Education Requirements for the Skilled Trades
Adult Education in Vocation or Trade School Brings Good Pay and Work
Apr 6, 2009
One industry facing a critical shortage of workers is the construction industry. The average construction worker is in the mid-forties and unless more young adults enter this industry, the construction will slow dramatically. This is an industry where basic and advanced knowledge and skills are passed down through on-the-job training, after completion of trade school education, which means adults must enter this industry in their late teens or early twenties.
The cause for the shortage stems from the technological society the United States has evolved to become. Most high school graduates want to go or pressured into college to earn a degree in the computer technology industry or similar field. However, everyone is not cut out to become a technology specialist.
Unfortunately, when the realization that a technology career or similar career is not an option for many young adults, they have missed the opportunity to enter the construction industry. This typically brings about a missed opening to enter an industry where careers often lead to a comfortable upper middle class life.
Earnings Potential for Skilled Trades
The shortage of skilled workers is spread across the construction industry in careers such as carpenters, plumbers, stonemasons, electricians, cabinet makers, welders, and more. The pay for these careers is good for skilled workers.
The average salary for plumbers, electricians, stonemasons, etc. is in $45,000 a year (Salary.com, Average Skilled and Trades Job Salary Range and Skilled and Trades Pay Scale Report, 2009). This average salary can be reached in a relative short amount of time and the in some areas of the country, especially large metropolitan areas, the average salaries are higher.
Job Growth Outlook for Skilled Trades
It is estimated that there will be an 18 percent increase in jobs for plumbers from now through 2014. There is also expected to be an additional 14 percent increase in jobs for electricians, along with a 13 percent increase in jobs for carpenters and painters. If all the green initiatives proposed by the current presidency come to pass, the job growth outlook for all construction careers is expected to increase into the millions.
The largest increase in jobs is for heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) mechanics and installers; job growth is expected to rise by 27 percent by 2014 (Federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Handbook, 2008-2009).
Education Requirements for Skilled Trades
Most employers prefer workers who have completed a certified trade school program. These skilled trades programs typical lead to an Associate Degree in Applied Science in the area of concentration, i.e., plumbing, HVAC, electrician, carpentry, etc.
Students completing these programs are preferred over workers enrolled in apprenticeship programs. The advantage for graduates is earning a beginning pay scale higher than others coming out of apprenticeship programs or on-the-job training programs.
Course work in these programs is hands-on intensive, with less than 10 percent of course work completed in a classroom setting. The remaining amount of time is spent in laboratory and field work settings learning skills, techniques, and basic knowledge of the chosen career field. Completing an associate degree allows entry into the work force quickly, along with other reasons.
Continuing Education Requirements for Skilled Trades
Continuing education continues throughout a skilled workers career. Workers are expected to complete regular safety programs, materials installation techniques and practices, green technologies, manufacturer-specific training, and management training courses.
Most skilled trades require licensure to open a business or be the lead mechanic or installer on a job site. To earn a license in a specific career, continuing education courses are required and combined with a requisite number of years experience.
Paying for Skilled Trades Education
Students in certified trade and vocational schools are eligible to receive financial aid from federal sources and other free sources of free money to pay for their education.
Making Connections in the Skilled Trades
There is a high demand for skilled trade workers, along with the continuing increase in expected job growth, in this industry for employees who like to work with their hands. Entry education focuses primarily on the basic skills and techniques to enter the career, with most course time spent in laboratory settings. The job growth outlook is greater in this industry than most sectors, which leads long-term employment stability.
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