Colonial Webb Contractors HVAC service apprentice Brady Woodel discusses his trade school experience on ‘Varney & Co.’<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
While it seems like the whole country is debating student loans, debt forgiveness and the value of a college education, I\u2019m reminded of how thankful I am for my own choices and career path.<\/p>\n
When I graduated from high school, I planned on getting a college degree just like so many of my friends. Looking at the cost of schools, I decided to enroll in a local community college and then take the next step toward a four-year degree. Two years later, I got my associate degree, but the more I looked ahead, the more I realized that I didn\u2019t want to have a ton of debt in my 20s.\u00a0<\/p>\n
I thought of my dad, who built a successful career in the skilled trades. During my summer breaks he taught me the ins and outs of HVAC systems. It made me realize hands-on construction skills will always be in high demand.<\/p>\n
COLLEGE DEGREE VALUE PLUMMETS AS WOKE INSANITY SPIKES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n So, I switched gears and enrolled in an apprenticeship program\u2014and I never looked back. Today, I am a fourth-year HVAC service apprentice taking craft courses at Associated Builders and Contractors of Virginia while working for Colonial Webb Contractors in Richmond, Virginia.\u00a0<\/p>\n Brady Woodel is a fourth-year HVAC service apprentice with Colonial Webb Contractors in Richmond, Virginia.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n It\u2019s an incredible program that allows me to work\u00a0while<\/i>\u00a0I\u2019m enrolled in classes. As an apprentice, I earn a good paycheck while working toward a credential that\u2019ll further my career.<\/p>\n DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SPIKES TRUMP APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM DETESTED BY UNIONS<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n But here\u2019s the best part:\u00a0I\u2019m debt-free. And by the time I become a licensed professional, I\u2019ll have just as much in earnings as I would have in debt from a college degree.\u00a0<\/p>\n My skills are marketable, and I don\u2019t have the worry of paying back loans with interest. And as I earn more advanced certifications as a journey-level worker and master, my pay only grows.\u00a0<\/p>\n GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n The highlight of my career path so far has been winning a silver medal at the 2022 National Craft Championships. Competing in the premier event for skilled trades was an incredible and unforgettable experience. I never dreamed that I would win amongst the best of the best.<\/p>\n FOX Business correspondent Lydia Hu has the latest from Paterson, N.J., on ‘Cavuto: Coast to Coast.’<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n My career path in construction has already created so many opportunities. The door that was open for me is also open to anyone who wants to walk through it. Across the country, ABC offers\u00a0more than 800<\/a> apprenticeship, craft, safety and construction management education programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Brady](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxbusiness.com\/foxbusiness.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/931\/523\/Brady-Woodel-kneeling.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
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