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Have You Considered a Career in the Trades?

banner-with-construction-workers-hand-holding-blueprints-and-hard-hatGrowing up, we’re often asked what we want to do when we get older. Common answers involve doctors, lawyers, and even CEO’s. Rarely are we led to pursue jobs such as becoming a tradesperson—that is, an individual who works in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical service. You may be surprised to find, however, that these are all very rewarding career paths, both in terms of finances and the feeling of a job well done.

A few years back, Mike Rowe—creator of Dirty Jobs and Somebody’s Gotta Do It—was interviewed in the HVACRBusiness magazine to discuss the labor shortage and lack of focus on the trades, which has improved but is still a struggle today. But it’s not for lack of opportunity. As Rowe discusses, there is a lot of focus put on a formal education, and therefore many individuals coming out of high school assume that’s the direction they need to go, and may not ever even consider trade school, and pursuing a career as a service technician, as an option.

Benefits of Pursuing a Career in the Trades

There are a number of advantages to pursuing a career in the trades, including:

  • Trade school is more affordable and shorter than traditional college—it’s even more affordable than most community colleges. You’ll save on tuition, receive real hands-on training, and be able to start making money sooner than you would have otherwise in your career of choice.
  • Trade jobs pay well. The concern over compensation is a valid one. When you go to a traditional college, you’re often saddled with student loan debt without the promise of finding a job right away that will help you start chipping away at it. With the average skilled trades job paying almost $5 more an hour that your typical administrative or office job from the start, and lower tuition to pay back, you’ll be on your way to a lucrative career.
  • You have job security. Skilled trades can’t be outsourced! People will always need electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
  • There is job availability. As we stated above, there is no lack of opportunity for skilled tradespeople. In fact, here at ACI Northwest, we currently have several available positions.

To learn more about the benefits of trades jobs, how to start a career in the trades, and what it’s like to work for ACI Northwest, visit our career page or give us a call today! We offer top pay and a full benefits package.

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