Why Choose a Trade Skill?
Today, the status quo says a college degree and a white-collar job are the keys to a successful career. And they are keys, but not the only keys.
The skilled trade industry is wide-open and offers multiple opportunities for a successful career.
A skilled trade is typically acquired through vocational or on-the-job training resulting in certification. Trade skills are usually hands-on and often involve physical/manual labor. In addition, they are essential to your daily life! Just take a quick peek around you, and you’ll see skilled trades and tradespeople everywhere.
There are four general areas of skilled trade, ready to meet industrial, commercial, and residential needs. For example, these spectrums included opportunities in and for:
Construction
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Pipe Fitters
- Welders
- Painters
Manufacturing
- Precision metal fabricators
- Robotics technicians
- Mechatronic engineers
- Industrial mechanics
- Tool/metal die makers
Transportation
- Automotive service technicians
- Motorcycle mechanics
- Heavy-duty equipment technicians
Personal Services
- Landscapers
- Chefs and caterers
- Cosmetologists
The Benefits of Skilled Trade
Whether you are looking for a new career path or just starting, there is a world full of benefits to choosing a trade skill, including (but not limited to)
Always in Demand
Currently, Baby Boomers occupy over half of skilled trade jobs in the U.S., but they are retiring, and those jobs are opening quickly! Forbes has estimated that by 2028 more than three million skilled trade jobs will be available. So, you can be assured of a vast demand for trade workers, both now and in the future.
Good Living
Also, skilled trade jobs provide an excellent living. Many skilled trade jobs offer starting salaries that rival salaries of starter jobs associated with typical four-year degrees – and are sometimes higher. While numbers range throughout the different industries and vary from state to state, the national average salary for a skilled trade worker is $13-$34 an hour. An electrician can make (on national average) up to $40+ per/hour!
Flexible Educational Path
One of the most significant benefits of choosing a skilled trade career is educational flexibility and freedom. Trade skill certifications take less time to achieve and are far more bank account friendly than traditional college degrees.
Most trades do not require a formal education — a high school diploma or GED, coupled with a field-specific certificate, is sufficient. Community colleges and technical schools offer certification programs. Apprenticeships, which allow you to learn in a hands-on environment while earning an income, are another great avenue.
Most certifications take about two years to earn, depending on the trade. In addition, some industries require a license to practice in the field. For example, electricians, cosmetologists, and HVAC technicians must obtain a license (issued by a government agency) to work.
Additional benefits include:
- Entering the workforce more quickly and with less debt!
- Lots of room for growth (additional certifications increase your wheelhouse and your income)!
- Doing hands-on work that you enjoy!
At Hamilton Connections, one of our specialties is matching the right talent to the right opportunity within the skilled trades! In fact, we call ourselves placement professionals. So, contact us today, and let’s get started!
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