Exploring Non-College Trade Job Options After High School
Trades offer many great benefits, including the potential for high earnings and job security. It’s important to do your research and find the trade job that is a good fit for you. Talk to trusted adults or a career advisor to learn more about the different trade options. Passion and hard work are two must-haves for any job but especially a trade job! High school graduates today have a plethora of career paths they can explore.
For those who want to dive into something that is rewarding and offers stability, trade jobs may be the ideal choice. Whether it’s plumbing, electrician, or construction work, trade jobs provide an excellent opportunity for young adults to put their skills to use and begin building a successful career. Trade jobs offer competitive wages, benefits packages, and room for career growth. Plus, they don’t require years of costly education – just training on the job. And there is always a need for skilled workers in these fields, so once you have the right qualifications it won’t be hard to find steady employment. So why not make yourself marketable right out of high school by pursuing a trade? It could be your key to a bright future!
What are the Different Career Opportunities for a Trade Job:
If you’re looking for an exciting career with a lot of different directions to explore, consider one of these trade jobs! From electricians and carpenters to plumbers and HVAC technicians – there are numerous trades out there where you could get started right after high school graduation.
High school graduates are starting out on an exciting journey as they enter into the world of adulting. Luckily, there are trades that offer a great opportunity to acquire a meaningful career quickly and efficiently. Here are the top five trade jobs for high school grads looking to jump-start their future:
Plumber
First up is plumbing. Being a plumber is not an easy job – for those who excel in this field, that means trade job security! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for plumbers in 2015 was $50,200. There are many plumbing companies that will hire folks with only a high school diploma. However, many employers prefer individuals who have completed an apprenticeship program. With excellent customer service skills and basic plumbing knowledge, you’ll be ready in no time!
Electrician
An electrician is another top trade job for high school grads. Electricians work with various electrical systems from residential projects to large industrial sites. According to the BLS, electricians earned a median annual wage of $51,450 in 2015.
HVAC Technician
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) technicians maintain and install heating and cooling systems. They also work with refrigeration systems that may be used in commercial buildings or to cool large warehouses. They also install of equipment such as furnaces, boilers, air conditioners, and refrigerators.
Welder
Welders are the backbone of the manufacturing industry. Welders help build, assemble, and repair metal products, using cutting-edge technology. They can work in a factory or an office building – their trade job duties are very similar no matter where they work! They help construct, test, and repair products or machinery in a manufacturing setting. Welders use many different types of welding processes to fuse metal parts together. They also must have knowledge of the properties of various metals and how they react under extreme heat.
Mechanic
Mechanics are a crucial part of any manufacturing company. Mechanics work with machines in various industries like automotive, transportation, shipbuilding, and heavy construction. They fix machines of all sizes and complexity. Some mechanics specialize in one area, while others work on a variety of machinery.
Final Thoughts on a Trade Job for High School Graduates:
High school graduates have an abundance of career options to explore. From entrepreneurs to trades, the possibilities are endless. The top 5 trades for high school graduates are a great starting point. Electricians, plumbers, welders, and HVAC technicians can all find rewarding and lucrative careers. While mechanics can use their skills to maintain different types of vehicles. With the right training, every trade job is a viable option for entrepreneurial-minded high school graduates. So why wait?
21 Comments
Rosie
Truly helpful post, especially to those looking for a right vocation to get into. And I agree that passion is important if one wants to last long and be happy with one’s job.
Beth
Yes Rosie. College isn’t for everyone. And there’s some great trades jobs out there.
Andi Lamb
And we are grateful for those who are skilled in their trades! So many trades that don’t require a 4 year degree yet pay in huge dividends. Great post!
Beth
Yes! Trades people are becoming harder and harder to find but still so necessary!
Vaishali
Great vocational options!
Beth
Yes! I agree Vaishali! We need more trades folks in the workforce.
Ben
These are all excellent careers. You don’t have to have a college degree to have an amazing job.
Leanne Wong
I really think this is a fantastic list. Trades are a very lucrative and satisfying career for a lot of people.
Beth
The trades don’t get enough attention as careers, in my opinion. I have a nephew who’s an electrician, and he’s doing very well for himself.
Sonia Seivwright
If only my brother could finally decide what he wants to do in his life, I would share this with him. Trade work is good for getting experience and taking things from there.
Bryan
I wish more students took trades seriously! The emphasis is always on going to college. If you like working with your hands, however, you can establish a great career taking up a trade. People who are specialists in, say, eletrical wiring, fixing appliances, etc have a ready market and countless money- making opportunities most anywhere they live.
Fransic verso
Great ideas and these can help to make extra money. I’m sure people would find this helpful. Thank you for sharing!
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnnniiiccceeee…I think I would have loved to be an electrician, at that age. Electricty still fascinates me till this day and age.
Marky Ramone Go
I wish this article existed when I graduated from HS. I wud have surely earned a lot on the side while attending college. Plus, it gives you useful life skills too
Rosey
One of my grown kiddos is an electrician. He makes a lot more money than I do as a teacher.
Kristy Bullard
My husband is an estimator for a pipeline company and he says that welders make a lot of money. Having a trade can be very lucrative and rewarding.
MELANIE E
These are all good jobs to consider to make a reasonable wage. They all have good job security too.
Neely Moldovan
Really great info for graduates to know! These are awesome job options.
Mel
These are all awesome jobs to learn the trade for! Really awesome to know
Dorry Lyn
Yes, skilled jobs like these are also in demand and are paid high in other countries. That’s why most pinoys applied abroad.
Jennifer Prince
Yes!!! I feel that so many people need to value these trades more. So many college grads are jobless!