Myths About a Skilled Trades Career

Many people think a job in skilled trades is undesirable They think working with your hands is less prestigious than a job that requires a college degree. However, a job in skilled trades can be just as lucrative, maybe more so, than a job that req  uires a college degree. Here are some busted myths about jobs in skilled trades and why you should consider a career in skilled trades.

Myth #1 Welders don’t make a lot of money.

Being a great welder can be very lucrative.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national mean annual wage is $37,590, as of May 2015. The Metro Detroit area has one of the highest employment levels in welding with the annual mean wage of over $49,000.

Myth #2 There isn’t a need for skilled trade jobs anymore.

Skilled trades jobs are some of the most in-demand jobs. There is an expected shortage of skilled trade workers in the coming years, a result of the baby boomer tradesmen starting to retire. The lack of talent available to fill the open skilled positions is partly caused by college being pushed as the only way to attain a comfortable life.

Myth #3 People who didn’t do well in school go into skilled trades.
Skilled trades jobs require an understanding of math, science, reading and writing. If you were building your dream house, you would want to hire a carpenter with a solid knowledge of geometry and a plumber with knowledge of physics to make sure your home is safe and that your plumbing is working properly.

Myth #4 Skilled trades jobs are the first to be affected when the economy starts to decline.

Skilled trades jobs are always in demand, even during a recession. Plumbers and electricians are always going to be needed as long as there are bathrooms that need to be
fixed and lights that need to be turned on.

These are just some myths about a skilled trades career. Demand for skilled trades is only going to increase as the number of tradespeople starts to decline. Most skilled trades require an apprenticeship program to become certified. While completing your apprenticeship you could be not only learning in-demand skills but also earning money while learning on the job. These careers should not be discounted when one is considering what to do after high school.