Why Learning a Skilled Trade Can Be a Viable Career Option

A four-year college program often appears to be the conventional choice for students in the American educational system seeking to achieve a secure lifestyle. However, there exists an underemphasized career path that has the potential to yield equal or greater financial security in the long run - the pursuit of a skilled trade.

Skilled trades, such as HVAC installation and maintenance, welding, commercial driving, carpentry, and electrical work are currently in high demand nationwide, particularly considering the evolving economy. Despite this, there remains a shortage of workers in these fields due to a persistent emphasis on the pursuit of a college education. 

While a college education can lead to a comfortable income and way of life, there are numerous potential advantages to be considered in opting for a skilled trade, especially at this juncture. 

One less loan to worry about

The average cost of a four-year college program at a private institution is now up to $55,840 per student per year, and at public institutions, they’re not much better at $26,027 for in-state and $27,091 for out-of-state tuition. Most college students would need to take a loan to participate in these programs, which ultimately deducts from their net earnings early in their careers. Comparatively, skilled trade courses and vocational training cost a fraction of college education fees, and trades students can still find financial aid options to support them.

With a career in the skilled trades, individuals typically have one less loan to worry about in their early adult lives. This decision could have compounding, positive financial benefits considering the other bills and commitments that might come along the way such as a property mortgage, auto loans, starting a family, and more.

Start earning income sooner

A standard degree program takes four years, while most skilled trade courses and vocational training require less than two years for completion. The duration disparity enables skilled workers to enter the workforce earlier than their college counterparts and earn income faster. Additionally, vocational schools typically allow skilled workers to gain on-the-job experience and develop relationships with potential employers in the community, both of which they can use to launch their careers.

Compare that with many college graduates’ experiences where they are often exposed to theory-based practices and educational experiences. Many graduates then require a couple of years of on-the-job training, leading to slow progression early on in their careers. Skilled trade courses offer hands-on training that students can immediately apply in their jobs.  

Unmatched job security

Skilled trades are practical and critical to community infrastructure and economic growth; hence they are always in demand. However, the construction industry, for example, has faced a growing employment shortage since pre-pandemic years that has only been exacerbated since. According to a PeopleReady report, the U.S. skilled trade saw a 50% rise in job listings from pre-pandemic levels. While unprecedented world events and market movements may shake most job markets, the skilled trade workforce usually remains unstirred.

Based on the PeopleReady’s analysis, house painter job listings revealed a 369% increase in demand, electricians rose by 130%, and plumbers up to 129%. However, despite the rise in vacancies, there remains a severe shortage of applicants.

A skilled trade allows individuals to earn a living across the country without dependence on a specific state or region’s consumer trends. This makes it easier for skilled tradespeople to travel and live in various locations and venture into new business opportunities. 

Opportunities for growth and entrepreneurship

With a skilled trade, workers consistently put their skills to use and improve their abilities and certifications as market demands fluctuate. With the right opportunity and level of experience, some tradespeople even start their own businesses.

Trades workers often find entrepreneurial opportunities due to the consistent demand for their services, such as construction, plumbing, and electrical work. Scarcity in certain areas creates a market gap that can be capitalized on by ambitious trades workers. Their ability to offer a diverse range of services allows them to attract a broader customer base and expand their offerings. Not to mention, the relatively low barrier to entry compared to other industries makes entrepreneurship more accessible regardless of geographic location. The freedom and independence that come with running a trades business make it an appealing option for those seeking autonomy in their professional lives.

Why learn a skilled trade now?

A college education has been considered a default pathway for many individuals in recent decades, resulting in the market saturation of graduate job applications. The trend leads to highly competitive hiring processes where graduates may face a hard time finding their ideal job or end up settling for a lower wage. 

Alternatively, the skilled trade continues to experience a worker shortage, which provides many attractive career opportunities. A study conducted by Angi.com (previously known as Angie’s List and a leader in connecting tradespeople with their customers) revealed that the median age of a skilled trades worker is 47, which is nearly ¼ older than the overall average age of the population. And younger workers are not replacing them at the same rate that they are leaving the workforce. This means that within the next two decades, the skilled trades will face massive opportunities for job growth. By enrolling in a skilled trade course or vocational school, students can prepare for macroeconomic shifts in upcoming market changes and establish a lasting career. 

How DIY enrichment programming can give students a head start

It is essential for students to explore and nurture their passion for practical skills, trades, and creative problem-solving at a young age. Elemental Hardware Enrichment believes that by introducing young learners to hands-on experiences, we can help them realize their innate interests and talents and provide students with opportunities to build confidence in their decisions should they choose to steer away from social pressures related to conforming to traditional academic norms.

In some instances, individuals may find themselves struggling in ill-suited career paths for years, only to realize their aptitude for some kind of trade much later in life. And worse, individuals suffer from feelings of inadequateness and a lack of confidence after years of chasing this academic and lifestyle mold that never leveraged their strengths and interests to begin with. This delay can lead to missed opportunities and hinder people’s potential for success in their chosen fields.

By integrating practical skills into the early stages of students' educational journeys, Elemental Hardware Enrichment’s DIY programming can help expose students to alternative career pathway options and unlock their potential regardless of the career or collegiate pathway they choose to take after their high school years. Learn more about our curriculum and how we can integrate with your existing afterschool and expanded learning programs.