Skilled tradesmen and women are essential workers that build America and keep it running strong. If you like solving problems, helping people, and creating things, you may find a job in the skilled trades to be a rewarding career.
Consider these reasons that skilled trades make great careers:
1. You Can Enter the Field Quickly
Many programs, such as HVAC, can take about a year of instruction to complete, which means you can be on the path to finding an entry-level job quickly. Compare that to an associates or bachelor's degree which can take two to four years, or longer, depending on your schedule. In contrast, the skilled trades offer students an opportunity to enter the field quickly.
2. You Work with Your Hands
The classroom is just a part of your training. As a skilled trades student, you will get hands-on experience while you learn, with instruction from experienced professionals. You can apply for apprenticeships to gain more knowledge and, in many cases, get paid while you do so. By the time you land a job, you will likely have a variety of skills and experience to enter the field with confidence.
3. It is High Tech
The rapid advancement of technology continues to create new opportunities for those educated in the Skilled Trades. For example, wireless technology and the Internet of Things are increasingly connecting devices, including HVAC systems. As a skilled trades technician, you will work with smart features like sensors, timers, and self-regulating machinery that can generate predictive maintenance reports. Students who enter HVAC programs today will usually receive computerized diagnostics training to be able to service and repair today's complex systems. These jobs are a nice blend of hardware and software.
4. It is a Field that is In-demand
While salaries and available openings can vary based on your location, experience, and industry, careers in the skilled trades can offer a way to make a good living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for HVAC installers and mechanics are projected to grow 13 percent from 2018 to 2028. When you have a skill, you can go virtually anywhere and look for work.
When you learn a trade, you gain useful skills that people in today’s world need to keep things running smoothly. If you enjoy being out in the field and working with your hands, a job in the skilled trades might be a good fit for you. Fortis can help you get started. Visit our website for more information and to find a training program near you. Or, call 1-855-436-7847 to speak with a representative today.