Fall Into a New Career: The Benefits of Learning a Skilled Trade

Benefits of a Skilled Trade Career

1. Job satisfaction is high – 83% of tradespeople report being satisfied with their choice of career. Considering the rate at which people change careers and leave jobs due to dissatisfaction, having a high satisfaction rate is beneficial to those who might consider pursuing a career in a skilled trade. Being content in your career can ultimately lead to more advancements and a higher return on investment, not to mention a higher quality of life.
2. People are retiring – Right now, 27% of skilled workers are within 10 years of the social security retirement age. With just over a quarter of the skilled workforce gearing up for retirement, it is important to have trained professionals prepared to replace them. Now is a great time to introduce the new generation of professionals to the skilled trades industry. Because many of the older, seasoned professionals will retire soon, the opportunity for career growth within the trade industry will be higher.
3. Earn a lifetime skill – When you learn a trade, it is for life. Regardless of where you live or where you work, you can take the skill with you. You have the potential to become a master of your craft if you stick with it, allowing not only opportunity for professional growth but personal growth, too.
4. Career growth – There is a large opportunity for career growth within skilled trades if you choose to advance your career. In many industries, you can continue to gain certifications that qualify you for higher positions. Additionally, if you work with a crew, there is almost always the opportunity to grow into a management position. 

Benefits of Choosing a Trade School

After deciding to pursue a career in a skilled trade, you must consider how you would like to train on the skills necessary to start your career. Here are some benefits of choosing a trade school: 

1. Less debt – Trade school costs significantly less than paying to attend a 4-year college. College students accrue an average debt of $36,406, regardless of whether they graduate from university or drop out. At trade school, students spend less money to gain skills necessary for their vocation. By investing in learning a skilled trade, students can accrue less debt and work towards their future faster.
2. Start your career faster – Many adults complete trade school in less than a year. Many other options for higher education, such as community college or a 4-year university, take at least double the amount of time to complete. By choosing a trade school, you can complete your training, start your career faster, and work towards long-term financial goals.
3. Gain hands-on training – If you are someone who dreads the thought of sitting at a desk and taking notes all day, training on hands-on skills may be more stimulating and rewarding for you. At a trade school, you can gain hands-on training on the skills you will use in your day-to-day professional life if you pursue a career in a skilled trade. This is valuable training and can prepare you for what your career field may look like.
4. Flexibility – Many trade schools cater toward young adults who are working full or part-time outside of attending school. Because of this, many programs offer both daytime and nighttime classes. Having flexibility like this allows you to train on a skilled trade while remaining engaged in your day-to-day commitments. 

Trade Careers to Pursue in 2022

If you would like to pursue a trade career but are unsure where to start, consider one of these options:

1. Welder – Welding is a great trade to pursue that lets you work with your hands and perhaps even within a creative environment. Industries like construction, power, oil, and jewelry use welding in their day-to-day operations. Engaging in welding training can help you prepare to sit for certification exams and work in commercial, industrial, and small business environments.
2. Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator – If you enjoy hitting the road, you may want to consider getting a Commerical Driver’s License (CDL). As a Commerical Motor Vehicle Operator (CMVO), you can drive across the country or stay in town, depending on your employer. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator program at Southern Careers Institute can be completed in as little as four weeks and prepares you to sit for the CDL Class A exam.
3. HVAC Technician – HVAC technicians install, troubleshoot, and work with all things ventilation. It is a trade that is overlooked sometimes, but it can be lucrative and satisfying as a job. While certifications are not necessary to become an HVAC technician, having them may give you a competitive edge when looking for an entry-level position.
4. Electrical Technician – Electrical technicians install the wiring, circuits, and outlets needed to power lights, appliances, and equipment within a building. They are also responsible for troubleshooting wiring systems to make sure they are working properly. Beyond the training an Electrical Technician program provides, you must complete a certain number of on-the-job hours if you want to grow within the trade.

Southern Careers Institute

Whether you want to work hands-on in a skilled trade as a welder or HVAC technician or choose to train on the skills needed to work in the healthcare, business, or beauty industries, SCI offers training to support you on your journey. With eight campuses in Texas along with online programs, it is SCI’s mission to provide employer-tailored programs to students. To learn more about the programs, start dates, and financial aid, click here.