A skilled trade career can offer the same benefits as a college degree. When you enter the trades, you gain immediate experience. Being a plumber, an electrician, or even a landscape designer offers many benefits that a college degree does not. A college degree isn’t a bad idea at all, but it is just not for everyone. Trade careers can give you practical skills, save money from student debt, and allow you to earn experience. Trades are always in demand, and if you work hard, you can make a steady income. Whether your child is graduating or you’re looking for a career change, here are a few reasons why a trade career is a viable option, according to RocketCert.
Immediate work and experience
In skilled trade careers, apprentices immediately find work on projects and can earn certifications. You don’t have to compete for unpaid internships in the trades. You gain immediate work, steady cash flow, and more experience for your resume. You also learn a lot from the people you work with who have been in the field for years.
Debt-free
A big reason people prefer a trade career over higher education is the inevitable price tag. With an associate degree at trade school or community college, most students graduate with little to no debt.
Quicker income
Since trade skills students can get to work quicker, they can earn an income after about two years. Four-year college students are still in the classroom, while tradespeople can work sooner and gain experience faster.
Make a good living
According to U.S. News & World Report, entry-level sheet metal workers made an average of $52,100 annually in 2017. The average college graduate made less than $50,000 in the same year, according to SHRM. Of course, salaries vary between state, experience, industry, and the current economy, but skilled trade careers consistently make a good living.
A demand for tradespeople
Trade careers were huge amongst the baby boomer generation, but that generation is beginning to retire. With the emphasis on a college degree for millennials and Generation Z, there is a demand for tradespeople. There’s always a need for plumbers, welders, electricians, carpenters, and more. Trades are still in demand, which creates many opportunities and job security, as well.
RocketCert is built on a commitment to enable lifelong learners and offers help with certifications in many trade fields such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical contracting, etc. They set out to create the ultimate resource for anyone to obtain and maintain professional licenses. RocketCert is a great resource if you are interested in becoming a tradesperson. Head to their website for information on all of the certifications they can help you achieve.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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