NASHVILLE, Tenn. — While almost every sector of higher education has fewer students registering for classes, many trade programs offering certificates and other short-term credentials — not associate degrees — are thriving.

The programs are often more affordable than a traditional four-year degree, students note, and, for many, skilled trades offer a more obvious path to a job.

Mechanic and repair trade programs saw an enrollment increase of 11.5% from spring 2021 to 2022, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. In construction trades, enrollment grew 19.3%, and in culinary programs, it increased 12.7%.

Meanwhile, overall enrollment declined 7.8% at public two-year colleges, and 3.4% at public four-year institutions.

In Tennessee, for example, the state’s overall community college enrollment took a hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite a 2015 state program that made community college tuition free. But at the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, a network of 24 colleges that offers training for 70 occupations, many trade programs have continued to grow. At TCAT Nashville, several programs have waiting lists, and the college has added night classes to meet demand, said Nathan Garrett, president of the college.

TCAT focuses on training students for jobs that are in demand in the region, which appeals to many students in normal times, but Garrett said the pandemic may have underscored the need for workforce relevance.

“When we look at ‘essential workers,’ a lot of those trades never saw a slowdown,” he said. “They still hired. They still have the need.” Automotive trades are always in demand, he added.

Even so, for student Cheven Jones, the pursuit of a degree at TCAT Nashville would perhaps be a surprise to his high school self. “I didn’t necessarily know what I wanted to do,” said Jones, 26. “My biggest fear was to go to college, put in all that time and effort, and then not use my degree.”

So, at 18, Jones went to work in warehouses, spending long days loading and unloading heavy boxes from tractor-trailers. But after just a few years, he realized he needed a job that would make him happier, cause fewer injuries and pay him more. Trade school for a career fixing cars seemed like the best route.

Just a few doors down, Abbey Carlson is in the welding studio, wearing jeans with holes burned through them and a cap to protect her hair. She’s the only woman in the nighttime welding class.

Carlson, 24, had initially intended to attend a four-year college, but her plans were derailed by an addiction to alcohol. After dedicating herself to recovery, she decided to pursue a career in the trades.

After researching her options, she concluded welding would be the safest path to take as a young woman while also offering her the highest eventual earning potential. So far, she said she’s enjoying her time at TCAT Nashville.

“Finally, I feel like I’m going to accomplish something in life,” Carlson said.

At trade schools, students are drawn to the hands-on design of the courses, Garrett said. “You need to get your hands on the equipment,” he said. “You need to start building stuff, breaking stuff and then learn how to fix that stuff.”