Celebrate National Tradesman Day by considering a career in home services

As we take some time on Sept. 17 to celebrate National Tradesman Day, we should also reflect on what it means to work as a skilled tradesman and why it’s a career with considering.

What would life be like without the men and women who fix our leaky sinks or ensure our heating or air conditioning works properly during the hottest and coldest times of the year?

While many people believe a college education is necessary for a stable and lucrative career, it’s not always required to earn a good living.

As a skilled trade expert, you can earn the same pay and benefits as a white-collar professional with an office job.

Here are some reasons why you should consider a career in the trades:

1. It’s less expensive than college. A lot of people can’t even consider college because of the high price tag, but an associate’s degree at a trade school or community college is far more affordable. You won’t have to start your career with a lot of student loan debt – if any at all – and you can get started on your career in half the time.
2. You gain experience quickly. College graduates don’t always have a lot of real-world experience which can make their first few years on the job stressful. With a skilled trades degree, you are taught the profession by working on real projects.
3. The pay is actually very good. Entry level sheet metal workers make an average of $52,100 a year, for example, while a master tradesman can demand even more. Compare this to the average college graduate who earns less than $50,000 starting out and still has to tackle loans.
4. There are always jobs. When the plumbing needs to be repaired or the air conditioner needs to be fixed, these jobs aren’t outsourced overseas. They have to be done right in your city or your state. Because professional tradesmen are always in demand, you can usually find a job anywhere you want to live.
5. You get to do something you’re good at. Are you technically savvy and excel at active work? Why earn $40,000 sitting in an office doing a job you hate when you can work toward earning $100,000 working with your hands, if that’s your talent?

A country could have tons of resources with fine homes and good jobs, but, without someone to ensure the homes and offices  – and the systems within them – are taken care of, the value diminishes. Without skilled trade workers, no nation can build up and maintain its viability. 

So, on Sept. 17, your Roanoke HVAC specialists at Southern Trust encourage you to thank your local plumber, carpenter, electrician or HVAC repairman for their hard work and achievement, and then encourage your kids to consider a career in the skilled trades industry.

And, if the skill tradesmen at Southern Trust Home Services can help you with any plumbing, electrical or HVAC issue you may be having, give us a call at [hls_phone_number].