[cmh89]

I don't think it's really a matter of these jobs being looked down on, at least any more.

These types of jobs require a long-term commitment that doesn't exist in other fields. If you go through the work to become an electrician, that's probably going to be what you do. You also need to moderately intelligent to do electrician work, and its hard on your body.

My personal opinion is that a lot of people with the aptitude for the trades look at white collar work, see that its easier on your body and has more career flexibility and choose the obvious choice.

I looked into a carpentry program when I was younger and went and got my Masters instead because I do semi-dangerous hobbies like skiing. If I break my leg skiing and I do carpentry, i don't work or make money. If I break my leg in my current career, I'd probably just take my computer upstairs.