Is a degree from a 4-year college really the best option for everyone?
There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing a college, including cost, location, and degree program. Some people feel that a four-year college is the best option for everyone, while others believe that a two- or three-year degree can be just as beneficial. Ultimately, the best decision for you depends on your individual needs and preferences.
In America, there's a secret you won't hear being shared in high schools. It's the excellent opportunity found working in the trades. The trades offer a unique possibility to learn new skills and work in a field that you are passionate about.
The pay is good, and the hours are flexible. You can choose to work part-time or full-time, depending on your needs and interests. Trades offer the opportunity to develop a network of professionals who can help you advance your career. It can even lead to opportunities for lateral moves into other fields or businesses, so there is always potential for growth and advancement.
Let's take a look at the best reasons to join the trades and start making money.
1. Hands-On Experience
The trades offer a great opportunity for hands-on experience. Most jobs in the trades require you to work with your hands, which gives you a real understanding of how products are made and how systems work. This knowledge is invaluable in any field, and it can be particularly useful in engineering and technology fields.
For some, the idea of not getting stuck behind a desk is enough to sell them on the idea of the trades. The satisfaction of working worth your hands, creating, and repairing equipment and specialized systems is a major plus for working in the trades.
2. Variety of Positions & Careers
There are a variety of different positions in the trades, so you're likely to find something that interests you. You can work as a carpenter, electrician, plumber, or construction worker – just to name a few examples. This variety means that there's always room for advancement, so you can keep earning money while learning new skills.
The trades offer a great variety of positions, so you can find one that matches your skills and interests. There are positions in manufacturing, construction, engineering, and technology – just to name a few – so you will be able to find something that appeals to you.
3. You'll Make a Good Living
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the trades have some of the highest paying jobs in America. In 2017, median pay for construction workers was $60,910, for metal workers it was $76,010, and for engineers it was $86,540. These are high-paying jobs with good benefits and plenty of opportunity for advancement.
It's difficult to ignore the amount of money you could make in the trades. This is something seldom shared to students when discussing future education planning. If you're serious about finding a career and want to make a good living, the trades are an excellent option.
The pay in the trades is usually good, and many trades unions offer excellent benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans. In addition, many union contracts include tuition reimbursement or stipends for training costs.
Most trades jobs are available during regular business hours, so you can easily balance work and family obligations. You can also work odd hours or weekends, if necessary, to accommodate your busy schedule.
4. You'll Get to Work With Real Proven Technologies
Many of the jobs in the trades require you to work with real proven technologies. This means that you'll get to learn about how products are made and how systems work, which is invaluable in any field. You can use this knowledge in any field, from engineering and technology to business and finance.
You'll build upon your skills and learn new methods of practice as technology continues to change our tradespeople work. This makes you invaluable to employers as well as customers!
5. You'll Learn How to Use Your Skills
When you work in a trade, you learn how to use your skills in a real-world setting. This is valuable information that you can take with you when you leave the trade and pursue a career in another area.
The trades is a great opportunity for self-improvement. You'll learn how to work with others, how to problem solve, and how to stay organized. In addition, the trades provide excellent job security and are usually recession-proof. As you progress in your career and skills, you may even find yourself embarking on building your own business. The possibilities for professional and financial growth are promising.
These are just a few of the best reasons to join the trades. Do you think the trades is right for you? Check out the list of trade programs near you!