Having degrees can open doors to more opportunities, but it’s still up to the individual to walk through them and then maximize it. My wife, daughter, and I all took the university route, but once through the door, it’s brass tacks and whether or not you can do the job.
I would also include trade school for people who are more inclined for that type of work. I have a nephew who never performed well academically but can do and fix just about anything working with his hands. He went to trade school to become a welder and makes a very good living, but he also has a strong work ethic. Plus unlike people in my former line of work, people who become certified as electricians, plumbers, or welders aren’t likely to be outsourced.
I think the bottom line is getting trained in your aptitude and then making yourself as indispensable as possible in the workplace. I survived many rounds of layoffs over my career by being the person they couldn’t afford to lose.
