There is so much pressure on young people to study and perform academically that there is a common belief that you can’t make a decent living without a college degree. That is just not true. Some of the most well-off people I know, work in the construction industry. They didn’t study for years and they didn’t start their careers with tens of thousands of student debt.

In fact, the emphasis on college as the only option to prepare for a career is one of the factors contributing to the current skilled trade worker shortage. Other contributing factors include the large number of baby boomers that are retiring and the reduction or elimination of vocational education for people wanting to learn a trade. The skilled trade workers gap has been increasing steadily in the United States in recent years. Forbes reports that more than 3 million skilled trade jobs will be available by 2028. 

This means that these jobs will continue to be in high demand, making them a good career choice.

There are many vocational programs that prepare people for a career doing a trade.

Get training to master a trade

What is a trade? It’s a practical job that requires manual skills and special training. Learning a trade can prepare you for a career that involves manual labor and training, but no academic studies. This kind of study is for people who don’t want to spend four years studying and incurring debt,  but still want to earn a decent living.

While learning a trade doesn’t require studying at university, you may have to attend trade school to enroll in training programs. Job training programs are also a route to one of these careers. 

Many trades can also be mastered through on-the-job instruction. Gaining a qualification from a trade school or a vocational school usually takes less time than a college degree to complete – it can be anything from a few weeks to two years depending on what you decide to study. 

Preparation for these vocations usually involves a hands-on instruction program to give people experience doing the job. In some cases, the training involves a couple of years of apprenticeship to prepare people for the work they will be doing.

Commonly, these jobs involve some physical aspect, such as moving things and using tools.

Training for skilled trade work can start in high school. Some schools offer tech training programs to prepare students for a skilled trade career. CTE programs prepare trainees for a variety of career paths.

Skilled trade jobs can be found in different industry sectors

Building Industry

This sector has loads of jobs that can provide job security and a reasonable income. These include construction jobs doing masonry, carpentry, flooring, painting, and plumbing. 

Some of these trades, like painting, or carpet installing you can master in a few weeks. Others like carpentry and plumbing will take longer because you need to obtain a certification. The easiest trades to learn that require only basic skills are painting and carpet fitting. 

Examples:

• Plasterer 
• Carpenter
• Carpet installer
• Electrician
• Insulation installer
• Landscaper
• Painter
• Plumber
• Roofing installer

Mechanical Industry

Mechanical trades involve work related to the maintenance, testing, and operation of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, the distribution of domestic and fire protection water, the maintenance and operation of sewer and storm systems, natural gas systems, etc.

These trades usually require a certification of competency and involve an apprenticeship or equivalent experience. The more advanced level is the master level, which involves a program of at least one year of working to gain the experience to become a master. Some people even prepare for early career entry by working as an assistant while still in high school.

Examples:

• Auto mechanic
• HVAC installer
• Elevator mechanic
• Locksmith
• Machinist
• Aircraft and Avionics Technician
• Boilermaker
• Wind Turbine Technician
• Plumber
• Pipefitter

Industrial Industry

These jobs have to do with manufacturing and technology. A high school diploma plus experience and a technical education will get you a job. An apprenticeship successfully concluded is enough to get a job in this field. Once you have mastered an industrial trade, you can move on to oversee others in a  supervisory position.

A new industrial career path is in the maintenance of robots. Industrial robotics mechanics maintain and repair robots used in the manufacturing industry. Robots are used to perform repetitive and dangerous tasks and they are maintained by industrial robotics mechanics.

Examples:

• Industrial  robotics mechanics
• Cargo freight agent
• Ironworker
• Line installer and repairer
• Paving equipment operator
• Metal fabricator
• Asbestos worker

Medical Industry

Doctors aren’t the only professionals needed in the medical industry. People filling different jobs keep hospitals, clinics, and health businesses running and they don’t go to university to get qualified — they attend trade school programs for relatively short periods of time.

These are the people who keep the office running, deal with billing and insurance companies, or provide specialized care for patients. They usually get hands-on education to prepare them for the medical science jobs that are in such high demand. 

Some of these positions require a degree or an associate degree, but you can also attend a certificate program that takes as little as two years or less.

Examples:

• Radiation therapist
• Nuclear medicine technologist
• Dental assistant
• Dental hygienist 
• Paramedic
• Phlebotomist
• Respiratory therapist
• Clinical laboratory technician  

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The three easiest trades to learn

Painter 

This is one of the easiest trades to learn. Painters are responsible for applying paint and coatings to the walls of both residential and commercial buildings. A Painter can choose to do mainly residential work, painting the interiors and exteriors of residential homes, or choose to do commercial work, painting office buildings and other large properties.

This is an easy trade to learn, but it is physically demanding. Painters have to stand, kneel and stretch for long periods, oftentimes in awkward positions to reach difficult areas. Painting roofs and ceilings require the ability to stand for extended periods of time on a ladder.

