I took a paid apprenticeship instead of going to college. I'll make six figures within 5 years — the stability I feel is incredible. Chris Rocha skipped college to become a pipe fitter. Courtesy of Chris Rocha 18-year-old Chris Rocha chose a 5-year pipe-fitting apprenticeship over college. Rocha earns nearly $60,000 now and is on track to make six figures when his apprenticeship is over. He thinks the job is AI-proof and values the stability despite missing college's social aspect. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Chris Rocha, an 18-year-old pipe fitting apprentice for Local 533, based in Kansas City. It's been edited for length and clarity. During my junior year of high school, I decided I would skip college and become a pipe fitter. Then, last summer, right after my 18th birthday, I applied to my local union, Local 533, for a pipe-fitting apprenticeship. I know I would've gone into student debt if I chose college.…