Not every child dreams of a traditional four-year college experience — and that’s okay. In fact, there’s a growing awareness among students, parents, and educators alike that vocational paths offer meaningful, rewarding careers without the time and cost of a bachelor’s degree. Whether it’s becoming a skilled welder, licensed electrician, dental hygienist, or commercial pilot, today’s workforce needs tradespeople more than ever — and those opportunities continue to grow.
Choosing a Vocational Path
Vocational education focuses on practical, career-specific training rather than general academic instruction. It prepares students for jobs in technical or skilled trades, healthcare, mechanical fields, information technology, and more. These programs can often be completed in two years or less through trade schools, community colleges, apprenticeships, or certification programs.
Many of these careers offer strong job prospects, competitive salaries, and lower student debt. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the fastest-growing occupations require an associate degree or certification rather than a traditional four-year degree.1 And as industries evolve, so do the training options — giving kids a variety of exciting, hands-on careers to choose from.
NEST 529: Made for Careers
NEST 529 Education Savings Plans can go beyond the traditional college trajectory, offering flexible educational savings for diverse career paths. Funds can be used to pay for tuition at thousands of eligible institutions — public and private colleges, universities, and vocational, trade, technical, and professional institutions across the U.S. plus some foreign schools. That means families saving with NEST 529 can support a child’s education, whether they’re studying electrical technology, aviation maintenance, culinary arts, and more.
In addition to covering tuition, NEST 529 Education Savings Plan accounts can be used tax-free for qualified education expenses, including fees, books, supplies, room and board, and certain apprenticeship program expenses.2 This flexibility gives families peace of mind, knowing their savings can follow their child’s unique aspirations — wherever those may lead.
Saving Smart for Any Path
Choosing a vocational path doesn’t mean limiting future options — it means focusing on a child’s strengths and interests to build a career with purpose. Whether your loved one is drawn to working with their hands, helping people in healthcare, or tackling problems with technical skills, vocational training offers a strong foundation for growth and advancement.
Designed to help families plan ahead, NEST 529 offers a simple, flexible, and tax-advantaged way to confidently invest in those vocational futures.
Learn more about the features of NEST 529 Education Savings and start your savings journey today.