Did you know projections call for a higher-than-average employment growth in the trades over the coming decade?
When considering career options, it’s essential to keep things like demand in mind. Spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars to earn a degree offering limited job options wastes time and money. Yet that’s exactly what many graduates do. It’s important to study something you’re passionate about, but if you can’t leverage that degree to get a good job, what’s the point?
According to one source, many students face a harsh reality after graduating. Case in point: 52% of graduates with only an undergraduate degree under their belts find themselves underemployed a year after earning their credentials. That’s a diplomatic way of saying they work in positions that don’t normally require earning college degrees.
Again, there’s nothing wrong with chasing your dreams. Going to college or university can help you get the job you’ve always wanted. But if you can’t find a job or have to accept a job that doesn’t pay much after spending tons to earn a degree…you get the picture.
That’s one reason to consider a career in the trades. The demand is there, and so is the variety. You can become a millwright, mechanic, electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, boilermaker, carpenter, forklift operator, construction worker, or welder, for instance. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg since the sky’s the limit when you set your sights on the trades.
Consider these five reasons why a career in the trades might be a great decision for you.
1. Earn While You Learn
One reason to consider a career in the trades is that you can earn while you learn. Many trade niches offer students paid apprenticeships. That means you can make money while training and learning the ropes.
The alternative is spending tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars — possibly requiring student loans — to go to college or university. Again, that might align with your career objectives. But, then again, many students who go that route fail to find jobs that align with their degrees.
When earning money as an apprentice in trade school, you’ll get hands-on experience. And even if you decide to go another route after graduating, you’ll still have made some money while serving as an apprentice.
2. High Demand & Job Security
As mentioned above, the high demand is a good reason to pursue a trade. If you want to find a job after your schooling, a trade is a good bet. Of course, some trade jobs within the trades offer more career opportunities than others.
One source notes that job openings in the skilled trades space are around 723,400 annually. That can lead to well-paying jobs without the overly expensive costs associated with attending a post-secondary school offering multi-year degrees and diplomas.
3. Less Time in a Classroom
Earning a college degree could take three, four, or more years, while trade schools usually offer programs lasting a year or two. And you can get into the trades in even less time than that. For instance, you can get a same-day forklift certification that is OSHA-compliant.
4. Hands-On & Active Work
Do you like to be hands-on? The trades can meet that need. And remember that you won’t have to wait until you complete trade school to get hands-on since you’ll get on-the-job training through apprenticeships.
5. Job Variety
There are many jobs in the trades. In addition to the variety, there are opportunities to work for businesses, for yourself as an independent contractor, or start a business and employ other tradespeople.
These are some reasons to consider the trades. If looking for a new career path or considering options that won’t cost a fortune, consider your options in the trades and see if it would be a good fit for you.
