The Career Fair at Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School is an excellent opportunity for students to explore their options after graduation. One of the paths that should be considered is the trades. Though sometimes overlooked, a career in the trades can be incredibly rewarding. From electricians to technicians and more, there are numerous trades to choose from.
Not only do these careers offer job security, but they also provide the opportunity to work with your hands, build rewarding customer relationships, and see the tangible results of your hard work. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the benefits of working in this field.
What Is a Trade Job?
Skilled trades are occupations that require a distinct set of skills and knowledge that are usually acquired through practical training. Unlike traditional higher education, skilled trade workers will spend a significant amount of time learning the ins and outs of their particular trade through practical experience. This hands-on approach not only allows individuals to gain the necessary skills for their job but also prepares them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers in their field. A career in the skilled trades can be an excellent option for those looking to enter the workforce quickly and with a specific skill set.
The trades can be split into the five broad categories:
- Agricultural
- Construction
- Transportation
- Service
- Manufacturing & Industrial
Here at Patton Plumbing Heating and A/C, our company focuses on the construction category.
Examples in the construction trades include:
- Plumbers
- Heating and air conditioning technicians
- Electricians
- Painters
- And more!
Why Choose a Career in the Trades?
When it comes to choosing a career, the trades can offer a wealth of benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. In addition to the opportunity to work with your hands and create tangible products, there are many other advantages to consider.
1. Shorter & More Affordable Pathways
Training programs for the skilled trades offer a quicker and more cost-effective path towards starting a career than other higher-education options. Instead of spending four years in a traditional academic program, you can earn a degree or certification in just two years. This not only saves time but also reduces accumulated debt as you start your adult life. Moreover, many apprenticeship programs offer on-the-job training, allowing individuals to get paid while learning a trade.
2. High Wages
In the past, high paying jobs were often associated with four-year university degrees while tradespeople were perceived as having lower earning potential. However, this perception is not accurate. Skilled tradespeople can earn salaries equivalent to or even higher than their academic counterparts. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, plumbers made a median pay of $59,880 in 2021.
In addition, a majority of trade jobs also offer excellent benefits and retirement packages, which are not always available in other careers. Those who seek to excel in their trade can earn even higher incomes by learning additional applications and processes. Skilled tradespeople are highly sought-after workers and often become mentors for those entering their field.
3. Satisfying & Rewarding Work
The trades offer a change from mundane day-to-day motions and can be rewarding for those who enjoy variety in their work days. Working in the trades brings excitement and fosters camaraderie among coworkers. Perhaps most importantly, there is a genuine sense of pride and satisfaction that comes from completing a job well done. A survey from 2021 revealed that around 83% of tradespeople were either somewhat or extremely satisfied with their jobs.
Whether it’s fixing a pipe or installing a new HVAC system, the trades offer a sense of fulfillment that can be hard to find in other professions. If you’re looking for a career to explore, consider the trades – the sense of pride you’ll experience in your work will make it all worthwhile.
4. High Employment Demand
As the job market continues to change and adapt, one field remains a constant necessity: skilled trades. Communities across the country have a growing demand for highly-trained electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and other tradespeople to build and maintain infrastructure, homes, and facilities.
According to analysts, the demand for skilled trades jobs will only continue to rise in the coming years, with over 3 million positions projected to be unfilled by 2028. These positions are essential to ensuring our daily amenities, such as electricity and water, continue to function smoothly. The skilled trades industry provides a unique opportunity for individuals to have a fulfilling career while also contributing to our community’s overall well-being.
Contact Patton Plumbing Heating and A/C to Learn More
Choosing a career path can often be a daunting task. However, it’s important to remember that there are many options available to you. The trades, for instance, offer a variety of rewarding and fulfilling career paths.
Patton Plumbing Heating and A/C is thrilled to participate in the Career Fair at Fayette-Ware Comprehensive High School each year. We believe that it’s essential to educate students about the possibilities of working in the plumbing & HVAC industry.
Our team is happy to share our knowledge about the trades, such as the necessary skills and the kind of work involved. Even if you couldn’t attend the event, we welcome you to contact us and learn more about what we do. Our focus is always on serving the community, and we’d be delighted to chat with you.
Don’t let the stresses of career planning discourage you from exploring all of your options. Reach out to us for guidance on your journey towards success!
Call us today at (901) 489-2119 or contact us online! We’re more than happy to help you learn more about working in the trades.