I have a nephew that wants to be a carpenter. . . but

[Gulzakar]

I think both are a good idea...

BUT, I think a college degree is necessary. Why? If by some chance he gets injured, and cannot perform is duties, he'll at least have something to fall back on. Much like people in college who play sports, it can never hurt to cover all bases. Skills are skills, and while it would be a delay in his career in Carpentry, in the end, it'll pay off.