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One striking example comes from Father Judge High School in Philadelphia, where graduates of a welding program command upwards of $50,000 to $75,000 in starting salaries. Aidan Holland, one of the standout students, received a job offer from a defense contractor as a nuclear submarine welder—illustrating the high demand and financial promise inherent in skilled trades. This shift marks a significant departure from the outdated perception of trade education as a fallback for students deferring to lower-skilled positions.