Should You Learn a Trade?

Great Careers Start Here

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Do you want to work with your hands, produce tangible results, and get paid for your efforts? A career in the Trades could be the right fit for you. With the demand for skilled Trades workers high, learning a Trade could be the start of a long-term career that fits your passion and your life.

The Demand for Skilled Trades Labor is High

If you want a job where satisfaction and demand are high, the Trades can provide both. With older Americans retiring and others leaving jobs during the pandemic, there is a shortage of skilled laborers. States like California that are in the midst of a construction boom have even more need for Trades workers. For example, California is the top employer of HVAC Technicians and it ranks number 2 for the number of welders it employs.

You Can Learn a Trade in Less than a Year

For many Trades, you can begin to acquire the skills you will need in less than a year. An HVAC/R program that you complete in as few as 10 months, for example, can provide you with basic knowledge, technical terms, electrical science, and hands-on lessons in a workshop. Once you graduate from your training program, you can continue learning and gaining experience through an apprenticeship or on your very first HVAC job. While some of your peers work on a four-year degree, you’ll be actually working in your career.

The Trades Offer a Variety of Career Options

If the thought of standing on a factory floor, sitting behind a desk, or working in the service industry is unappealing, a Trades career offers a good alternative. When you work in the Trades, you perform physical tasks that can change from job-to-job and day-to-day. You’re up and active and need to be in pretty good shape. While each day may follow a similar schedule, your work location and duties can vary. For example, if you work in HVAC, you could travel to different homes, commercial buildings, or constructions sites for assignments. You may install an AC system one day and perform basic maintenance the next day. If you work as a welder, you might be on a construction site, a pipeline in the heart of Alaska, or at manufacturing plant.

Start a Satisfying Trades Career

You’ll spend a lot of time at work so you should enjoy what you do. A survey by Angi discovered that work satisfaction among tradespeople is very high—more than 80% of respondents said they were either somewhat satisfied or extremely satisfied with their career selection. When you like what you do, you feel motivated to go to work every day, perform well, and end the day happy and satisfied.

If you’re ready to start a satisfying career in the Trades, contact Charter College today. We offer training in both welding and HVAC/R that can prepare you for entry-level jobs in either trade. Our faculty have experience in the field and are dedicated to helping you succeed. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.