Pros and Cons of Joining The Skilled Trades

Are you looking to make a career change and want to learn more about joining the skilled trades? Are you a recent high school graduate looking at your career options? Regardless of your situation, making the decision whether to pursue a career in the skilled trades is hard. It is a very important decision that will change the trajectory of your life. That being said, a career in the skilled trades could be a great fit for you, but you need to weigh the pros and cons first. To help you get a better understanding, we are going to walk you through the pros and cons of joining the skilled trades.

PROS OF JOINING THE SKILLED TRADES

If you are considering a career in the skilled trades, it can be hard to decide if it really is the right path for you. That is why it is crucial that you weigh all the pros and cons, and look at factors such as demand and career outlook for skilled trades. Here are some pros of joining the skilled trades:

• Demand and career outlook

Today, the demand for skilled trades workers is strong and is projected to keep growing in the next several years. The skills that tradespeople possess to successfully perform their jobs cannot be automated or replicated by a machine, making jobs in the skilled trades industry both readily-available and secure. If you want to learn more about the demand for workers in the skilled trades, check out this blog post.

• Good earning potential

For many people, earning potential is a big factor in deciding whether to go into an industry or job. Fortunately, skilled trades often offer competitive wages that can rival or exceed those of professions requiring a four-year degree. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many skilled trades workers earn higher-than-average salaries. Opportunities for overtime work can significantly boost overall earnings and tradespeople can also take on side jobs or freelance work to increase their income.

• Less time and money on education

Compared to those who choose to pursue a traditional four-year college education, the time it takes to enter the trades is significantly less. You can enter the trades through vocational schools and community colleges, both of which are typically two year programs. There are also apprenticeship programs that pay you while you learn through the program! To learn more about if an apprenticeship program is right for you, check out our blog post that guides you through who should consider an apprenticeship program.

• Hands-on work with tangible results

For those who like to work with their hands, a career in the skilled trades could be very fulfilling. Regardless of the type of job in the skilled trades you have, you will be working with your hands and will get to see the tangible results from your work. Working in the trades allows you to directly see the results of your work, whether it's a completed electrical installation or a newly constructed building.

• Job satisfaction

A career in the skilled trades can be very fulfilling! Completing tangible projects can provide a strong sense of accomplishment and pride, and the visible results of your work can be highly rewarding. It can also be rewarding to be able to work in your community making a difference and helping others. A skilled tradeperson’s work directly contributes to the safety, functionality, and improvement of local environments.

CONS OF JOINING THE SKILLED TRADES

Even with all of the good aspects of joining the skilled trades, there are some cons that you need to consider that could affect your decision whether to join. There are demands in this line of work that could be a deciding factor in your ability to even do your job. Here are some of the cons of joining the skilled trades:

• Physical demands

Every job in the skilled trades is going to be physically demanding, regardless of what specialty you end up in. Not only will you be moving equipment and standing for most of your shift, but you will also be working longer and irregular schedules. If you are not physically capable of manual labor or cannot stand for long periods of time, the skilled trades may not be for you.

• Working conditions

Compared to an office job, a job in the skilled trades exposes you to an environment that is more dangerous and challenging. Some workers such as construction workers have the potential to be exposed to harsh weather conditions. This may seem like something you want to gloss right over, but really think about it–are you prepared to be working in a potentially dangerous environment where you need to be alert at all times?

• Perception and stigma

Unfortunately, over the years skilled trades have become undervalued. There is a stigma that has formed that is associated with not having a traditional college degree, and is spreading misconceptions about the skilled trades industry. While college degrees are valuable, there is also value in pursuing a skilled trade. It all depends on the person and their goals or interests.

WHERE TO GO FROM HERE

With all of this information thrown at you, we know it may be difficult to know how to move forward in your decision process. This is a big decision, so take the time to sit down and assess your goals. If you want some additional guidance, check out this information to learn more about how to decide if the skilled trades are right for you.

Whether you choose to do an apprenticeship program, attend a vocational school, or attend community college, entering the skilled trades can lead to a very fulfilling career. There are so many opportunities in the skilled trades, and you just need to make sure that you are the right fit. We hope this information will help you in your decision making process.