top of page
Search

🧰 Lesson Plan: The Value of Work — College vs. Trades

ree

Grade Level:

9–12 (Financial Literacy / Economics / Career Readiness)

Duration:

90 minutes (can be split into two 45-minute sessions)


🎯 Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

  1. Compare and contrast the costs and benefits of trade schools and college education.

  2. Analyze annual salaries in construction trades using real-world data.

  3. Calculate return on investment (ROI) for education pathways.

  4. Evaluate how education debt impacts long-term financial goals.

  5. Identify career options that fit their financial and personal goals.


📘 Florida Sunshine State Standards Alignment

  • SS.912.FL.1.2: Explain how education, skills, and career choices affect income and goal attainment.

  • SS.912.FL.1.3: Analyze how career choices, education, and skills affect income and employment opportunities.

  • SS.912.FL.3.2: Compare the benefits and costs of alternative education and training options.

  • SS.912.FL.4.1: Discuss the impact of debt (including student loans) on personal financial goals.

  • SS.912.E.1.4: Analyze production and consumption decisions in a market economy.


🧮 Materials Needed

  • Image: Construction Wages Chart (provided)

  • Internet access for researching college tuition rates and trade school programs

  • Calculator

  • Worksheet (ROI & comparison table)

  • Whiteboard or projector


🧠 Lesson Introduction (15 minutes)

  1. Warm-Up Discussion:

    • Ask: “What career would you like to pursue?”

    • “How much do you think you’ll earn per year?”

    • “How much will it cost to get there?”


  2. Display the Image:

    • Review the construction wage chart.

    • Discuss: “Were you surprised at the income of some of these trades?”


📊 Activity 1: Comparing Education Costs (25 minutes)

Students will research the following:

Pathway

Average Length

Cost of Education

Median Annual Salary

Debt at Graduation

Trade School (Plumber, Electrician, Welder, etc.)

1–2 years

$15,000–$25,000

$60,000–$90,000+

$5,000–$10,000

College Degree (Bachelor’s)

4 years

$90,000–$120,000

$60,000–$80,000

$30,000–$50,000

Students fill in missing values based on research or classroom discussion.

Discussion Prompt:“What does the data suggest about the relationship between education cost and earning potential?”


💵 Activity 2: ROI and Break-Even Analysis (20 minutes)

Students calculate Return on Investment (ROI) for both trade school and college pathways using this simplified formula:

[ROI = \frac{\text{Annual Salary} - \text{Education Cost}}{\text{Education Cost}}]

Then discuss:

  • Which path allows financial independence faster?

  • How does student debt delay wealth-building?


🧰 Activity 3: Real-World Trade Analysis (20 minutes)

Using the Construction Wages chart:

  1. Pick one trade career (e.g., Electrician or Plumber).

  2. Research:

    • Training/Certification requirements

    • Tools or equipment costs

    • Job demand in Florida

  3. Present findings to the class.


🧩 Compare & Contrast Discussion (10 minutes)

Use a Venn Diagram to compare:

  • Trade School Path

  • College Path

Discuss:

  • Earnings over time

  • Lifestyle choices

  • Flexibility, job security, satisfaction


📝 Assessment / Exit Ticket

Students write a short paragraph:

“Which career path is financially smarter for me and why?”

Must include:

  • Salary comparison

  • Education cost

  • ROI reflection

  • Personal financial goals


🏁 Extension / Homework

  • Research Florida trade apprenticeship programs or local community colleges offering vocational certifications.

  • Interview a family member or community member working in the trades.

  • Create a presentation: “My Path to Financial Freedom.”

💬 Discussion Questions

  1. What are some misconceptions about trade careers?

  2. Why might society push students toward college instead of trades?

  3. How can understanding costs and ROI influence your education decisions?

🧷 Key Vocabulary

  • Trade School

  • Apprenticeship

  • ROI (Return on Investment)

  • Tuition

  • Certification

  • Vocational Training

  • Wage

  • Debt

  • Opportunity Cost


🔖 Hashtags


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page