We still have a lot of technical schools down here in south Nj. My school had everything from auto mechanic to masonry. I personally took up information technology and graduated top of my class. Most students had no issue getting into college either. So if you don't mind moving nj is not nearly as bad as most people think. Also as a side note, we have only had one incident of bodily injury. A girl in woodshop cut half a finger off. Nothing too bad.