It all started with a decision to go to NCIA vocational trade school. “I wanted something better for myself and I know by going there it would have been a good start,” Stroud said. “I think it’s a good alternative because it’s a quick way to get credentials and start a career path that’s going to get you living wage employment,” NCIA VTC program director Christine Poltawsky said. “The learning process of this and doing it professionally, it would have taken me a lot longer if I wouldn’t have gone through the program,” Stroud said. With the cost of college rising and high rates of student loan debt, NCIA leaders say the program could help students avoid debt and still have a successful career.