Trade jobs have been the pillar of the country's economy since the dawn of time. While white-collar jobs often get much of the attention, blue-collar trades like mechanics, plumbers, welders, and electricians are arguably the real backbone of society. That’s not hyperbole.
Despite the significance of the trades, many common myths discourage people, particularly young people, from following this career path.
Here are five commonly believed misconceptions about trade jobs that’ll help you understand how essential they are.
1. Trade Jobs Don't Pay Well
A common belief is that people working in trade have low salaries. The truth is quite different, since trades provide highly paid jobs that compete with some white-collar jobs.
First off, earnings in the trades increase as workers gain experience or earn certifications. It’s now easier than ever to boost one’s skillset through online trade certifications.
Also, many employers offer attractive compensation packages to electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders because there is a shortage of such professionals on the market.
Another point worth considering is that many tradespersons make extra money by, among other things, starting their own businesses or taking on projects outside of their main jobs. There’s also the possibility to earn while you learn through paid internships and apprenticeships.
Given that trades offer the opportunity to work while training, with no associated study costs, the financial situation is favorable.
2. You Need a College Degree to Be Successful
It should be clear by now that you don’t need a college degree to build a successful career. Sure, some professions require degrees, but many don’t.
Trades don’t require college degrees that drain your wallet and leave you in financial bondage -- think heavy debt albatross -- for years or even decades. What’s more, most people who work in this sphere have less student debt than other individuals. It should be mentioned that success in the trades is measured by skills and experience, not necessarily by diplomas and degrees.
3. Trade Work Is Suitable Only for People Who Aren't "Academic" Material
It’s widely believed that jobs in the trades don’t necessarily require special intelligence and are only appropriate for people who have difficulties with academic settings like college or university.
However, the trades require a high level of technical knowledge and problem-solving ability. For example, electricians deal with complicated electrical wiring diagrams, mechanics must diagnose problems with engines and transmissions, and welders require the ability to make precise measurements and handle metals correctly.
4. Trade Jobs Are Always Dirty and Unpleasant
For whatever reason, there’s also a myth that people in the trades don’t actually like their lines of work because of dirtiness, physical labor, or unpleasant conditions at the workplace.
It’s true that some trade jobs require workers to roll up their sleeves and get down to business, but it’s also important to consider various factors that improve working conditions.
For example, HVAC technicians and electricians work in protective clothes and use modern equipment that requires less physical labor and more skill. It’s also true that some tradesmen prefer manual labor to sitting at a desk in a small cubicle the whole day.
5. Trade Jobs Don't Offer Career Advancement
Some people erroneously believe that trade jobs are dead-end positions because they don’t offer opportunities for career development.
The reality is that the trades offer plenty of opportunities for career development and advancement. It’s possible, for instance, to become a supervisor of tradesmen, open a shop, start teaching in colleges, and much more.
Furthermore, the trades are characterized by steady employment opportunities that don’t depend on the economic environment since there’s always a demand for trade work.
The important role of trade jobs is hard to deny. Skilled people who work in this sphere are necessary because many things in society would come to a grinding halt without them.
Unfortunately, negative stereotypes keep some from exploring the trades -- even though jobs in the space can offer long-term career opportunities that are financially and personally rewarding.
So, when looking at blue-collar jobs, it’s worth understanding what the facts are and what they are not.
