I was a concreter, doing the posh stuff like PIC as well as the 'normal' stuff. It is backbreaking, cold, repetitive etc. Sure the money is ok (better now than when I left it) but it was just shite.
I went to university and now I'm an academic, which suits me much better.
But most people aren't like me and I think many have been sold on the promise of degree = more money. It's still broadly true, iirc, but you're right that there are other ways that are likely better suited to some youngsters. These alternatives should be encouraged.