From electricians to carpenters, machine operators and welders, the skilled trades truly make the world go ‘round.
For baby boomers, working in the skilled trades was a popular career choice. A recent study found that over 90% of parents would encourage their child’s decision to enter the skilled trades. However, the general interest in a career in skilled trades has slightly declined, which is being reflected in a subsequent worker shortage across the United States.
There are several attractive qualities of working in one of these specialties that may not be well-known – read on for our top picks.
Skilled trades can be very lucrative
Perhaps one of the most appealing aspects of a job in the skilled trades is the financial earnings. According to recent figures, the average skilled trades salary can be more than $61,000 a year. While entry level positions are likely to be lower (and there is some variance based on experience and skill level) the earning potential is significant.
You can play a vital role in correcting the skilled trades shortage
There has been an ongoing shortage of manpower in the various skilled trades over the past several years that is continuing to grow. Today, there are simply not enough new workers entering the field to replace the ones who are retiring. Skilled trades professions such as HVAC technicians and electricians are essential to the maintenance of society and will likely always be required – but right now, it can take up to 39 days for some companies to fill their openings.
Education is much less expensive than traditional routes
Most skilled trades do require some amount of education or an apprenticeship in order to learn the skills and safety necessary to qualify for a job. However, the educational path is often shorter as well as less expensive. Many attendees are likely to be out in the workforce in two years rather than four, and typically with far less debt.
Skilled trades jobs often require little to no experience
These days, the competition in the job market is high, even for entry-level positions. However, there is a lot of possibility of getting hired in a skilled trade with little to no formal experience. That being said, you will still need a willingness to learn and grow. Especially now, when the demand for skilled trades workers is at an all-time high, many businesses are willing to hire workers with little experience and/or offer training on the job.
You can gain a lot of experience quickly
Working in a trade means that you are gaining experience in a skill that is truly useful, which can come in handy both professionally and personally. These positions are also typically based in fast-paced environments, so gaining valuable experience can happen in a relatively short time frame. In addition to learning a specialized trade, working in these sectors also means that you will be developing a number of transferable skills that can be applied to your future endeavors, whether or not they are directly related, such as problem-solving and communication skills.
Trades are typically recession-proof
This past year demonstrated just how quickly the economy can be turned upside down, and the devastation that comes along with suddenly being out of work. While there is no job that is 100% recession-resistant, the beauty of the trades is that practically all of them can withstand periods of economic turbulence. The world will always need professionals to build and repair infrastructure, do maintenance of commercial and residential property, and perform highly specialized actions that the average person simply does not know how to.
Want to learn more about all the amazing benefits of a career in the skilled trades? Select Staff can help get you there. Contact us today to get started.