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Seven Myths About Skilled Trade Careers Debunked

May 13, 2022 | News

Aside from a lack of awareness about the many benefits of careers in construction, the skilled trades have also faced the challenge of a perception problem through the years.

When you hear “skilled trades,” what comes to mind? Unfortunately, many people believe that working in the trades means that an individual doesn’t have the grades, resources, or motivation to go to college. For decades, many parents and guidance counselors pushed the idea that to be successful, young people needed to pursue a college degree. Though this negative perception is incorrect, it has held many young people back from pursuing a rewarding career that doesn’t require a lifetime of student debt!

Today, with the cost of education and the enormous student debt problem, young people and their parents are taking more time to consider all their options. It’s time to start debunking some of the common myths about the building trades and educate young people about the many fulfilling career paths available to them!

Myth #1 – You Can’t Make Much Money

FACT: TRADE PROFESSIONALS OFTEN MAKE AS MUCH OR MORE THAN COLLEGE GRADUATES

Here are just a few examples of AVERAGE annual salaries in Pennsylvania:

Position
Annual Salary
First-Line Supervisors
$77,430
Brick Masons
$59,390
Tile/Stone Setters
$62,220
Electricians
$70,300
Plumbers
$62,040
Building Inspectors
$60,100
Carpenters
$55,850

Source: Occupational Employment Statistics (OES), Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.

It is important to note that the above averages are only averages! The earning potential for careers in the skilled trades is relatively high! Many tradespeople with expertise in their skillsets and an entrepreneurial spirit can start their own business and earn six figures. Of course, there are also opportunities to advance into management roles as well. Additionally, with the unprecedented current labor shortage, many companies offer sign-on bonuses and other incentives to ensure they fill these essential roles.

According to Stanley Black & Decker’s Makers Index, after five years, an individual who attends trade school and then starts working will be $140,000 ahead on average, compared to a student who attends a four-year college before joining the workforce.

This article details seven specific skilled trade careers that don’t require a college degree and the current salary ranges.

Myth #2 – Skilled Trade Jobs Don’t Require Intelligence.

FACT: MANY JOBS IN THE TRADES REQUIRE CREATIVITY, MATH, VARIOUS SOFT SKILLS, AND THE USE OF SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY.

Just because many careers in the construction trades do not require a college degree does not mean they do not need critical thinking. Depending on the role, trade jobs can require detailed knowledge, use of machinery, technology, etc. Even the roles that don’t require math skills, for example, do require a willingness to learn, creative thinking skills, people skills, and a solid work ethic, so the misconception that skilled trades jobs are just a “backup plan” is incorrect.

Myth #3 – Skilled Trade Jobs Are Seasonal

FACT: SKILLED TRADE PROS ARE IN HIGH DEMAND ALL YEAR ROUND, AND THE TRADES ARE MORE THAN A “JOB”. THE SKILLED TRADES ARE A TRUE CAREER PATH.

Ask anyone in or around the construction industry. There is a HUGE shortage of skilled tradespeople. There are an estimated 396,000 open positions right now, according to the National Association of Home Builders, and based on data from Generation T, there will be more than three million job openings in the skilled trades by 2028. There are undoubtedly part-time or seasonal opportunities, as with any profession, but the actual dilemma is that companies looking to hire full-time, permanent positions are struggling. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a better than average employment rate in the building trades through at least 2026. The only problem is there may not be enough workers to employ.

Myth #4 – Skilled Trade Jobs Are for Men

FACT: WOMEN NOW MAKE UP 10.9% OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, AND THE NUMBER CONTINUES TO CLIMB.

Historically, the construction industry has been male-dominated, but that is changing. Even as a minority, women are making a difference in construction and challenging stereotypes.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the pay gap in the construction industry is the lowest in any U.S. industry. AND, with the industry adding about 400,000 new jobs in the next eight years, that is a lot of opportunity for men and women!

Furthermore, hiring practices within the trades are changing to be more inclusive.

Myth #5 – Skilled Trade Jobs are Physically Demanding

FACT: MANY SKILLED TRADE JOBS REQUIRE PHYSICAL LABOR, WHILE OTHERS ARE MUCH LESS DEMANDING

Many trade jobs require physical labor, but physical work and not sitting in a cubicle every day is an advantage for many people. For anyone concerned about that aspect of the trades, keep in mind that there are hundreds of different opportunities and avenues in the industry. Roles in project or facility management, sales, department leads, design, and production management are just a few areas where you can leverage your skills and knowledge in a physically less intense position.

Myth #6 – There’s Little Opportunity for Advancement in the Skilled Trades

FACT: THERE’S PLENTY OF ROOM FOR ADVANCEMENT AND PAY RAISES IN THE TRADES

With literally hundreds of thousands of current job openings and hundreds of thousands more anticipated, there will also be growth opportunities. Organizations hiring skilled trade workers will also have a steady demand for managers, supervisors, etc. Often, companies will even provide on-the-job training to groom workers to take on higher-level roles or pay for certifications, specialized training, etc.

Myth #7 – Trade Jobs are Not Fulfilling

FACT: SKILLED TRADE JOBS ARE EXTREMELY IMPORTANT AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER SATISFACTION AND FULFILLMENT THAN IN MANY OTHER SETTINGS

Skilled trade jobs often deal with solving real-world problems and helping people. Many trade jobs will always be essential to living comfortably (for starters, think about your home’s plumbing, heating, cooling, etc.).

Additionally, skilled trade work is IMPORTANT. President Biden has called for at least $1.5 trillion for infrastructure construction to address the roads, highways, bridges, locks, damns, harbors, water systems, and airports that have been neglected or only somewhat repaired in the last twenty years.

