Learning plumbing in high school might sound a bit unusual at first, but it’s becoming an incredible opportunity for students, especially here in Texas. Frank Denton, Chairman of the Texas State Board of Plumbing Examiners, and I recently sat down to chat about this exciting development, and I've got to say, it’s a game-changer for young people looking to get into a rewarding career straight out of high school.

Thanks to a bill passed a couple of legislative sessions ago, high schools in Texas can now offer a plumbing program. This isn’t just your average shop class; it’s a comprehensive, two-and-a-half-year course that preps students to take the tradesman exam immediately upon graduation. Imagine walking out of high school and into a $52,000-a-year job! That’s the reality for many of these students, and it’s just the beginning.

Right now, 60 high schools across Texas are offering this program. For instance, Lubbock has a whopping 88 students in their plumbing program. It’s catching on like crazy, and for a good reason. The program combines classroom learning with real-world experience, often requiring students to work with local plumbing companies during the summer. This hands-on approach means these kids graduate with practical skills they can put to use immediately, earning a good salary from day one.

Now, why is this important? For years, there’s been a push toward college education, with the idea that if you didn’t go to college, you would never be successful. But the pendulum is swinging back, recognizing the incredible value of skilled trades. There are a million unfilled trades jobs across the U.S. right now and over a trillion dollars in unpaid student debt. The trades offer a pathway that’s both financially rewarding and professionally satisfying, without the burden of college loans.

Being in the trades is more than just having a job; it’s having a profession. You earn a professional license that says you’re qualified by the state to do this work. We need doctors and lawyers, sure, but we also need skilled tradespeople, and the job market is wide open for them.

This initiative in Texas is just the beginning. There’s already talk of expanding similar programs to include electrical and HVAC training, making it a comprehensive vocational training initiative. And for other states out there, Texas is more than willing to share what’s working here. If you’re in education anywhere in the U.S., this is something to consider adopting.

Introducing plumbing into high schools isn’t just about filling jobs; it’s about giving young people the tools to succeed and build a prosperous future. It’s about recognizing that college isn’t the only path to success and that skilled trades can offer a fulfilling and lucrative career path. So, if you're a student or a parent thinking about career options, give plumbing and the trades a serious look. You might be surprised at where it can take you.