Would you be surprised to learn that even with the state of today's economy and massive unemployment rates in so many industries, there are labor shortages? It's true. Right now workers in skilled trades are in high-demand. Careers like plumbing, pipefitting, electrical and carpentry have lost workers in great numbers due in large part to baby boomer workers approaching retirement age. Why the shortage of skilled workers? A major reason skilled trades are often overlooked as career options are the long-standing stigma attached to blue-collar work. There is a perception that skilled trades offer less status, less money and opportunity for career advancement than white-collar jobs and that a 4-year college is better than trade career training at a trade school. Not so!
According to the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the U.S. and Canada, journeyman plumbers (a person who's completed their apprenticeship) could make about $30 an hour during a 35-hour workweek.
That's roughly $ 1,050 dollars a week before taxes. Workers 25 and older with just a bachelor's degree made an average income of about $999 a week according to the U.S. Labor Department's 2008 income data.
Get Skilled Trade Training
If you are mechanically inclined, enjoy complex technology and love working with your hands, then skilled craftwork could be right up your alley. There are many options to help you get the skills and training you'll need to be successful. Online career schools are perfect for the working adult. Earning a career diploma online is flexible, allowing students to work at their own pace. Also, many online career schools are far more affordable than traditional brick and mortar colleges and universities making them a win-win for the working student returning to school.
Careers in skilled trades have great benefits including:
High Earning Potential
Skilled trades are in high-demand now but as Boomers retire and the economy picks up, the demand for skilled workers will be even higher as the building trades begin to grow again. Having a degree from an accredited online skilled trade program is key to tapping into. Depending on the trade, level of skill and years of experience, a skilled worker is more likely to make higher wages and get higher and more frequent raises than unskilled workers.
Earn while you Work - Apprenticeship Programs
In addition to a skilled trade program or classroom training, some skilled trades require apprenticeships (about 4-5 years) that give you hands-on work experience. Apprenticeships allow you to work and earn an income while you learn your craft. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, apprentices make about half as much as the experienced workers training them. So if you are a plumbing apprentice and your trainer is a master plumber, he or she can make as much $76,960 a year and that means you'd make about $38,480 a year while you learn.
Career Advancement Opportunities
The opportunities for skilled tradesmen to advance are high. You can use your skills in other emerging industries such as Energy, which have a high demand for skilled workers like plumbers, electricians, pipe fitters, steamfitters and more or you can start your own business.
The Power of Union Membership
Unions have the power of collective bargaining to negotiate contracts that help skilled tradesman maintain solid wages, benefits and rights. Most unions like the IBEW offer apprenticeship programs and continuing education programs for all their members. And, continuing education courses are often little to no cost for members.
Whether you are a recent graduate or you've been in the workforce a while, if you are interested in a career in the skilled trades think about continuing your education in an online skilled trade program or contact a trade union to learn more about apprenticeship programs.
Michelle Jones is a copywriter for Ashworth College. Visit http://www.ashworthcollege.com today to learn more about Skilled Trade career training.
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