Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a speech in Pennsylvania on Wednesday urging policymakers to stop pressuring young Americans to pursue traditional four-year college degrees and instead offer more career flexibility, including trade and vocational pathways.

Speaking at Don’s Machine Shop in northeastern Pennsylvania, Vance promoted the administration’s efforts to expand opportunities for skilled labor and called attention to the rising costs of higher education.

During his remarks, Vance criticized what he described as a cultural push from Washington, D.C. elites that favors college degrees over skilled trades.

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“Why is it that we force every single young person to get a big chunk of debt at a four-year college or university?” Vance said.

“Why don’t we give our young people more options, because if we did, a lot of them would come and work at Don’s Machine Shop. And that would be good for them and it would be good for American workers.”

According to data from the Education Data Initiative, the average federal student loan debt is $37,853 per borrower. Most borrowers take around 20 years to fully repay these debts.

Vance emphasized that the administration supports all paths to success but opposes mandates that steer students toward one route over another.

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“You know, we think it’s fine. If you want to go to college, go to college. There’s a lot of opportunity out there,” Vance said.

“But if you want to work with your hands. If you want to build something, if you want to build a house, build a bridge, make one of these incredible orders that comes in from this small business right here in northeastern Pennsylvania, your government should not be forcing you to do what elites in Washington want you to do.”

“You ought to chart your own course and your own career path and the Trump administration’s gonna fight for that,” he added.

Vance’s comments coincided with the administration’s broader effort to encourage trade jobs and revive domestic industry.

In April, President Donald Trump enacted reciprocal tariffs on countries engaged in trade with the United States, including China.

The tariffs are aimed at strengthening U.S. manufacturing and securing more favorable trade terms.

Recent surveys reflect growing interest in vocational training among young Americans.

A 2024 survey by Resume Builder found that over 40% of Generation Z is currently enrolled in trade schools, with more than one-third having already earned a college degree.

Rising debt levels and dissatisfaction with campus politics have contributed to the shift.

A separate McKinsey survey of 1,000 Americans aged 18 to 20 found that 74% believe a stigma still exists around choosing vocational education instead of a four-year college.

Nevertheless, enrollment in vocational community colleges increased by 16% in 2023, while students entering training programs to become construction workers rose by 23%, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Vance also highlighted the “Big, Beautiful Act,” an initiative aimed at expanding pathways for students interested in skilled trades and manufacturing careers.

While details of the legislation are still being developed, it is expected to include provisions that support apprenticeship programs, job placement initiatives, and education reforms designed to align training with current industry needs.

The Trump administration has repeatedly emphasized the need to rebuild American industry and support blue-collar employment through infrastructure investment, trade reforms, and education alternatives.

Vice President Vance’s remarks in Pennsylvania align with that agenda, reinforcing the administration’s push to offer more options for students and reduce the financial burdens associated with higher education.

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