College isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. There are many different blue-collar jobs that continue to grow and pay well. Opting out of college to pursue a trade comes with many benefits, like avoiding massive amounts of debt and being immersed in the job field sooner rather than later. If you’re not convinced you should pursue a traditional degree, read through these different types of trades to consider pursuing. You may come across the job of your dreams.
HVAC Technician
The field of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is promising. As long as people continue to live in houses and continue to occupy buildings that use industrial air, you’re going to be employed. With no end in sight, becoming an HVAC technician is a great alternative to traditional college—not only for economic reasons but also because of how beneficial your knowledge of HVAC systems will be toward your future home ownership.
Electrician
Being an electrician is just as beneficial. It will have you prepared for any electrical problems your home may encounter. It’s also a well-paying career that comes with many benefits aside from basic electrical know-how. Electricians are employed for new home construction. Being an electrician, you will get a lot of hands-on experience in fields outside of your current employment.
Welder
Welding is a field that will always be looking for new waves of people to hire. This is because welders are needed in every field imaginable. The trade is utilized across multiple industries that make up the American economy. From cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and even our country’s military, welding plays a significant role because manufacturing techniques are heavily interconnected.
If you choose to pursue this trade, keep in mind there are many different welding processes that exist. Do your research on them to get an idea if welding would be a good fit for you.
Construction Worker
When it comes to trades, construction work is probably the first thing that comes to mind. This is because the benefits of working in construction have been known for a long time. Besides the great pay, construction workers sometimes work seasonally. This means more time for you to spend at home with your family.
Now that you’ve read through the different types of trades to consider pursuing, do your research. Look at your local trade programs. Take some time to conduct a job search using the trades that interest you. This will help you figure out the right fit and give you an idea of the opportunities that await you.
