We have just gone through the season of graduations here in the Philippines, and as the glitter of caps and gowns fades, a critical question lingers: Is college the inevitable next step? For decades, pursuing a college degree has been the assumed trajectory for high school graduates. However, burgeoning dropout rates and shifting job market demands are challenging this long-held belief.

The State of Education: Rising Dropout Rates

In the Philippines, a staggering 81 percent of senior high school graduates venture into college, yet 35 percent of them do not see it through to completion. Financial hurdles top the list of reasons for these dropouts, despite the introduction of initiatives like the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act, which provides free tuition. The act has yet to bridge the considerable gap between the costs of other college expenses and the reality many students face.

Beyond financial constraints, the quality of education remains questionable. Many colleges, reduced to diploma mills, churn out graduates unprepared for the professional world, creating a cycle of unfulfilled potential and disillusionment.

Lessons from Abroad: The American Perspective

The American education landscape mirrors this predicament, with an increasing number of high school graduates opting to skip college. Rising costs, coupled with lucrative blue-collar job prospects, have shifted priorities. According to Philstar.com, a recent survey revealed that half of U.S. students enter the workforce immediately after high school, yearning for education that empowers them with essential life skills over theoretical knowledge.

A Shift Toward Practical Learning

Here at home, Filipino graduates often lack the foundational skills necessary for both higher education and employment. This shortfall has highlighted the urgency of integrating vocational and life skills training into the high school curriculum. The approval of the Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act marks a pivotal step in this direction. Fostering collaboration between educational institutions and industries, this legislation is set to equip students with valuable on-the-job experience and skills that align with market needs.

Redefining Success: Beyond White-Collar Jobs

It’s time to dismantle the deeply rooted bias against vocational trades. Countries like the United States are witnessing a renaissance of respect for tradespeople, with some earning comparable, if not higher, wages than their degree-holding counterparts. Silicon Valley itself is a testament to the power of practical skills; numerous billionaires have pioneered paths sans formal higher education.

Rethinking Educational Investments

While free college education is commendable, the high attrition rate raises questions about its return on investment. Perhaps redirecting funds to strengthen early childhood education and develop a robust vocational training framework could yield better outcomes. By cultivating a solid educational foundation from a young age, we can better prepare students for a wide range of career paths, elevating their potential and satisfaction.

As we navigate these shifting educational paradigms, it’s vital to consider that college isn’t the universal answer. By embracing diverse learning avenues, we allow each individual to flourish in alignment with their unique interests and strengths, ultimately benefiting society as a whole.