You've probably know the cost of a college education is Extremely high these days, even at state funded universities.
Faced with a huge load of college debt, more and more high school students are looking at other ways to earn a paycheck after graduation.
Matt Stone takes a look at the demand for local trade schools, which are seeing a big spike in enrollment in this week's Cover Story.

"So many people are retiring in the skilled trades, exactly what we need are more young people to step into the trades," said Jodi Glass from MCCTC.

And it looks like they are doing it. Now that high school graduation season is here, reports show more Gen Zers are looking to skilled trades as a career.
According to the Education Data Initiative, The annual cost of attending an in-state public college for a 4-year degree has gone up 30% since 2011. If you want a private University, it's up by 42%.
At Mahoning county Career and Technical School, leaders there say students are attracted to the fact that they can start making money in less than a year of training.

"They are starting their career in less than one year and I think that has a lot to do with the type of student that wants to come here. You're still going to have some academics but you're going to have a lot of hands on training with equipment that will be a replica of what's in the industry," said Mary Mihalopoulos of MCCTC.

"Skilled trades...many people think it's just hands on training, maybe things you get dirty doing, well, that is true. Welding, automotive technology, all of those things. But there is a huge need for skilled trades in health care. Firefighters, EMT's, paramedics and that's what we do here," said Glass.

According to the Department of Labor, 18-25 year olds now make up nearly 25% of all new hires in the skilled trades.
Gary Hartman with the Builders Association says a lot of young people are choosing to become apprentices with local trades.
That's where you can learn and maybe get paid at the same time.

"All of our trades are actively seeking people right now. Everything from carpenters to painters to bricklayers. Great job with competitive pay and great benefits.  mvskilledtrades.com is our website which offers a pathway for individuals to get into apprenticeships, a pathway to apply and research a trade opportunity online," said Hartman

Even at the county trade schools, many students opt to get some training in a field for a year, get a job in that field and then go back to school in the evening to learn more.
That education allows them to get better positions in their field. Higher pay for higher skills and sometimes that's even paid by your employer.
Skilled trades may not be for everyone but they are a good option to keep you out of debt with high student loans. So for now, it looks like Gen Z is making working with your hands cool again.