At a time when higher education is constantly associated with soaring tuition fees and student debt, there’s an alternative that often flies under the radar: trade schools. These institutions equip students with practical skills that can lead to entrepreneurship or fulfilling careers in high-demand industries. Usually, without the financial burdens of a four-year degree. Greg Berry’s journey from vocational tech school to running his own successful IT company illuminates the untapped potential within trade schools. In this episode of the Municibid Podcast, he highlights the value of a vocational education, its real-world applicability, and the evolving landscape of the trade job market.
Trade Schools: The Underrated Path to Success and Entrepreneurship
Looking back, attending a trade school was one of the best decisions Greg ever made. However, in his youth, he recalls the stigma surrounding trade schools. People who were labeled troublemakers or not smart enough were the ones who attended “vo-tech.” Greg didn’t buy into that idea. Instead, during his sophomore year in high school, he attended a presentation about a tech school that solidified his future attendance.
“There was a presentation on the Western Center for Technical Studies, and they had a course there called Business Technology. And that goes along with all the other types of courses they offered there. Things in electrical or in HVAC or welding or food services, cosmetology. There was all kinds of different trades that were available. But the business technology one had really stood out to me because I’ve been in front of a computer, had a computer since probably 1988.” - Greg Berry
Greg went on to start his trade school education the following year, coupling practical knowledge with hands-on experience, along with an apprenticeship.
Real-World Applications and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Not only did his education include coursework on computers, software, and networking, but it also provided a two-day-per-week apprenticeship that allowed him to work in his field while being paid.
“I started my apprenticeship at my mom’s company, West Pharmaceutical Services, where she was the manager of the IT help desk. I started first in what they called in the company, their computer engineering department. And it was interesting because it was basically learning how to set up and install software and do some very light coding on the computers that operated, some of the machinery that the company was using.”
“So when I started at the trade school, I started learning about all the different industry certifications that were available through Microsoft, Novell, Cisco. There were several other technical certifications, but I was really interested in obtaining the Microsoft certified system engineer. MCSE certification, which I ultimately got, and the certified Novell engineer.” - Greg Berry
After some time with his mother’s company, Greg moved on to a smaller business that more closely matched his interests. Both apprenticeship programs laid a foundation for real-world experiences that solidified his desire to be an entrepreneur. The day after graduating high school, Greg started his first business.
The Evolution of Trade Job Opportunities
The demand for skilled tradespeople is rising, and as Greg underscores, the need is “almost never ending.” From plumbing and electrical work to HVAC and welding, trade schools are instrumental in filling the workforce with capable professionals. Plus, the emergence of new specialized fields like solar technology adds to the expansive opportunities available for graduates.
“A lot of truckers decided to change careers because of autonomous trucks, but the reality is there’s more stuff being bought. There’s more stuff that needs to be moved. There’s more stuff being bought, more stuff that needs to be moved. One of the problems with the ports is that there’s not enough trucks to be able to take the stuff out of the ports. So there’s just tons of opportunity out there for people and it doesn’t require this $100,000 degree for a $35,000 paycheck. It just doesn’t make sense.” - Greg Berry
His encouragement for all employers is to not bypass a resume just because a vocational school is listed. You could be missing out on someone who doesn’t just have the right technical skills, but also the right work ethic. If you’re someone looking to be employed, Greg’s story offers an insightful look into the benefits of choosing a path less traditionally admired, but no less rewarding. Trade schools could be the hidden gem for a prosperous career, and now is the time for them to be recognized for the education and success they offer.
