Education is one way- the jbs are available, but someone needs to decide what htey can do, determine what they know/where their interests lie, connections help and one of the important things, attitude. You might want to work on yours- walking into a job interview with a chip on your shoulder about who caused what isn't going to help.
Since the US farmed out a lot of manaufacturing, this country has become a service society but manufacturing jobs are still available.
8+ years of college? Where did you hear that? Some colleges are offering degrees in 3 years and the courses can be taken online.
I don't know where you live, but that can definitely make a difference WRT what's available and pay. Where are you looking for jobs? Have you contacted a job search web site or taken an aptitude test?