Why More People Are Choosing a Job in the Skilled Trades (And Why You Should Consider It Too)

In recent years, more and more people have been choosing a career in the skilled trades, and for good reason. With the rising cost of college, a growing demand for skilled workers, and the opportunity to earn a great living without student debt, the trades are proving to be a smart and rewarding career path. 

At the UA Local 486, we see firsthand how a skilled trade career changes lives. Whether someone is fresh out of high school, looking for a career change, or simply unsure about the next step, a career in the skilled trades could be the opportunity they’ve been looking for. 

Are you curious as to why so many are flocking to the trades? Maybe you’re interested yourself but want to know what you’re getting into first. Regardless, we want to help you understand why so many people are deciding to choose a skilled trade career path.

Why Are More People Choosing the Trades?

As a skilled trades apprenticeship school, we’ve seen the conversations and interest in the trades begin changing over the last few years. Where trades were once thought to be for those who were less educated or a “backup” profession, they are now being seen as a smarter option than the traditional route of post-secondary education. We have even seen schools begin to encourage students to pursue the trades rather than college. 

So why the shift? Why have the trades suddenly become an appealing option for so many? Well, there are several reasons why. We will explain many of the reasons people are choosing the trades.

1. High Demand for Skilled Workers

The skilled trades industry is facing a worker shortage. As experienced tradespeople retire, there’s an increasing need for trained professionals to take their place. This demand means more job security and higher wages for those entering the field.

2. The Ability to Earn While You Learn

One of the biggest advantages of an apprenticeship like ours at the UA Local is that you don’t have to take on student debt to get trained. In fact, apprenticeships allow you to earn a paycheck while learning the skills needed for a successful career. At UA Local 486, our apprentices get real-world experience while working under the guidance of seasoned professionals—all while getting paid.

3. Great Pay and Benefits

For many years, people did not realize the pay potential and benefits that skilled trades can offer. Skilled trades jobs pay well, and they come with excellent benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and job security. Many tradespeople make as much (or more) than their peers who chose the traditional college route but without the crushing weight of student loans. 

4. A Hands-On, Rewarding Career

People are beginning to realize that a desk job is not for everyone. Some find the white collar desk job to be suffocating and monotonous. If you like working with your hands, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work, the trades may offer a more fulfilling career. You’ll be able to point to a finished project—a functioning HVAC system, a newly installed plumbing system, or a well-constructed pipefitting project—and say, "I built that."

5. Opportunities for Growth

The trades offer a clear career path. With experience, you can advance to higher-paying positions, become a supervisor, start your own business, or even move into teaching the next generation of skilled workers. 

In years past, the negative stigma behind the trades pushed people away and towards college degrees. Now, with high student loan payments and a decline in workplace satisfaction, many are changing their views of what makes a successful career and encouraging others to explore alternative paths such as the skilled trades. 

Why You Should Consider a Skilled Trade Career

If you're on the fence about your future, it’s worth exploring the trades. Whether you’re unsure about college, looking for job stability, or simply want a career that offers both financial security and personal satisfaction, a skilled trade could be the perfect fit.

However, like with any career, you get out what you put in. A career in the skilled trades is not an easier route for those who want to avoid going to college. It can be physically demanding and mentally challenging, requiring focus and intelligence to troubleshoot potential issues. 

Whether it’s the skilled trades or some other career, you should choose it because it makes sense for you. 

Interested in getting into the trades?

At UA Local 486, we offer a top-tier apprenticeship program in Maryland and Delaware that provides the training, mentorship, and hands-on experience needed to succeed. 

If you’re ready to take the next step, we’d love to help you build a career that lasts a lifetime. Not in the Mid-Atlantic area? No worries. Find a suitable apprenticeship program or trades school near you to get started.