What do you say when your child looks you in the eye and says, “I don’t want to go to college”? If your first reaction is frustration, worry, or disappointment — take a breath.

College isn’t the only path to a fulfilling and financially stable future. As parents, it’s critical to evaluate our expectations and recognize the wide variety of opportunities available today — especially in the skilled trades.

At Chap Construction, we’ve seen firsthand how successful and rewarding a trade career can be. Our skilled team of electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and carpenters — many of whom came through trade schools or apprenticeships — are essential to our work building and renovating homes across Ocean County and the Jersey Shore.

Breaking the Stigma Around Skilled Trades

There’s a long-standing stigma that without a college degree, success is out of reach. That narrative simply isn’t true. Not everyone thrives in a traditional academic setting — and that’s okay. Some people are wired to build, create, and problem-solve in a hands-on way. These individuals often find greater purpose, satisfaction, and even financial success by pursuing a trade.

Unfortunately, over the years, many high schools have eliminated or reduced courses like auto shop, wood shop, home economics, and industrial arts. As a result, students with a natural inclination for hands-on work often don’t get to explore their strengths in a classroom setting. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in construction and extraction occupations is projected to grow 4% from 2021 to 2031 — faster than the average for all occupations — with over 723,000 new jobs expected to be added nationwide.

At Chap Construction, we employ and train highly skilled tradespeople every day. If it’s a carpenter framing out a custom home in Lavallette or an HVAC tech installing a high-efficiency system in Toms River, their work is essential, rewarding, and well-paid.

Skilled Trades = Secure, In-Demand Jobs

Let’s be clear: trade jobs are not “backup” plans. They are essential roles that power our communities — quite literally. Think about the last time your heat stopped working or your toilet overflowed. A licensed technician came to the rescue, not a lawyer or accountant. From plumbing and HVAC to automotive and culinary arts, the skilled trades are the backbone of everyday life.

And these careers aren’t going anywhere. People will always need warm homes, safe wiring, running water, and reliable transportation.

nj need for licensed professionals in all trades

According to Forbes, “In 2012, 53 percent of skilled-trade workers in the U.S. were 45 years and older, and 18.6 percent were between the ages of 55 and 64.” — meaning the demand will only increase as retirements outpace new entrants.

Here in Ocean County, Chap Construction continues to see a steady need for licensed professionals in all trades. Our own in-house Chap Mechanical division is staffed with HVAC specialists, electricians, and plumbers — and we’re always looking for dedicated, trained professionals who want to grow with us.

Trade School Can Unlock Talent and Passion

If your child enjoys working with their hands, fixing things, or understanding how systems work — listen to that. Maybe they’re the one who always helped Dad change the oil, or who loves baking new recipes from scratch. These are real talents that deserve support and development.

As a business rooted in construction, we’ve witnessed the long-term success of employees who took an alternative route and enrolled in vocational schools or apprenticeships. Many of them now run their own crews, manage complex projects, or mentor the next generation of tradespeople right here at the Jersey Shore.

Trade school offers a focused, affordable path to a stable career — often in half the time and for a fraction of the cost of a four-year college degree. Better yet, many programs offer hands-on training with job placement support.

We Need to Promote the Trades — For Our Kids and Our Community

It’s time to stop forcing every student into the same academic mold. Our economy and our communities rely on a strong, skilled workforce — and right now, we’re facing a real shortage. Imagine how much stronger our workforce would be if guidance counselors asked, “Have you thought about the trades?” alongside their usual college prep talk.

At Chap Construction, we’re proud to support and employ tradespeople throughout Ocean County and the surrounding Jersey Shore region. Our homes wouldn’t get built without them — and neither would our future.

Let’s Build Something Together

If you’re a parent, student, or educator thinking about alternative career paths, we invite you to learn more about the value of skilled trades. And if you’re a homeowner or builder in need of expert HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or general construction services — reach out to Chap Construction.

For over 50 years, we’ve been serving Ocean County with trusted, licensed professionals who take pride in their work. If you’re building a custom home, remodeling, or upgrading your home systems, Chap is ready to help — and we do it all in-house, with care and craftsmanship.