I'd suggest taking some time off before you start college, at least until you know that you need to go to college because it is exactly what you want to do. I wish I had taken a year or two off before I went to college. I did rather poorly in an academic sense during my undergrad days, usually just a notch or two above academic probation. I took a break of four years before I decided that I wanted to go to grad school, which was a snap because I was older, more mature, and self-motivated. I remember from my undergrad days that the students that really excelled were guys that had done a stint in the military before college (not that I'm suggesting that by any means).
I've been teaching community college full time for seven years now, and the same holds true. The students that really shine are those who have taken a few years to do whatever before starting their college career.
Having said all that, I think a trades program would be a great way to spend your time figuring out what you want to do. I'm sure Graham would agree that it is good to have an honest skill.