> Then you aren't one of those people.

I almost was.

> I thought this was about technician level with high school and associates degrees

The article is about students attending Bachelors and Masters programs. Even process and manufacturing roles require a 4 year degree now. I have friends who are specifically working these jobs at the Intel fab in Beaverton (hence my call out of it)

For example

LTD Manufacturing Equipment Technician - Intel (Hillsboro, OR)

Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in a Mechanical or Electrical STEM field related to semiconductor manufacturing technology • Examples: Microelectronics, Mechatronics, Electronic Technology, Equipment Technology, Industrial Technology, Manufacturing Technology, Avionics Technology, Electrical, Chemical, Materials OR Semiconductor related Scientific STEM Degree

> people make career choices for reasons other than money

Not if you have college loans to pay off.