You don’t need any specific qualification to be able to work as a painter, but some employers may prefer that you have a high school diploma or G.E.D.

However, if you will be working with lead-based paints, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires you to get certification to work with these paints. 

You can learn all the skills you need to be a painter by doing an apprenticeship program or through on-the-job training, which can be a few weeks or a few months. During this time, you work under the supervision of an experienced painter. 

Carpet layer

A carpet installer prepares and installs carpets in residential and commercial buildings. This occupation can be physically demanding, requiring installers to spend long hours bending or kneeling and wearing knee pads to protect their knees.

They work on new construction projects where new carpets are being installed as part of the construction of the building. For these projects, you must be able to read plans and specifications in order to install the floor coverings correctly. 

Carpet layers also work on existing buildings where existing carpets must first be removed. The removal may be hazardous due to dust and mold exposure. In these cases, special protective clothing is required.

There is no qualification needed to become a carpet layer but a high school diploma or GED is preferred. For this occupation, you’ll receive training to do the job through an apprenticeship, assisting more experienced installers. Some states may require a license. While you don’t need to do any academic studies, you do need basic math and measuring skills. 

Also, this job can be physically demanding. Carpet layers need a lot of stamina for long periods of standing, kneeling, lifting, and carrying heavy carpet rolls.

Landscaper

To become a landscaper is fairly easy. It can be as simple as calling a few landscaping companies or searching for a job online. There are no specific educational requirements to become a landscaper. If you love gardening, you probably have the necessary experience to take care of plants and lawns. 

A landscape business that decides to employ you will provide a short period of on-the-job training when you will learn how to plant and maintain a garden, and how to use certain implements, including tractors, weed trimmers, and lawnmowers. 

Depending on who you work for, you may also get training in tree felling, insect and disease treatment, lawn management, and pruning trees and bushes, among other skills.

Landscapers have to be safety conscious as they work with power tools that can cause considerable injury if not handled professionally. They work in all weather conditions doing physical work that can be quite demanding. 

There is no defined path to becoming a landscaper. Most people learn this trade through their love of plants and the outdoors and by watching others create and care for beautiful gardens.

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The 3 best, highest paying, and best skilled trade job opportunities in the US

Truck Driver

This is one of the easiest trades to qualify for. To be a commercial truck driver in the US you need to be at least 18 years old if you will be driving in one state; if you will be driving across states, you must be 21. Commercial truck drivers must attend a truck driving school and obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which only takes 3 to 7 weeks. 

This is a good job to go for in terms of future prospects. The American Trucking Association predicts that the sector will keep growing and that there will be a shortage of 160,000 truck drivers by 2030. The job also doesn’t pay too badly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, truck drivers earned a median annual salary of $48,310 in May 2021, with the top earners walking away with $72,730. 

Electrician

Electricians do many electrical-related tasks including the installation, maintenance, repair, and wiring of electrical fixtures and equipment. Students with a high school or GED diploma can train to become electricians.

You can choose to attend a trade school or do an apprenticeship to become an electrician or electrical technician. A certificate or electrical technology diploma can take as little as 10 months. Some schools even offer shorter accelerated programs. It’s also possible to qualify as an electrician by doing a traditional college program.

If you choose to train through working as an apprentice under a licensed electrician, it can take two to two and a half years to fully understand electrical problems and become a licensed electrician.

It’s possible to make a good living as an electrician. While you may start out with around $37,020, realize that the top earners are getting more than $99,800, according to the bureau of statistics (BLS).

The prospects for this career choice are also rosy. The BLS expects employment for electricians to increase by 9% from 2020-2030. Let’s face it, there will always be work for electricians as all households, offices, and industries experience electrical problems from time to time. 

Welding

Welding is a useful skill to learn. Also, welding is the process of joining two or more pieces of metal together. There are many different methods of welding metal. Some use heat to thaw the two pieces to be joined together; some use pressure, and others use both pressure and heat.

Welders work in settings like construction, manufacturing, and plant maintenance. You can enroll in and complete a welder’s training program at a vocational school or local community college.

But that’s not all. For creatives, welding offers an opportunity to create unique works of art and furniture. Or, how about working for NASCAR? Motorsports teams employ welders to put their awesome machines together again after a mishap on the track. And what about underwater welding fixing huge ocean-going vessels? These opportunities will be physically demanding but also rewarding on so many levels. 

Welders learn their trade at a trade school or community college. Earning a certificate or diploma can take between three weeks to 18 months to finish. Lincoln Tech offers a 10-month course where trainees can practice welding techniques such as gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding.

A welder will commonly earn around $45,000 annually, but that rate escalates with experience. Specialty welders like underwater welders can make a cool $200,000 annually.

