It depends on the job and career you want. I think that the push for college education has been blunted recently by the skyrocketing student debt that faces most college graduates. I also believe that there needs to be a better PR/Branding effort for skilled trades in the US. We're going to have a major shortage of plumbers and electricians without an influx of apprentices coming into these fields. The benefits of starting at 18 in those fields is you'll be paid throughout your training and have a starting salary without debt once you're certified and in the field.