Many of the comments here are myopic at best and seem not to be based on a big picture perpective.  Statistics and facts not annecdotes and hyperbole.  

A temporary shortage in skilled tradesman in no way means that the trades are a viable career path for anything approaching the majority of American males.  There are just not that many trades jobs available and like all jobs in America outside of CEO there is extreme downword pressure on wages and benefits.  

Males who go to college will earn more money than those that don't.  That's a fact.  And many jobs that didn't take a college education before now require a college education to even be considered.  That might seem unfair, but it doesn't do any good to stick your head in the sand and pretend otherwise.