Benefits of Choosing a Trade Over Traditional College

Choosing a trade over college can have several benefits, depending on individual goals, career interests, and financial circumstances. I know it’s weird to hear something like this from a college educator, but I firmly believe that not everyone is cut out for college. In fact, I know several people who went back to trade school after getting a college education. And the income potential certainly makes choosing a trade an attractive alternative. Here are some key advantages of choosing a trade school:

Why choosing a trade makes sense

Lower cost of education

Trade schools typically have much lower tuition costs than four-year colleges and universities. You can often complete a trade program for a fraction of the price of a bachelor’s degree because you can finish faster. And, with college tuition costs rising faster than inflation, trade school makes a lot of sense.

With lower tuition costs and shorter programs, students don’t accumulate the massive debt many college grads face. This debt can keep them from finding affordable housing or starting a family as they struggle with high repayment costs.

Shorter training period

Trade programs usually take six months to two years to complete, which means you’re out earning money while the college student is still paying tuition. Also, it’s much easier to find a job in the trades because there’s a high demand for tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders. Many of these roles are less likely to be outsourced or turned over to automation because the work must be done on-site and is often highly customized.

Some trades offer competitive wages, especially as demand for skilled labor grows. Experienced tradespeople can earn salaries comparable to or even exceeding those of many college graduates. The average wage for a tradesperson is over $19/ hour, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with some workers earning over $24/ hour.

Hands-on learning

Not everyone wants to spend endless hours sitting at a desk. Instead, they’d rather get their hands dirty to learn something. That also translates to a job after school, so choosing a trade makes a lot of sense if you don’t want to spend your working hours in an office.

Trade schools focus on teaching practical, hands-on skills that are directly applicable to the job. This can be advantageous for individuals who prefer a more tactile learning experience. Trade programs commonly include preparation for industry certifications and licenses, which can enhance job prospects and earning potential.

Opportunities for entrepreneurship

Many trades offer the potential to start your own business, providing more control over your career and income. For example, electricians, plumbers, and mechanics can set up their own shops or service companies. With the global welding market expected to grow to a whopping $34.18 billion by 2030, there’s no better time than now to channel your skills into this demanding field.

Skilled trades offer the flexibility to work independently, join a company, or even transition into teaching or consulting roles. By running your own business, you ensure you retain the product of your efforts. As your business grows, you have nearly unlimited potential for growth if you’re interested in leading a team rather than working solo.

Job placement assistance

Many trade schools have strong connections with local businesses and offer job placement assistance, helping graduates find employment quickly after completing their training. They also offer apprenticeships that provide valuable on-the-job training and experience while earning a wage.

While choosing a trade has many benefits, it’s also important to consider negative factors about this job choice.

The downside of choosing a trade

Safety

Above all, safety is paramount in a trade, and it’s your job to provide a safe working environment for yourself and your staff (as you expand). A vital part of this in welding trades, for instance, is equipping everyone with the right gear: high-quality welding helmets, heavy-duty gloves, and welding boots with steel toecaps are a must.

Ventilation and air quality are also significant considerations, so you need to think very carefully about how the work site is planned out (where the fire exits are, how flammable areas are guarded, and so on). Of course, electricity is another factor: you’re in charge of ensuring that many pieces of high-voltage electrical equipment are maintained and tested regularly. In the plumbing trades, avoiding electricity and water, which are a dangerous combination, is a crucial element in ensuring everyone is safe.

Managing the business aspects

Since many tradespeople end up running their own businesses, you must spend time learning business skills or hiring someone with these skills, which reduces your income. You must develop skills in setting your business strategy, such as building a business plan. It’s not just about having a good strategy  – it’s also about constantly reminding yourself of it. Given all the complicated things you have to deal with throughout the day, it can be easy to lose sight of the bigger picture; taking care to remember why you do what you do – and instilling that feeling in your staff – keeps the place well-oiled.

You’re also in charge of marketing your business, as the folks who need your services must first learn your company exists and then become convinced that you can do the job well. Since many companies in the trades are local, Google My Business is essential. This free tool allows you to share ratings and reviews, images of your work, and information that might convince a homeowner or small business to hire you.

Next, you need some financial background, or you’ll have to hire an accountant to handle billing and taxes and produce reports. You will have to understand some aspects of accounting, however, to create estimates that ensure you make a profit from each job. Making sound, educated decisions about budgeting for materials, as well as negotiating with the wide range of suppliers you’ll find yourself dealing with, is one of the most fundamentally important (and challenging) parts of a business like this.

Finally, you need project management skills to keep jobs on track and finish when promised. That means coordinating material deliveries, organizing your labor force, and scheduling the work efficiently.

Physicality

By their very nature, trade jobs put a strain on your body. Whether it’s lifting materials over and over, bending to install a new faucet, or other repetitive actions, you wear out your joints and muscles. Over time, you may find you can’t get as much done in a day or require more time off between jobs, which reduces your income. You may even find you must stop working entirely before you reach full retirement age if your work is very physical.

Conclusion

You must weigh the benefits and drawbacks to determine if choosing a trade is the right decision for you. I hope this post helps you make that decision.

Need marketing help to support business growth?

We welcome the opportunity to show you how we can make your marketing SIZZLE with our data-driven, results-oriented marketing strategies.  Sign up for our FREE newsletter, get our FREE guide to creating an awesome website, or contact us for more information on hiring us.

Hausman and Associates, the publisher of MKT Maven, is a full-service marketing agency operating at the intersection of marketing and digital media. Check out our full range of services.