Choosing what to do after finishing school is hard. Should you continue your education and take up further studies? Should you join the workforce and find a job that’s suitable for you? Or are you the type to regret what you’ve studied because you’re not passionate about it?
If you can relate to these situations, you might want to consider going to trade school and specializing in a specific trade. You might groan at the thought of going back to school, but this one’s different: they teach you everything you need to know about a specific trade, and ensure that you’re well equipped by the time you’re finished with the course.
Need further convincing? Here are the top reasons you should give this career path a serious thought:
Trade School is Short and Cheap
The cost of going to trade school is considerably lower than your traditional degree. Currently, a 4-year course would cost somewhere between $100,000 and $160,000. This means it will take you years to full pay your student loans.
Trade school, on the other hand, will cost your around $30,000 for 6 months to 2 years. The shorter time it takes to finish school, the quicker you’ll join the workforce, the faster you’ll be able to pay off your loans.
Trade Jobs Pay Great
Tradesmen jobs are well-paying; you’ll be able to earn a substantial salary right off the bat. It’s because you’re specialized to work on a specific trade, and there are only a few qualified to do it. Only pilots can fly a plane, and you won’t entrust your expensive heavy machinery to someone who has no proper training operating them.
Skilled trades pay around $13-$34 per hour, with a median of $21 hourly rate. Compare that to other jobs, with pays ranging between $8 and $39, and a median of $16 per hour. If you’re basing solely on earning potential when choosing your career, you should definitely consider working on a specific trade.
Trade Jobs are Secure
One of the bigger issues in the job market now is the security of a certain occupation. Indeed, you’re able to land a job, but the question is, how long will you be able to keep it? Fortunately, that’s not a problem with tradesmen jobs. Skilled trade can’t be outsourced.
When your car breaks down or your drain’s clogged, you’ll always turn to a tradesman to do the job. With sufficient training and experience, your job will be invaluable to your community. Your job is secure because you have a local customer base that would always go to you for your expertise.
Trade Job Openings are Abundant
Aside from job security, another great thing about tradesmen jobs is the abundance of work available. Again, you have a captive customer base—the people you know in your community, you relatives, friends, and more. There’s always an opportunity to grow and expand your operations, especially if you’ve already made a name for yourself.
If you find yourself at a career crossroads, always keep an open mind about becoming a tradesman.