Zain Khan
August 14, 2026
The traditional path from high school to a four-year college is no longer looking like the only route to a middle-class career for a growing number of young Californians, according to a new study.
Rising college costs, uncertainty about the job market and concerns over artificial intelligence are pushing more young people to consider careers that require hands-on training instead of a bachelor’s degree.
The shift is showing up in trade programs and apprenticeship applications across California.
Nationally, enrollment at public two-year institutions focused heavily on vocational and trade education has climbed sharply since the pandemic.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center reported that enrollment at those schools reached about 871,000 students in spring 2025 — nearly 20% higher than in spring 2020.
That growth has continued, although at a slower pace. In spring 2026, enrollment at high-vocational public two-year colleges increased another 2.8%, or roughly 24,000 students, according to the Clearinghouse report.