Our Son starts High School next year and already he is being badgered about college in Junior High.
We’ve talked about skilled trades, him and I, about future prospects going forward, through High School and beyond.
I told him that knowing how to do something with his hands will keep him employed through out his entire life. Trade school is rather inexpensive and landing a good paying job right out of school would most likely be to his benefit.
All too often I’ve seen those who have gotten their Liberal Arts degrees having to flip burgers at McDonald’s because market saturation for barely existent jobs is huge.
I am extremely grateful that I’ve learned what I’ve learned over the years. I’ve been in the building trades for over 35 years, and have been writing in the tech industry for over 20 years. The degree I got out of college, at least for me, could have never paid the bills, and here it sits, totally worthless. It was the most expensive piece of paper I had ever purchased.
Too many people in this country seem to think that all they have to do, in order to make lots of money, is to sit around and watch it all come to them. They think the degree they got for jobs that don’t exist is going to save them. Degrees these days aren’t too unlike all of those fitness machines that people purchase and eventually use for a coat rack.
Skilled trades offer a great income right from the start.
Degrees these days are a sure fire way of entering the entitlement class on the fast track.
Skilled trades refer to jobs that require specialized training and hands-on skills, such as electricians, welders, carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, and more. These careers typically involve both classroom education and practical experience, often through apprenticeships or vocational programs.
Overview of Skilled Trades
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- Skilled trades are essential roles in sectors like construction, automotive, industrial services, and home maintenance.
- Jobs include electrician, plumber, carpenter, automotive technician, lineworker, appliance repair, and heavy equipment operator, among others.
Education and Training
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- Entry into these fields usually requires technical training—either at trade schools, community colleges, or through apprenticeships.
- Most skilled trades demand formal instruction followed by on-the-job training and, in many cases, certifications or licenses.
- Apprenticeships, lasting about four years for many trades, combine paid work with learning under experienced professionals.
Benefits and Opportunities
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- Skilled trades offer reliable employment, opportunities for advancement, and compensation that can rival or exceed many desk jobs, especially with experience or when running a business.
- Other advantages include flexibility, independence, and growth potential, especially for those who specialize or obtain additional certifications.
- Some jobs, such as journeyman electrician or lineworker, can pay upwards of $48 per hour depending on region and experience.
Skilled Trades Careers Table
| Career | Training Required | Example Role | Industry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Apprenticeship | Journeyman Electrician | Construction |
| Plumber | Apprenticeship | Pipe Layer, Plumber | Construction |
| Carpenter | Trade School/Apprentice | Finish/Framing Carpenter | Construction |
| Automotive Technician | Technical School | Service/Repair Technician | Automotive |
| Welder | Trade School | Industrial Welder | Manufacturing |
| Lineworker | Apprenticeship | Electric Utility Lineman | Utility |
These careers are vital for the economy and societal infrastructure, and demand remains high for motivated individuals seeking a hands-on and well-paying career.
