With trade schools accruing comparatively minimal student debt, their popularity has been on the rise. Plus, the opportunities for upward mobility and becoming a business owner in the trades are ample. Could a future in the trades be right for you? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the many benefits that come with pursuing a career in the skilled trades.
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High Demand and Job Security
Many skilled trades are in high demand and considered essential services, providing a heightened level of job security. While pay varies by job, becoming a tradesperson generally offers a steady and reliable stream of income.
In 2024, many trades saw significant growth. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that demand for wind turbine technicians will increase 60 percent over the next decade. This growth is much faster than that of the national average of all occupations.
Faster Training and Less Student Debt
When compared to the money invested into a 4-year university, trade and vocational schools tend to serve as a much more affordable option. Trade and vocational school programs focus solely on the trade itself, and do not require prerequisite courses. Of course, the exact amount of training you need depends on the specific trade you’re entering, but there are many trade programs that can be completed in as few as 9-18 months.
In addition to schooling, many enter the trades through apprenticeships. While apprenticeships take around 4-6 years to complete, they are also paid positions. An apprenticeship is a great way to learn and explore the industry through hands-on training, while being paid.
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Higher Earning Potential
Tradespeople already have somewhat of a head start from a financial aspect over people who graduated college with a lot of debt. After years of working and gaining experience, tradespeople can make a higher-than-average income. Especially if they have an entrepreneurial spirit and own their own business.
Some of the many high-paying trades are found in truck driving, electrical work, nursing, elevator installation, construction management, and working as a boilermaker.
Flexibility and Room for Career Advancement
Although your schedule may not be as flexible in the very beginning of your career, many trades do offer flexible hours. This is partly because most trades aren’t confined to the standard 9-to-5 workday.
For instance, if you’re a lineman who needs to be at home with your family throughout the day, you may be able to work evening shifts on a rotating schedule. Plus, during slower seasons, you may be able to reduce your working hours, or even take an extended vacation, something that’s more difficult to do with a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
Hands-On Work
This can be a big perk for people who don’t see themselves working in an office every day. Most skilled trade positions will require hands-on work, which can be fulfilling for people who are great with tools and quite literally enjoy working with their hands. Being able to watch a project come together is a part of the job that many tradespeople enjoy.
Many trades also offer variety in the daily tasks required. If you’re an HVAC technician, for instance, you may be working outdoors one day to repair a unit, and the next, you might be traversing a crawl space in an attic. While crawl spaces, unit work, and attics may not sound overtly glamorous, they offer a glimpse at the different responsibilities technicians have. The trades leave minimal room for monotony on a worksite.
Summary
We’ve listed just some of the many benefits there are when you get a job in the skilled trades. If you’re looking for something outside of a standard 9-to-5, skilled trades present themselves as a viable and rewarding option for those who prefer hands-on work. Plus, the trades play critical roles in building and maintaining infrastructure, which promotes the overall health and well-being of communities.
Already in a trade but looking for your next job? You came to the right place. Find a job near you in your line of work here!