You may be aware of the skilled tradesperson shortage in the USA. What you might not be aware of is the severity, which has reached such a point that Home Depot, a private business, have donated $50m to train tradespeople. There is a huge, open market crying out for workers – so, have you considered that your career could be in skilled labor? There are vacancies in the construction industry, home repair, masonry and more. Starting your own business could be an excellent venture and here’s why.
The benefits of being a tradesperson
The term ‘tradesperson’ encompasses a huge range of professions across three sectors – construction, industrial and service. Roles range from hairdressers through to airline pilots, and are typically defined as vocations requiring experience but not a bachelors degree. This is one of the first major bonuses of a skilled trade – college is often optional, according to an NPR report. Then, despite the lack of a need for a bachelor’s degree, salaries are typically very good, paying anywhere from $42,000 for builders providing building services in Philadelphia to $50,000 for ironworkers in Seattle. Entry salaries are good, you will be burdened with a minimum of debt, and as your reputation grows so will your earnings. To be truly financially independent, it’s helpful to set up a business.
Benefiting as a business
Businesses are largely in good stead to prosper throughout the next couple of years and the legislative changes that will accompany them. The new tax bill will allow small businesses to deduct 23%, lowering their tax, according to CNBC. With the assistance of a financial professional, you can often make a business far more efficient in terms of your earnings than simply earning a salary. Having your own business also allows you to pursue contracts in your own right and work on your own terms, which is a freedom many 9-5 workers and big institutional employees do not enjoy.
Security of employment
The trade skill market is, as outlined above, vastly under resourced, and that’s the first benefit to take from working in the industry – it’s more than likely that you will find work from the get go. However, it’s also worth noting that trade skills cannot, by and large, be outsourced. Unlike digital skills where the best worker can be hired regardless of their geographical location, you cannot outsource a physical, in-place job. On that account, there will always be a demand for your skills if you keep them up to date.
How to become a tradesperson
If you feel like the career path is for you, there are a few ways to get started. If you have money in the bank, joining a trade school and learning your craft that way is the classic and most well-trodden path. It will also provide you with relatively quick and demonstrable credentials. There is also the Department of Labor apprenticeship scheme which is open to all ages, not just the young, and will equip you with the on-the-job training so sorely required by the roles as they come.
In an era dominated by digital technology and escapism, it can be easy to forget that behind every piece of work there is a manual laborer doing a good job. These tradespeople are the lifeblood of many jobs and they are overworked. You could earn well, develop your own business and enjoy a great quality of life if you feel the role is for you.
