Many countries are currently facing a decline in skilled laborers. This trend is likely to continue, and yet, the demand for their services is peaking. Some of the factors that contribute to this decline include the retirement of baby boomers, students being pushed towards four-year education and eventually careers, economic recession, and the misconception that the trades are unimportant. In this article, however, we see the trades from a different perspective. We discuss why tradespeople are vital to economic advancement.
01. The Trades Help Close the Skill Gap
Major industries such as construction and manufacturing are having problems meeting customer demand for their services due to a shortage of skilled labor. As a result, these industries are failing to keep up with their clients. This trend is likely to continue in the future. It is estimated that up to 3.4 million jobs will be needed in the US only between 2015 and 2025. However, only around 1.4 million will be filled, leaving 2 million unfilled. While millions of people can do these jobs, many are just unwilling to follow this path. The job growth in the trades is a trend that is veering away from the high-tech service industry that has taken over in the last few decades.
02. Through Trades, Time and Money Can Be Saved
Most trades schools require two years for the students to complete the program. This is significantly less time compared to the four years needed to complete a four-year degree. After finishing school, these individuals quickly get on their path towards the job force and have significantly less debt to pay off. However, students who go to school for four years struggle to pay off their debt after finishing four years in school. There are more accessible loans and grants for trade school, enabling students to graduate without or with little debt.
03. Trades Promote Job Security
The trades also contribute to economic growth because they promote job security. There will always be a need for plumbers, construction workers, mechanics, and other skilled workers despite the looming automation that is likely to make people in different industries lose their jobs. A 16% growth rate is predicted for those in the steamfitters, plumbers, and pipefitters category between 2016 and 2020. Other skilled trade sectors are also promising. Professionals at https://allserviceplumbers.com/ recommend that instead of looking for a full-time job, it would be useful to apply for in-house training at plumbing, heating, and air or any other trades company. Trades companies are always actively seeking employees and are willing to pay for these skills as well. Instead of going a long way to find a job that may or may not last, these skills can help you earn more.
From our partners:
04. Trades Spur Small Business Growth
Today, workforce development programs are geared toward improving career pathways for skills traders. There are in-house training, certifications, internships, and other credentials to enable skilled workers to get ready for the job market. The demand for these skills in the market has led entrepreneurs and small business owners to create opportunities that employ these tradespeople. Additionally, those who have finished their training can use the practice as a pathway towards starting their businesses.
05. Trades Improve Earning Potential
By 2016, the median wage for a skilled worker in construction was $48,109. The median salary for an office administrator is approximately $34,410. This means that as an experienced trader, you have a high earning potential and contribute to the economy. Furthermore, you have the same opportunities to advance in your career because, as an expert, you will be more in demand. You may also find yourself gaining a related skill, which enables you to work in more than one field and earn more money. If you work with an institution, there are chances to advance into positions such as supervisor, superintendent, or foreman. The income and opportunities for growth are as varied as those in the service industry.
Teachers, counselors, and parents push many students towards college. However, working in the skills trade sector has equally promising opportunities and can be a valuable alternative. The income, opportunities, and potential to grow in a skilled job are numerous. Young people can put their skills into use as they pursue other interests as well. The skilled trades also contribute to the economy because it improves individual earning potential, spur small business growth, promote job security, and helps individuals save time and money while avoiding debt baggage. Even as technology and automation continue to take over, the trades will always remain essential to personal and economic growth.