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For those looking for a career change, the trades and construction industry offers promising opportunities. Not only are these jobs in high demand, but they also provide a stable income and the chance for entrepreneurship. In this article, we'll explore why choosing a trade or construction job could be the right move for you, as well as the fastest trades and construction jobs to learn.
Why choose a trade or construction job
Before we dive into the specific jobs, it's important to understand the benefits of working in the trades and construction industry. One major advantage is that these jobs offer stability and job security. Due to the aging workforce in this industry, there is an increasing demand for skilled workers, particularly in fields like plumbing, carpentry, welding, and HVAC. Additionally, the job growth potential in these fields is promising and can often lead to higher pay, greater job responsibilities, and opportunities for advancement.
Benefits of working in the trades and construction industry
Aside from job security and growth potential, there are several other benefits to working in the trades and construction industry. Firstly, these jobs offer the chance to be highly creative and hands-on. Whether you're working on a construction site, repairing electrical systems, or installing plumbing, these jobs require technical skills and attention to detail. Furthermore, these careers often offer flexibility in terms of scheduling and location, allowing workers to choose when and where they work.
Another benefit of working in the trades and construction industry is the opportunity to work on a variety of projects. From building new homes to restoring historic buildings, there is always something new and exciting to work on. This variety can help keep the job interesting and engaging, and can also allow workers to develop a wide range of skills and expertise.
Working in the trades and construction industry can also provide a sense of pride and accomplishment. Seeing a project come together from start to finish can be incredibly rewarding, and knowing that you played a part in creating something that will be used and enjoyed by others can be a great source of satisfaction.
Job security and growth potential
As previously mentioned, job security is one of the primary benefits of working in the trades and construction industry. These jobs are in high demand, and as the current workforce ages, there is a need for younger, skilled workers to replace them. This trend is particularly prevalent in fields like welding and HVAC, where the demand for skilled workers is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Additionally, the potential for job growth in these fields is promising, with opportunities for higher pay, greater job responsibilities, and advancements to supervisory or managerial roles.
Another factor contributing to job security in the trades and construction industry is the fact that these jobs cannot be outsourced. Unlike many other industries, construction and skilled trades work must be done on-site, which means that these jobs are less vulnerable to offshoring or automation.
Opportunities for entrepreneurship
Another benefit of working in the trades and construction industry is the potential for entrepreneurship. Many people who start out in these fields eventually go on to start their own businesses, either as contractors, electricians, or plumbers. This offers a great deal of opportunity for success and autonomy, as well as the ability to set your own hours, choose your own clients, and determine your own rates.
Starting your own business in the trades and construction industry can also provide a greater sense of control over your work and your career. You can choose the types of projects you work on, the people you work with, and the direction you want your business to take. This can be a great way to achieve financial independence and build a legacy for yourself and your family.
Fastest trade jobs to learn
Are you looking for a career change? Do you want to enter the workforce quickly, without spending years in school? If so, a trade job may be the perfect fit for you. Not only do trade jobs offer a quick path to employment, but they also provide competitive salaries and job security. Let's take a closer look at the fastest trades to learn.
Handyman / Craftsman
- Handyman careers are a great entry-level jobs to start making money quickly. Since handyman work scope can be limited and you do not typically need a contractor's license, you can get started quickly on a handful of tasks and learn on the job. You can begin with caulking, mounting shelves & TVs, fixing drywall and then graduate to more significant projects like hanging doors, basic electrical tasks and minor plumbing fixes.
- Handyman jobs expose you to many types of trades so you can get a sense of what jobs you like doing before picking a trade to go all in on.
- You can start relatively easily by helping neighbors with one off tasks on Nextdoor and Craigslist to make some summer cash and then move on to looking for full-time jobs through Classet. If you are interested in great handyman careers, check out Ace Handyman services, Goodsmith, or Honey Homes
Pest Control
- Pest Control companies typically have lots of great helper jobs to start on the job quickly. In most states, the license is held by the company owner, so you can start doing the tasks like sealing up holes, selling services, and helping professional technicians before needing to understand all the ins and outs of chemical usage. You can take classes online to get your license and learn about dangerous chemicals and how they can be applied safely.
- Be ready to crawl under the house, up on ladders and into attics. It goes without saying, but you must be comfortable with bugs and rodents for this career path to make sense
Electrician
- Electricians are always in high demand, particularly with the rise of smart home technology and renewable energy systems. While it can take an apprenticeship program or technical school training to become a licensed electrician, the time investment is worth it. In addition to a competitive salary, electricians also enjoy job security. After all, everyone needs electricity! The average electrician earns over $50,000 per year.
