. But if you’re motivated and want to work right away, I can connect you with:

1. Local trade schools
2. Apprenticeship programs
3. Paid internships with certifications
4. Summer pre-apprenticeship programs like Heavy Metal Summer Experience

Lesly:

That actually sounds pretty cool. I didn’t know these were real options.

Ms. Alvarez:

They are. And if you’re ready, I’ll help you apply for a shadow day or summer experience. We can also invite a few local employers to next month’s career fair. You might be surprised who’s looking for someone just like you.

The welding classroom at Father Judge High School.  
Photo by Hannah Yoon for WSJ

Key Takeaways for Students

Skilled trades now offer high-tech, high-wage careers.

Demand is growing as older workers retire

Programs like SkillsUSA and Heavy Metal Summer Experience can connect you early

You can start earning while still in high school

Avoiding college debt doesn’t mean sacrificing opportunity

The source from which the simulation is based.

The High-School Juniors With $70,000-a-Year Job Offers (WSJ)

By: Irving A. Jiménez