I don't think this will break the "system." Higher-paying jobs are still going to require higher education for the most part. Decent paying blue-collar work, like plumbing/HVAC/etc., has always provided a path for folks, and nothing has changed there. As the article points out, these are kids who were academically inclined, and less likely to pursue blue-collar work, are simply forcing themselves into a position that they're more likely to have to do that kind of work whether they like it or not. This will simply add to the number of low-earning people who don't contribute much to the economy. We're already awash in them. While the pandemic undoubtedly increased the number of college dropouts, it was always a large number, and I don't see this significantly moving the needle in the long run. Union apprenticeships would be great if the future showed any signs of providing work for people in those roles. It doesn't, and I don't know anyone who thinks manufacturing and heavy industry will be returning to our shores anytime soon.