Why Learning a Skilled Trade is a Smart Choice for Youth in America
Posted on Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Categories:
Construction Industry
The demand for skilled trades workers in America is high, and it is only expected to increase in the coming years. According to the Home Builders Institute, there were between 300,000 and 400,000 unfilled jobs in the construction industry alone in the spring of 2022. This is due in part to the high number of baby boomers retiring from the trades, leaving a gap in the workforce that needs to be filled.
In contrast, the number of students pursuing four-year degrees has been increasing steadily over the years, leading to a saturation of the job market and a lack of job opportunities for graduates². This has led many young people to reconsider their options and look into learning a skilled trade instead.
Here are some advantages of learning a skilled trade over a four-year degree:
1. **Job security**: Skilled trades jobs are in high demand, and the supply of workers to fill them is low. This means that those who learn a skilled trade can expect to have job security and stability in their careers.
2. **Higher earning potential**: Skilled trades workers can earn competitive salaries, with some entry-level positions paying more than $80,000 per year¹. This is especially true for trades like plumbing, electrical work, and HVAC, which pay above the U.S. median wage.
3. **Less student debt**: Learning a skilled trade is often less expensive than pursuing a four-year degree, which means that students can avoid taking on large amounts of student debt.
4. **Faster entry into the workforce**: Skilled trades workers can enter the workforce sooner than those who pursue four-year degrees, which means they can start earning money and building their careers earlier.
5. **Hands-on experience**: Skilled trades workers get hands-on experience in their field, which can be more engaging and rewarding than sitting in a classroom.
Learning a skilled trade is a smart choice for young people in America who are looking for job security, higher earning potential, and less student debt. With the high demand for skilled trades workers and the number of baby boomers retiring from the trades, there has never been a better time to consider a career in the trades.
Sources:
(1) Avoiding The Next Crisis In America With Skilled Trades Education - Forbes
(2) 7 reasons to consider trade school over a 4-year college
(3) Skilled Trade Careers: Know All the Options | ASVAB CEP
(4) 10 Awesome and Rewarding Trade Jobs For Teens to Consider
Tagged:tradesmen, jobs