Elevator mechanic

This is a great skilled trade to master. Elevator mechanics service, maintain and install two types of elevators: traction and hydraulic. Traction is more for buildings over six floors and hydraulic elevators are for buildings that are up to five floors. They also deal with escalators, motor walkways, and other types of electric lifts. Elevator mechanics tend to specialize in repair, installation, or maintenance of elevators.

There are no formal study opportunities to become an elevator technician. The training is done through an apprenticeship with apprentices working under an experienced elevator mechanic. Industry associations, and unions also offer training opportunities.

The length of study varies depending on where you do it. It usually coincides with a full-time job or apprenticeship, so it can take years. The average elevator technician salary in the United States is between $62,901 and $93,801.

It is expected that demand for this skilled trade will continue to grow as population growth requires the expansion of infrastructure.

Robotics technician

This is a skills trade for people who want to be ready for the future. Robotics technicians install, fix, operate, test, maintain and upgrade robots. They assemble robotics equipment using diagrams, blueprints, and schematics, and test, maintain and repair robotic equipment in manufacturing facilities and factories.

While robots are increasingly taking over repetitive and dangerous tasks, humans are still needed to service them. This is a brand new area of work for people who are mechanically minded.

Trade schools offer certificate and diploma programs for people to become robotic technicians. People can also prepare for this skilled trade by doing a program at a robotics institute, which takes around two years to complete.

The demand for these kinds of jobs will only increase as technology evolves and the world increasingly depends more on automotive technologies.

Robotics technicians earn an above-average income. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the starting salary is $44,400, with the average being $56,670. Those with many years of experience can expect to earn $79,030. With this qualification, people will easily find a job in the future.

Many employment websites list electrician and elevator mechanic among the highest-paid trade jobs. Others that are consistently mentioned, include electronics engineering technicians, boilermakers, dental hygienists, electric linemen, and plumbers. The following are three high-paying trade jobs that you don’t need a degree for.

HVAC technician

HVAC technicians know how to deal with various heating and cooling systems, including refrigeration, heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. They can install, repair, and maintain all of these systems or they can specialize in installations, servicing, or repairing. They can also decide to focus on residential projects or large industrial projects. 

It is possible to prepare for this occupation through on-the-job training as an apprentice or a certificate program. However,  advancements in technology mean that those who do an associate degree program will excel in this trade.

The prospects for this trade are promising, According to the BLS, employment in this industry is projected to grow 15 percent from 2016 to 2026. Especially technicians that specialize in cooling systems should always be able to find a position as global warming continues. 

According to Ziprecruiter, salaries for HVAC technicians range between $45,500 and $79,000 annually. The average pay is $50,590 per year. 

Aircraft Mechanic

This is an excellent trade job career for people who are mechanically minded, and if you have a love for aircraft this can be your dream job. Apart from being a well-paid job, it also offers above-average job growth and stability.

To become an aircraft mechanic, you have to attend a tech school approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FFA)l. 

According to the BLS, the average earnings for aircraft mechanics is $66,440 per year. However, salaries can go up to between $80,420 and $104,059 for mechanics working on jets. As you can see, this is a worthwhile trade to learn, which is guaranteed to help those who qualify find a rewarding position. 

Plumber

This is one of the highest-paying skilled trade jobs in the USA. There is always a need for plumbing skills. Anyone who has ever had a blocked toilet over a weekend can attest to this. Plumbers are in high demand for emergency calls for repairs, and new plumbing installations.

To become a plumber, you can enroll in vocational school during high school and then proceed to on-the-job training. You can also attend a vocational school that leads to a state license.

According to the US Dept of Labor Statistics, plumbers earn  $56,330 on average. According to ZipRecruiter, the salaries for a residential plumber ranges between  $45,000 and $82,500 per year, with master plumbers earning up to $78,000 per year.

Out-dated perceptions

It is not easy to be sure about what career path to choose these days. Most parents encourage their children to excel in their academic studies so they can attend university and pursue a profession with high earning potential. The result is that degrees and even doctorates are a dime a dozen with competition for jobs getting beyond fever pitch. 

In the meantime, trade school programs, the many useful programs they offer, and skilled trade jobs are largely ignored, partly because there’s a stigma attached to doing a trade and not pursuing tertiary education. 

In fact, research by Black & Decker has found that

• Young people underestimate the income potential for a skilled trade career – yet in reality, half of the current skilled trade workers with less than 10 years of experience start at $50,000 

• Most young people have outdated perceptions of the trades – they don’t realize that 89% of workers are engaged with cutting-edge technology   

• Fifty-eight percent of young people have never talked meaningfully to a skilled trades professional about career opportunities

Training for a modern trade is a smart career choice

The research confirmed that skilled trade jobs are in high demand. Those deciding on a career or thinking about changing their current job would do well to consider learning a trade.

A job search can take many months. One way to find a job is to network and spread the word that you’re looking for employment. You never know on whose ears your words fall.