5 undeniable reasons to consider a career in skilled trades
Plumbers never seem to get any sort of acclaim or praise.
They should, the workers of skilled trades are some of the most important members of the economy.
What makes the skilled trades so wonderful? Should you be looking into these crafts?
Find out more below!
Plying Skilled Trades
The careers of plumbers, electricians, and metalworkers have long been symbols of the blue collar worker.
In the past few decades, many have looked down on the blue collar worker. The favor went to white collar jobs like business executives and stock market managers.
The glamor of the white collar worker fades as you start to consider how cutthroat and fleeting much of the business industry can be.
For those eager to have consistent work without having to fight tooth and nail for your place in the workplace, the blue collar work starts to look like a better deal.
Need more reasons?
Undeniable Reasons in Favor of Skilled Trades
Many people go into their respective careers for a large variety of reasons. Most of the time, they have an interest in the work. Sometimes it is money.
Here are 5 big reasons to go into skilled trades for a career change. Do any of these facts give you a reason to dive in?
1. The Speed of Education
The traditional college experience goes for 4 years. This does not include summer internships, graduate work, or specialty colleges! That is a lot of time to devote to one phase of your education.
Trade schools, on the other hand, have a much shorter schedule on average. The average trade school graduates its students in 2 years.
In addition, a lot of the extra time attached to a regular college education. There is little to no graduate school, masters programs, or even summer internships. You get taught in your trade, get real-life experience, and graduate.
Skilled trades do require a requalifying of your skills every few years, to ensure you are still on top of everything. These requalifying sessions are often short, cheap or even paid for by your employer, and simple.
2. Affordable Schools
The biggest obstacle facing so many students out of high school is the sheer cost of education these days.
The cheapest 4-year university (and in-state public college) could still run you $10,000 or more every year! This is ignoring out-of-state colleges and private schools.
Trade schools have a variety of ways that reduce the entire cost of education by drastic amounts.
2 years in school over 4 would cut the cost in half. In addition, overall tuition is a good deal lower than even the cheapest public college.
As well, there are a host of grants and scholarships that can drop the price even further. Because of all of this, most students leave trade schools with little to no student loan debt.
3. Getting What You Are Worth
The average sheet metal worker makes approximately $48,000 a year. Outside of specific in-demand careers like software engineer, most university college graduates make less than that.
Master of their respective trades can demand more and more money for their work.
This high level of pay is in direct relation to the unionization of many skilled trade jobs. These unions help ensure that the workers get fair pair, high-end insurance, and benefits, and keep a healthy and safe work environment.
The paycheck is nice, but the overall power of getting what you are worth is a major factor in taking on a skilled trade job.
4. Demand Across the World
While many trade skills are not quite on the same demand as doctors or teacher, they are a major backbone to the structure of our society.
Every building built requires dozens of different kinds of skilled trade jobs to construct. Maintenance and repairs will need a dozen more.
As long as people build buildings and expand the reaches of civilization, skilled workers will have places to ply their trade.
What is most important about this demand is the day and age we live in. The large majority of the skilled trade workforce are of the Baby Boomer generation, and soon will be hitting retirement age.
This will leave a massive gap in the workforce, leading to a demand for newcomers to the jobs to multiply at a massive rate.
Interested in how employers are looking for skilled trade workers? Read more here.
5. Breaking Out of the Classroom
The classroom is a symbol of learning and knowledge. It also isn't for everyone. Many students don't do well with only listening to information. Reading can also be an awkward route for some.
These students aren't dumb for not getting the same value out of a classroom as others. Many students prefer a more hands-on approach to learning. That is what trade schools offer.
Doing something with your hands can have a fantastic impact on your comprehension on how to do it. It also drives your motor skills to learn alongside you. There is no split between learning and practice when it comes to skilled trades.
More Than a Simple Laborer
The skilled trades are a potent doorway that can lead to a lot of wonderful opportunities. The skills you learn prepare you for a workplace, not only in how to do a job, but how to interact with others while on the job.
There is a certain pride many have when it comes to skilled labor. While taking pride in your work is not limited to those in skilled labor jobs, skilled labor often ends with a physical handiwork you can admire up close.
In the end, the point is to make the most out of your passion.
Many still scoff at the blue collar worker, but when it comes down to it, what most people have a passion for is finding contentment in life. With a steady, well-paying job and a skill you can be proud of, it can be a bit easier to find that contentment.
Keeping Up with Life
Mastering the skilled trades is a prospect that has a lot more going for it than some may believe. The benefits can be powerful. Time and money are good, and the pride in your work is even better.
No matter why you take that step into a trade school, there is still much to learn out in the world. Eager to see more? Subscribe today!
