ROCHESTER, N.Y. —  A growing number of young people are finding it’s easier to get a job coming out of a skilled trades program than with a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. If you add the fact that the cost of college has doubled since the start of the century — many are finding that route unaffordable.  

This isn’t where Tom Campbell started his career, or his schooling, but he’s glad to be here. For two nights a week, three hours a session, Campbell comes to Monroe Community College’s Economic Development and Workforce Center. He is studying to become a plumber. Campbell is currently an apprentice working for a local company.

“I always say I didn’t choose plumbing, plumbing chose me,” said Campbell.

It is a 180-degree turn for the former account manager at an ad agency, who has a bachelor’s degree in business management.

“I wanted a big change,” he said. “When I was inside all day in front of a computer screen making phone calls, something just didn’t work for me.”

Campbell is part of a trend of more young people considering skilled trades as an option. According to the National Student Clearinghouse, which provides data on higher education trends, enrollment in vocational-focused community colleges jumped 16% last year. The number of students studying construction trades specifically rose by 23%. 

“All levels of trades, they’re lacking in their workforce,” said George Merz, who manages the skilled trades and construction program at MCC. 

Merz says everyone is hiring, and programs like the one at MCC cost far less than a four-year college degree.  

“People are realizing trades are very beneficial,” he said. “It’s a great career. It's a thriving career.”

Cambell says plumbing isn’t glamorous. To him, the job is equal parts grueling — and gratifying.

“I feel like it’s rewarding,” he said. “I can see what I built that day. It’s physically tiring, but in a good way.”

So maybe it’s not where he started. Campbell knows — it’s where he belongs.

“I got to kind of feeling cooped up,” he said. “Making that transition has been one of the best things for me.”