Again, the answer's both yes *and* no. It varies depending on a given trade and the area market demand for tradesmen. That makes it difficult to give specifics beyond the baseline skills and background information a person should have. Then you've got to factor into the broader picture the thousands of people every year who do indeed successfully graduate with trade schools educations, but never follow through, pursuing other jobs. The reality of the matter is, the only reason trades are in decline is because Mike Rowe is correct. There is a concerted effort to steer people away from skilled trades. Communists in our society do not want Americans strong enough to earn a living and provide for their families beyond their control.