- Did you know that electricians also have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas? For example, some electricians focus on industrial work, while others prefer residential. Some electricians even specialize in installing and maintaining solar panels, a growing field in the renewable energy sector.
Plumber
- Plumbers are essential for maintaining and repairing pipes, fixtures, and appliances that rely on water. They also install new plumbing systems for construction projects. Many plumbing trade schools and apprenticeship programs offer certifications in less than two years, making it a great option for those who want to get started quickly. The average plumber earns around $50,000 per year.
- But being a plumber is more than just fixing leaky faucets. Plumbers also work on large-scale projects, such as installing plumbing systems in new buildings. They also have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as gas fitting or steam fitting.
HVAC technician
- HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They install, repair, and maintain these systems for residential and commercial clients. HVAC training can be completed in as little as six months, making it one of the fastest trades to learn. The average technician earns over $45,000 per year.
- With the growing focus on energy efficiency, HVAC technicians are in high demand. They have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge systems that use renewable energy sources, such as geothermal heating and cooling. They also play a crucial role in ensuring that buildings are safe and comfortable for occupants.
Welder
- Welders use high heat to join metal parts together, a skill that's in high demand for the manufacturing, construction, and transportation industries. Welding programs can be completed within a year, and the average welder earns over $40,000 per year.
- But welding is more than just joining two pieces of metal together. Welders also have the opportunity to work on large-scale projects, such as building bridges or ships. They can also specialize in certain types of welding, such as TIG or MIG welding.
Carpenter
- Carpenters work with wood and other materials to build, repair, and install structures like houses, buildings, and furniture. Training programs can take as little as six months to a year, making it one of the fastest trades to learn. The average carpenter earns around $46,000 per year.
- But being a carpenter is more than just building things out of wood. Carpenters also have the opportunity to work on large-scale projects, such as building skyscrapers or stadiums. They can also specialize in certain areas, such as finish carpentry or cabinetmaking.
So there you have it – five of the fastest trades to learn. Whether you're interested in working with your hands, enjoy problem-solving, or want to work in a growing field, there's a trade job out there for you.
Fastest construction jobs to learn
Construction is a booming industry that offers a wide range of job opportunities. While some construction jobs require years of training and education, there are several jobs that can be learned quickly, making them an excellent choice for those who want to get started in the industry as soon as possible. Here are five construction jobs that offer a fast path to employment:
Construction laborer
- Construction laborers are the backbone of any construction project. They work on construction sites, doing everything from digging trenches and grading land to setting up scaffolding and cleaning up debris. This job requires physical strength and stamina, but no formal education or training is required. If you're willing to work hard and learn on the job, you can become a construction laborer in no time. The average construction laborer earns around $36,000 per year.
Heavy equipment operator
- Heavy equipment operators work with machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators to move materials and build structures. This job requires specialized training, but some programs offer certifications in as little as three months. On-the-job training is also common, so you can learn while you earn. The average heavy equipment operator earns over $49,000 per year.
Mason
- Masons use bricks, concrete blocks, and other materials to build walls, fences, and other structures. This job requires some training, but masonry training programs can take as little as six months to a year. You'll learn the skills you need to succeed, including how to mix and apply mortar, lay bricks and blocks, and read blueprints. The average mason earns around $42,000 per year.
Painter
- Painters prepare surfaces and apply paint to buildings, bridges, and other structures. While no formal education is required, some painters complete apprenticeships or vocational programs to learn the trade. You'll learn how to prep surfaces, choose the right paint, and apply it evenly for a professional finish. The average painter earns around $38,000 per year.
Roofer
- Roofers repair and install roofs on buildings. This job can be physically demanding, but it requires only a high school diploma or equivalent. On-the-job training is often provided, so you can learn the skills you need to succeed. You'll learn how to measure and cut roofing materials, install shingles and tiles, and repair leaks. The average roofer earns over $44,000 per year.
Whether you're looking for a career change or just starting out in the workforce, the construction industry has plenty of opportunities for those willing to work hard and learn. With these fast-track jobs, you can get started in the industry and start earning a good salary in no time.
Conclusion
Choosing a trade and construction career can provide a path to job security, growth potential, and even entrepreneurship. By exploring the fastest trades and construction jobs to learn, you can find a job that offers a quick path to employment and a promising future. With so many options available, there's never been a better time to start your journey in the trades and construction industry.