With so many opportunities for fulfilling careers that offer job security and high growth and income potential, the skilled trade career path provides a valuable alternative to college and student debt. Ready to learn more about local opportunities for apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and more? Contact us today!

Related Articles:
10 Reasons Why Parents Should Advocate for Skilled Trades Careers
Local High School Students Connect with Employers During Construction Career Day Events
You Don’t Need a College Degree to Be Successful. Here are 7 Careers that Prove It.

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The YBA Workforce NOW Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization committed to growing our future workforce and connecting future skilled trade professionals with a lifetime of opportunities.

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Workforce NOW Board MemberLaurie Lourie

Company 
York Builders Association 

Position 
Executive Vice President 

How long have you been a YBA member?  
8 years as YBA Executive Vice President 

Involvement in YBA 
As Executive Vice President, I work closely with the York Builders Association Board of Directors on the strategic direction of the association, manage our talented team of employees, develop the culture of the organization, build relationships with YBA members, the community, and other stakeholders, identify potential sources of income and oversee income generating activities. Prior to my role with YBA, I served as Executive Vice President of the Wayne County Builders Association for 22 years. 

Why did you get involved with Workforce NOW?  
With direct experience working alongside members in the construction trades for three decades, I see first-hand how the lack of skilled workers impacts the ability to meet consumer demand, ultimately affecting our communities and the economy. I also see evidence of how successful and personally rewarding a career in the skilled trades can be. I am committed to generating awareness about the benefits of working in the skilled trades and inspiring more young people to consider the construction trades as a career path. 

Workforce NOW SecretaryEd Hesson

Company
Traditions Bank 

Position
Business Services Partner.  Commercial lending, deposits, and other business products and services. 

How long have you been a YBA member?
16 years 

Involvement in YBA
Previously served on the Workforce Committee 

Why did you get involved with Workforce NOW?
To educate younger generations about the importance of the trades and the viability of a career in the skilled trades. 

Other Community Involvement
Finance Committee & Board Member (York Day Nursery), Finance Committee & Board Member (DreamWrights Youth & Family Theatre) 

Workforce NOW TreasurerMichael Lohss, Jr.

Company 
Regal, Inc. - Plumbing, HVAC & Home Automation 

Position 
General Manager - Running day-to-day operations, building/developing business strategy, and assisting other managers in developing and growing their team. 

How long have you been a YBA member? 
38 years 

Involvement in YBA
Vice President of the York Builders Association, Chair of Workforce NOW Committee 

Why did you get involved with Workforce NOW?
As a mechanical contractor that is directly affected by the labor shortage, I am very passionate about developing our youth. I see and feel the impact of what's happening to our trades locally, let alone in America. I chose to partner with the York Builders Association and the Workforce NOW Foundation due to their direct contact with the premier builder and associate members locally that are also directly affected by this. By working together, we can achieve an outcome to boost our local economy and help spread the message that college isn't for everyone and that a career in the trades can be just as valuable, if not more valuable, than earning a college degree. 

Workforce NOW Vice PresidentWilliam Rickard

Company
Eastern York High School

Position
Principal

How long have you been a YBA member?
2 years

Involvement in YBA
Workforce NOW Committee

Why did you get involved with Workforce NOW?
To help our students connect with the construction trades workforce.

Workforce NOW PresidentShonna Cardello, NTP

Company
White Rose Settlement Services Inc.

Position
President of White Rose Settlement Services and a founding partner when the company opened in July 1996.

How long have you been a YBA member?

22 years

Involvement in YBA

Board of Directors (Life Director), 2019 Board President, Women’s’ Council of the York County Builders Association, Marketing Committee, Workforce NOW Committee

Why did you get involved with Workforce NOW?
Working directly with the Builders and trades within the YBA has opened my eyes to the dire need for skilled tradesman.  We are all part of the same team and when one team member needs help, we all pitch in.  The idea to start a program came from necessity.   Our industry is aging and we need younger skilled tradesman.  It was a simple endeavor for me to support and become involved in the Workforce NOW initiative.  I look forward to continuing to promote this amazing Foundation!

Other Community Involvement
Shonna Stock Cardello is the President of White Rose Settlement Services and Inch Settlement Services LLC and a founding partner with the companies. She is a licensed title agent and has earned the designation of Certified Land Title Professional and in 2015 was awarded the National Title Professional designation by the American Land Title Association (ALTA).   She is a Life Director of the Pennsylvania Builders Association and a Past President of the York Builders Association.  Ms. Cardello was President during the Charter Year of the Women’s’ Council of the York County Builders Association.  Shonna currently is a TIPAC Board of Director for ALTA and is the Pennsylvania Trustee, and serves on the Title Action Network (TAN) and Government Affairs committees for ALTA. Shonna serves, and has served, on many committees for the Realtors Association of York and Adams Counties (RAYAC) and the Pennsylvania Land Title Association.

Staff LiaisonMelissa Longenberger

Melissa Longenberger leads the Foundation’s efforts to advance awareness about the skilled trades as a rewarding career path and build connections throughout the community with local organizations, educators, school administrators, employers, and more. She also oversees the Foundation’s efforts to develop resources and programs supporting the mission to empower more students and build our future workforce. In her role as staff liaison, Melissa works closely with the YBA Workforce NOW Board of Directors. 

Melissa Longenberger is currently the Vice President of Member Relations for the York Builders Association, where she’s served in a membership role since 2015. Melissa has been at the forefront of the Workforce NOW initiative, including spearheading its inception in 2018.