Spot on. I agree that money is not the be all and end all. Also good grades don't guarantee anything. Learnt that after uni when I had to go back to working in a wind screen wiper factory just to find a job. I didn't actually think my degree was worth anything for a few years but then the last two roles I've had I couldn't have got without the degree. Doesn't mean I'm all that happy though. But then I get bored easy
Working with you hands, being creative, I don't think is something you can learn. Either got it or you haven't and yes agree that it should be worth just as much in the job market as anything else. I'd argue the same for care based roles where people have some really awful jobs they have to do and get paid pittance to do it.
I'm my world lol I'd be turning a lot of the wage structures on their heads.