5 reasons a job in the trades might be the right career path; from high demand & job security, competitive pay, practical work, entrepreneurial & transferable skills.
While college degrees and white-collar work have been the “standard” for career growth in the past, times are changing. More and more people are finding rewarding, high-paying, and secure careers in the trades.
It could be electrical, plumbing, welding, carpentry, HVAC, and other options. Going this route can offer opportunities that can match or even surpass many white-collar professions — without weighing you down with decades of student loan debt.
If you’ve been feeling unfulfilled in your current career or you’re just starting out and exploring options, here are five reasons a job in the trades might be for you.
1. High Demand and Job Security
People skilled in the trades are in greater demand than ever before. There has been an increasing shortage of skilled trades as experienced craftsmen retire and take their years of experience with them. As it turns out, fewer and fewer young people are stepping forward to fill their places. So, that can open up opportunities for work.
The shortage overlaps across industries in a wide range: electricians, plumbers, welders, mechanics, and HVAC technicians are all on the “most needed” lists in a wide range of industries. Some trade jobs have above-average rates of employment growth with long-term stability.
2. Competitive Pay Without Years of Debt
Arguably the most widespread myth about the trades is that they offer low pay. The truth? Trained tradespeople can earn as much, if not more, than college-educated employees.
Seasoned trades individuals can make $50,000 or upwards of $100,000 annually, depending on specialty, geography, and experience level, according to salary studies.
Even better, most trade jobs don’t require a four-year degree. What you can do instead is start with vocational school training, apprenticeships, or college credits at a community college. Some apprenticeships even compensate you as you learn, so you can start bringing home money right away instead of taking on student loan debt.
If you want to get your foot in the door quickly, there’s the option of pursuing something like a forklift operator certificate. You can complete the program online in a single day.
3. Hands-On, Practical Work
If you’re the type of person who enjoys problem-solving, working with your hands, and seeing the direct results of your efforts, the trades could be a perfect fit.
Tradespeople rarely spend their entire day sitting at a desk. Instead, you’ll be moving around, interacting with different tools and materials while out and about. That variety can make the workday far more engaging than staring at a computer screen.
4. Entrepreneurial Opportunities
Some talented professionals start their own firms after a couple of years of experience, with more freedom to set their own hours, choose their own clients, and set their own salary.
For example, a good plumber or electrician can open a small shop, hire a couple of employees, and build a loyal customer base. Before long, that small business can flourish. Even if you don’t end up being an entrepreneur, possessing a trade skill will give you the freedom to do odd jobs on the side.
5. Real, Transferable Skills
A trade career will equip you with skills that are required almost everywhere in the world. If you want to relocate to another province, state, or country, your skills will help pay the bills.
Trades are also versatile. A carpenter, for example, can shift into furniture-making, construction management, or teaching in a trade school. An electrician can shift into solar and wind power panel and turbine installation or industrial control.
A trade career isn’t just a backup for a “traditional” one. If you’ve been stuck at your current job, detest the idea of spending the day herded into an office, or desire a high-paying career that doesn’t require being tethered to a desk, perhaps now is the time to explore the trades. It might be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.
