Why Carson Daly Told His Son to Skip College and Become an Electrician Instead

TODAY host Carson Daly is facing a parenting milestone as his oldest son, Jackson, prepares to graduate from high school next year. While many parents encourage their children to pursue a traditional four-year college degree, Daly has a different perspective: he's advising his son to consider a trade, specifically becoming an electrician.

Daly shared his thoughts at the TODAY dads' annual Father's Day event, expressing concern that the value of a college education is rapidly changing due to the rise of artificial intelligence. He believes Jackson "might benefit more from majoring in prompts of AI, learning how to use the technology to better a career" but then added, "I'm trying to get him into a trade. I'm like, 'Hey, man. Become an electrician.'"

This advice comes as AI reshapes the entry-level job market, making some traditional career paths less secure. Daly's co-host Al Roker chimed in with a practical point: "AI isn't going to fix your AC system." This highlights the stability and demand for skilled trades that cannot be easily automated.

Daly's comments reflect a growing trend among parents and career experts who are questioning whether a college degree is always the best investment. With the cost of higher education rising and the job market evolving rapidly, trade careers offer a viable alternative that can provide good pay, job security, and a path to entrepreneurship.

For Jackson, who is currently visiting colleges like Clemson, South Carolina, and Georgia, the decision is still ahead. Daly humorously hopes his son won't move too far from their Long Island home, joking about getting a condo near the local college. But his underlying message is serious: in a world where AI is transforming industries, learning a hands-on trade might be a smarter bet than a traditional degree.

Key Takeaways:

• AI is disrupting entry-level jobs, making college degrees less certain to lead to stable careers.
• Skilled trades like electrical work are less vulnerable to automation and offer strong job security.
• Parents should consider alternative career paths beyond traditional four-year colleges.
• Trade careers can provide financial stability and opportunities for advancement.
• The cost-benefit analysis of college versus trade school is shifting as education costs rise.