Every year as graduation season approaches, many Georgia high school juniors and seniors—and their parents—consider what comes next. A traditional four-year college isn’t the only pathway to a successful, fulfilling career. Trade schools, like Helms College in Macon and Augusta, offer compelling advantages: faster results, lower cost, hands-on training, and in-demand skilled careers.
1. What Americans Think: A Dramatic Shift
According to a recent survey by the American Staffing Association, 33% of U.S. adults now recommend trade or vocational school over a four-year college for high school graduates, while only 28% recommend college—and just 11% suggest apprenticeships. These results reflect growing belief that traditional universities may no longer provide the most direct path into the workforce.
Richard Wahlquist, CEO of ASA, puts it clearly:
“The time has come to radically rethink how we’re preparing America’s future workforce…colleges and universities are failing to equip students with the workplace-relevant skills that employers need.”
If U.S. adults, including Baby Boomers and Gen X, are leaning toward trade school, it’s a sign Georgia families should too.
2. Faster Path to Employment—and Independence
Many Helms College programs can be completed in 12 to 18 months, significantly faster than a four-year degree. Students graduate quicker, join the workforce, and start earning immediately. Examples include:
- HVAC/R Training: Professionally trained HVAC technicians in 12 months, covering hands-on installation, maintenance, refrigeration, and soft skills like customer service and project management. Job placement rate: 86% within 6 months.
- Medical Assisting: A multi-skilled track that teaches clinical techniques (phlebotomy, lab testing) and admin work (billing, coding). Graduates often pass the CMA certification and achieve a 93% job placement rate.
- Culinary Arts & Baking & Pastry: Train in world-class culinary labs and real-life restaurant environments part of Edgar’s Hospitality Group, preparing for chef roles or bakery careers.
Graduating under two years means less debt, faster entry into well-paying roles, and building work experience sooner.
3. Lower Cost, Less Debt
Tuition at trade schools is typically much lower than at four-year colleges. And since programs at Helms are shorter, students avoid extra semesters of expenses.
4. Hands-On, Real-World Training
Helms College emphasizes experiential learning. Students train in fully equipped labs and participate in real-world venues:
- Augusta Campus — features three culinary labs and practical training across Edgar’s Bakehouse, Edgar’s Grille, Pinnacle Club, and Edgar’s Above Broad.
- Both campuses offer Saturday Chef community cooking classes—great for skill-building and portfolio-boosting.
- Programs like HVAC/R and Medical Assisting include instruction in professional environments to build practical competencies.
This immersive learning style prepares graduates for the realities of the workplace.
5. High Demand for Skilled Trades in Georgia
Many of Georgia’s fastest-growing industries—healthcare, hospitality, skilled trades—need trained professionals. Programs like HVAC/R, Medical Assisting, and Culinary align directly with those needs. With retirement approaching in many blue-collar sectors, there’s room for new skilled workers.
Helms’ programs respond to this demand—courses are designed with employers in mind and enlist hands-on training for real job skills.
6. Supportive, Personal Learning Environment
At Helms College:
- Classes are small, instructors are accessible, and mentorship is real.
- The college is operated by Goodwill Industries of Middle Georgia and the Central Savannah River Area, promoting a supportive, purpose-driven environment.
- Career services include resume help, interview prep, job placement—many graduates secure employment even before graduation.
For teens starting out—or parents helping guide them—this personal attention is invaluable.
7. Programs Available at Two Georgia Locations
Helms provides flexibility to Georgia-area students with campuses in:
That means families in Macon, Augusta, Warner Robins, Athens, and beyond can attend without moving or long commutes.
8. Real Career Focus, Not Just Classroom Learning
Helms programs focus on industry-relevant skills: customer service, teamwork, professionalism. These are often critical in job readiness but overlooked at traditional colleges. Graduates leave trained not only in their trade, but in what it means to work in real-world settings.
9. Overcoming College Myths
A four-year college isn’t a requirement for success. With rising tuition and debt, plus significant time to degree and no guarantee of job placement, the value is questionable for many.
Meanwhile, trade programs deliver top outcomes: strong placement rates, marketable skills, and a lifeline to in-demand careers—all with less time and money.
10. Take the Next Step
For Georgia high school juniors, seniors, and families: if you’re looking to launch a career quickly and cost-effectively—without sacrificing quality or future earnings—Helms College is worth serious attention.
Visit Helms College’s programs page for details on Culinary Arts, Baking & Pastry, HVAC/R, and Medical Assisting. Whether you’re in Macon or Augusta, the college offers flexible schedules, supportive teaching, scholarships, and accelerated pathways to employment.
As the ASA findings show, nearly one-third of adults recommend trade school over college — and some of Georgia’s best trade programs are right here. Consider whether a focused, practical, and efficient education could be your ticket to a thriving career.
As families explore post‑high school options this year, encourage them to move beyond the college‑only mindset and discover the power of trade school—especially with an option like Helms College, where every program is designed to teach it, do it, and earn it.