OK but at the same time, many people could have gone on to successful careers by going to college if they hadn't placed into the vocational box. It's not as if a college educated person could never become a welder or that that person has missed their chance to become a carpenter. By your same implication, and I know it is not that popular, a lot of people work as welders, machinists, etc that would jump at the chance to be able to move to another career.
Calling it "honest skilled labor" is just a way to load the issue with emotional weight. It's not elitist to recognize reality and there is actually no judgement being made here about which is "better" but it is clear than going down one path so early in life and close doors for other paths in a way that is not true in reverse.
There are plenty of people that would love to go into, what you might call "dishonest" positions, but feel they cannot and feel there only option was to go into the so-called "honest" positions. Honestly, I think your view of "honesty" is unfair and simply a ploy to prop up your position. I've dealt with many auto mechanics and I would not say that they are all pillars of honesty or whatever you want me to believe. :( Just being honest.