#Tradelife for High School Students considering the Trades.
If you are a hands-on learner and like being out of the classroom setting, a trade might just be for you!! A trade is less expensive than a traditional college degree and allows you to kick start your career straight out of high school. Does this excite you and do you want to learn more!? Below we will discuss a few different trades and the benefits of each.
- Plumbing
Plumbing is a trade full of promising opportunities attached to its title. Businesses hire plumbers to do construction or maintenance. There are many residential properties that hire plumbers for work needed. Your traditional day would be traveling to your calls each day, determining the problem, and making all necessary repairs. You will be using your mind and social skills. You are out and about interacting with people while earning money. Here’s a little side benefit “no more plumbing bills”😉 You now have the skill set to fix any plumbing problems that should arise in your home. The projected growth for plumbers is currently 12%, this is double the normal rate. https://www.onlinecollegeplan.com/vocational-school-highest-paying-careers/
- HVAC Tech
HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning. HVAC technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing refrigeration systems, central heating and air, furnaces, humidifiers, and other equipment. Installation, maintenance, and repair workers are considered to have some of the most active jobs in the country. This trade has great health benefits, moving, walking, and spending time outdoors. This is a great alternative to sitting in a stuffy office all day behind a computer. With additional schooling, an HVAC tech can grow their career with many advancement opportunities.
- Aviation Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics are responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft, such as commercial planes, helicopters, and jets. You would be responsible for determining wear and tear on certain components to see what needs to be replaced or items that will need future replacement. This trade requires strong problem-solving skills and ability to read blueprints and manuals. Do you love flying and enjoy being around the hustle and bustle of airports? Getting up in the plane and working might just be a trade you would “fall in love with”. According to one mechanic, “Some years I’ve made well over $100,000. As a matter of fact, just a couple of years ago I made over $120,000” .https://www.aircraftmechaniccareer.com/aircraft-mechanic-career-blog/top-5-coolest-things-about-being-an-aircraft-mechanic.php
- Electrician
An electrician specializes in the wiring of buildings, machines, and other electrical equipment. There are many opportunities for an electrician in construction, installation, and residential work. If you like the freedom of working your own schedule, this is a great trade for you. You can work for a large corporation or a small independent shop. Job security is major benefit of this trade. No matter how the economy is doing we still need electricians. Did you commute to work go smoothly? A big “thank you” to all those hard-working electricians, who keep the traffic lights running like clock-work. “The projected growth for an electrician is double the national average at 14%.” https://www.onlinecollegeplan.com/vocational-school-highest-paying-careers/
- Welder
Do you like to work with specialized machinery, welding, or metal objects? Welding might just be the trade for you. This work is a sculptural process and full of unique opportunities. Your day might look a little like disassembling a large object, welding pipes, or making repairs using welding as a means. “It becomes a matter of pride as Welders play a major role, especially in the construction industry.” https://trainingfyi.com/article/pros-and-cons-being-welder
Apprenticeship vs College
- Time
A bachelor’s degree typically takes 4 years of study, and you are usually required to take classes outside of your major to fulfill college requirements. An apprenticeship takes about two years and you enjoy “hands-on experience” while taking your courses. If you don’t enjoy sitting in a classroom more than you need to be, an apprenticeship might just be for you!!
- Cost
Another drawback of earning your bachelor’s degree is the cost. “Research conducted by the Idaho Department of Labor found that the average bachelor’s degree in the United States costs $127,000!” Majority of these students are in financial debt because they are acquiring student loans. According to the study, “over 20% of students owe more than $50,000 and 5.6% owe more than $100,000 at the end of their education.” The average trade school cost around $33,000 compared to the $127,000 above. Cost is a great reason to consider an apprenticeship. https://www.thesimpledollar.com/why-you-should-consider-trade-school-instead-of-college/
- Job Security
Job security is another big advantage to apprenticeship. More jobs are being outsourced to other countries because the cost of labor is cheaper in these countries. It is much easier to export computer or business style jobs than it would be a trade (for example electrical, plumbing, or heating and cooling).
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Trade Life™ is a lifestyle brand for the tradesman or woman. Trade Life™ is for people who live the trades as their professional career. Their mission is for the tradesman or woman to be proud to wear their gear. Trade Life™ is a life-calling vocational journey and represents a style of work. Represent your trade with Trade Life™!
