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Content provided by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
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The Trades Are Calling: Why College Isn’t the Only Smart Option Anymore

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Manage episode 498505421 series 3296617
Content provided by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Episode Summary

College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work.

Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are calling” 0:55 Sponsor Break: Medical Transcription work-from-home opportunity (email [email protected]) 2:15 Why skilled trades beat the outdated “college or bust” mindset 2:34 Josh’s story—$60K HVAC salary vs. debt-heavy communications degree 3:09 Eye-opening stats: 40 % college dropout rate, 650K+ trade openings 3:41 Salary snapshot: electricians $60K, plumbers $63K, HVAC $55–85K, welders $50–90K, diesel mechanics $57K, elevator installers $88K 4:07 “Golden Age of Trades”: why AI can’t crawl under a house to reroute a sewer line 5:03 Cost & timeline to certify (many in 6–12 months; paid apprenticeships available) 6:05 Inside True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track—two-year fast track, cognia-accredited diploma, hands-on academics 6:47 Ava’s story—19-year-old welder earning $58K and saving to start her own shop 7:31 Signs your teen might be born for the trades (and how to support them) 7:47 Call to action: Learn more at https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/true-north-trade-tech-diploma/ 8:07 Closing encouragement & share request Key Takeaways
  • Trades are booming: 650,000+ skilled-trade jobs are open in the U.S., many with starting salaries above $50K and strong growth projections.

  • Faster, cheaper path: Most certifications take < 1 year; many employers pay you to learn via apprenticeships.

  • AI-proof careers: Robots can draft an email, but they can’t fix a diesel engine or install solar panels on your roof.

  • Debt-free launch: Skip six years of college and tens of thousands in loans—start earning while your peers are still in lecture halls.

  • True North Academy solution: The Trades & Tech Track pairs accredited academics with hands-on trade exploration, preparing students for immediate entry into high-demand fields or further certification/associate degrees.

Links & Resources Connect With Us

If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more homeschool families discover fresh paths to success!

Keywords: trades education, skilled trades careers, homeschool high school, alternative to college, True North Academy, welding salary, HVAC apprenticeship, AI-proof jobs, homeschool podcast

  continue reading

100 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 498505421 series 3296617
Content provided by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Ann Karako & Lisa Nehring and Lisa Nehring or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Episode Summary

College is a path—but it’s no longer the only path to a thriving future. In this episode, host Lisa Nehring breaks down why skilled trades (think welding, plumbing, HVAC, coding, and more) are exploding in demand and offer solid pay, zero college debt, and AI-proof job security. You’ll hear real-world salary numbers, success stories, and how True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track can launch teens straight from high school into meaningful, well-paid work.

Quick Listen Guide Timestamp Segment 0:00 Welcome & episode tease—“the trades are calling” 0:55 Sponsor Break: Medical Transcription work-from-home opportunity (email [email protected]) 2:15 Why skilled trades beat the outdated “college or bust” mindset 2:34 Josh’s story—$60K HVAC salary vs. debt-heavy communications degree 3:09 Eye-opening stats: 40 % college dropout rate, 650K+ trade openings 3:41 Salary snapshot: electricians $60K, plumbers $63K, HVAC $55–85K, welders $50–90K, diesel mechanics $57K, elevator installers $88K 4:07 “Golden Age of Trades”: why AI can’t crawl under a house to reroute a sewer line 5:03 Cost & timeline to certify (many in 6–12 months; paid apprenticeships available) 6:05 Inside True North Academy’s Trades & Tech Track—two-year fast track, cognia-accredited diploma, hands-on academics 6:47 Ava’s story—19-year-old welder earning $58K and saving to start her own shop 7:31 Signs your teen might be born for the trades (and how to support them) 7:47 Call to action: Learn more at https://truenorthhomeschool.academy/true-north-trade-tech-diploma/ 8:07 Closing encouragement & share request Key Takeaways
  • Trades are booming: 650,000+ skilled-trade jobs are open in the U.S., many with starting salaries above $50K and strong growth projections.

  • Faster, cheaper path: Most certifications take < 1 year; many employers pay you to learn via apprenticeships.

  • AI-proof careers: Robots can draft an email, but they can’t fix a diesel engine or install solar panels on your roof.

  • Debt-free launch: Skip six years of college and tens of thousands in loans—start earning while your peers are still in lecture halls.

  • True North Academy solution: The Trades & Tech Track pairs accredited academics with hands-on trade exploration, preparing students for immediate entry into high-demand fields or further certification/associate degrees.

Links & Resources Connect With Us

If this episode challenged your thinking, share it with a friend and leave a review—it helps more homeschool families discover fresh paths to success!

Keywords: trades education, skilled trades careers, homeschool high school, alternative to college, True North Academy, welding salary, HVAC apprenticeship, AI-proof jobs, homeschool podcast

  continue reading

100 episodes

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