I took a paid apprenticeship instead of going to college. I'll make six figures within 5 years — the stability I feel is incredible.

Chris Rocha skipped college to become a pipe fitter. Courtesy of Chris Rocha 18-year-old Chris Rocha chose a 5-year pipe-fitting apprenticeship over college. Rocha earns nearly $60,000 now and is on track to make six figures when his apprenticeship is over. He thinks the job is AI-proof and values the stability despite missing college's social aspect. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Rocha, an 18-year-old pipe fitting apprentice for Local 533, based in Kansas City...