Probably within the next decade, the job of electrician will become very complicated, i.e. involving more computer-based circuitry and other new components. The days of just “pulling wire” are coming to an end. So, a degree is a good idea.
My observations lead me to believe that the skill sets required for what are or were semi-skilled jobs are now increasing in complexity. Those jobs that are inherently low-skilled are being done for minimum wage via franchises, such as fast food chains, places like Jiffy Lube and carpet cleaner operations.
The open secret is that colleges have always been “liberal hot beds.”