The perks of trade jobs and why they are still important in a tech world.

There are so many different careers to choose from today and with the growing number of jobs going towards the technology sector and online business, the demand for more skilled labor workers is growing.

According to a report by Adecco, it’s projected that there are going to be 31 million vacant positions by 2020 based on Baby Boomer retirement estimations, with 74% of firms predicting a decline of qualified skilled trade workers.

Skilled trades to consider when choosing a career path.

• Electricians

• Machinists

• Welders

• Construction Occupations

• Mechanical Engineers

• Heating and Cooling

• Plumbers

• Civil Engineers

• Industrial Mechanics

The experience of learning a trade is a rewarding one. No matter which you find an interest in. Maybe sitting behind a computer or laptop isn't your thing. That's ok. There's nothing wrong with that. I am often taken back by the thought that you are supposed to know exactly what you want to study and do after graduating high school. Don't get me wrong, going to college is a great investment specially if you know exactly what field you want to join. The young adults that decide to go this route will often reap the benefits of higher paying careers. The downside of the path most take to achieve a degree lands them with student debt which can take years to pay down well after the degree has been obtained. Now, I'm not downplaying the importance of universities, colleges including community colleges. There are grants and programs in place to assist students in higher learning. The alternative is what I'd like to spotlight. The trades shown above are a few that are great options to consider.

Where to start

Most of us have grown up around someone who does one or more of these trades. If so, you may find it an easy transition in to one of these trades because of the exposure. If not, here are a few options in getting into a trade.

• Talk to someone in your life that is doing the kind of work you're interested in. A family member, family friend, etc. This may be your best option for navigating into the desired field.

• You can create a Linkedin.com account and make a profile. Click the jobs icon and search jobs field. Enter keywords to assist you and use a filter to navigate to find something that suites you best. Find local companies looking to hire entry level or apprentices.

• Contact your local unions for that specific trade you are looking for. There are often testing dates throughout the year or every other year for entry level positions.

Perks of working a skilled labor job

Health Insurance

Although this may vary from county to county, state to state, union or non-union, there are perks and great benefits in place. Most all trade jobs offer some sort of health insurance. If you're a young reader, it may not be at the top of your priority list, however this is one that can save your wallet over time. The medical expenses for basic necessity can overwhelm many Americans not to mention anything requiring surgery or overnight hospitalization. Finding a company or establishment that offers great health benefits is as important as your salary or wages. Unions tend to fair better than non union jobs in regards to this.

Wages and salary

Again as stated above, this will also vary. As an entry level position, the pay won't be great but as with most professions, the further along you are and with experience the pay will increase. I've always retained the phrase "knowledge is power" and even added "knowledge is leverage". The chance for growth within the industry is a plus. There are many options for each of these trades. You can enhance your income by considering becoming an estimator, project manager, foreman, or just continue as a journeyman. Again as mentioned before, unions will offer better wages most times than not. There are contracts in place every couple of years to increase wages, health benefits and retirement.

Retirement

Like I mentioned before, if you're a young reader you may not think of this as an important part of working in the trades. You're starting out and retiring feels like light years away. It comes around to all of us. Leaving the work force and venturing on, and relaxing in your later years. You have to invest now so that your golden years are stress-free. Trade jobs offer great retirement packages. The plan is to keep the work force employed and so most trades offer enticing retirement packages through 401A and 401K's. Some will even match dollar for dollar into this plan. I always suggest investing more into your future if possible. That being through an additional plan outside of the trades as well. A RothIRA for example with established firms to maximize your monthly supplementation in retirement.

It may seem as if I'm pushing for Unions. I'm not. I like to state the facts. I have experienced both non union and am currently in a skilled labor Union. The main goal here is to provide an inside look at starting out in a skilled labor trade. I have over 21 years of experience in my trade and love doing what I do. I have been able to provide for my family, invest in our future and do so many of the things people outside of skilled trades do. In todays uncertain world consider that most of the skilled trades are considered essential. Meaning that without the workers to do these jobs, the infrastructure of maintaining our towns, cities would suffer. You have options in life, consider one working with not just your brains, but with your hands.