Kids These Days: National Signing Day for Kids Going Into The Trades

Over a dozen suburban high school seniors sat at a long table at the Technology Center of DuPage yesterday to sign their national letters of intent! No, they didn’t announce that they are going to play a sport, but instead that they are going into trade school. It was all part of a National Signing Day for students going into the trades. Over 300 schools and 2,500 seniors participated nationwide.

Nothing against athletes, they should be commended for the work they do, but I think this is the coolest thing ever!

It’s well documented that the number of kids getting into the trades is very low. This new trend of National Signing Day for the trades has been a breath of fresh marketing air! What better way to let other students know about the benefits of going into the trades, like great pay, benefits and job security, than by lifting up and promoting the students who have made that decision.

Even 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who’s father was an electrician, participated in one of these signing day ceremonies:

#49ers Jimmy Garoppolo and his father, Tony, are participating in a national signing day for high school students going into skill trades. Jimmy’s dad was an electrician for 40 years. Sponsored by Skills USA and Klein Tools pic.twitter.com/PmLBDNu1so

— Cam Inman (@CamInman) May 8, 2019

National Signing Day for the trades is organized by the non-profit SkillsUSA, is a partnership of students, teachers and industry working together to ensure America has a skilled workforce.

So, when is the National Signing Day for kids signing up for the military?