Need a Career Change? Consider the Trades

By Builders Association of Central PA Staff

The spread of COVID-19 this year lead to economic hardship and skyrocketing job losses across multiple industries nationwide. However, the latest employment data showed some good news — a decline in the unemployment rate and job gains in several sectors as the nation reopens.

If you or someone you know is trying to plan for after high school or looking for a job change this year, do not overlook a potential career path in the trades. Construction (especially residential) is poised to help lead the economic recovery. Low interest rates and pent-up demand for homes places residential construction in a position to recover more quickly than some other sectors of the economy.

Couple that demand with the fact not enough kids choose to enter the trades and you see a problem and a problem few are grasping. For every five people that retire from the trades only one new person enters. This “Silver Tsunami” is going to impact us all soon. It’s going to severely impact our homes, businesses, roads, and every facet of our life.

It is time to unmask the fallacy that the trades don’t hold stable, well-paying careers. It is time to reveal the myth that the only path to success is college. It is time to encourage our children to try the trades and see if it is for them. It is time for those currently unemployed by COVID to think hard about training for and entering the trades.

Central PA Institute of Science and Technology with S&A Homes

The home building industry can offer competitive compensation. The top 25 percent in most construction trades professions can earn at least $60,000 annually. The gender pay gap is smaller in the construction trades. On average, women in the United States earn 80 cents for every dollar a man earns. Women in the construction industry earn 97 cents for every dollar a man earns.

Redmond's Complete Comfort

Beyond compensation, the trades offer the ability to work in many places and not be parked in a cubicle or office all day. Many of those places make your community better and all the jobs provide you with a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Many trades allow you to work while you learn or require low cost training. Unlike four-year degrees, you do not have to worry about attaining knowledge while compiling a large student debt.

The Builder’s Association of Central PA has created an Ambassadors Committee whose goal is to “promote not only the trades but all post-secondary career paths with the same enthusiasm and vigor currently reserved for four-year degrees."

The Ambassador Committee works closely with two great, local resources for our youth. The State College Area School District (SCASD) and the Central PA Institute of Science and Technology (CPI).

SCASD Building Construction Technology with Berks Homes

SCASD has a program in State High for students to experience the trades hands on. The SCASD Building Construction program gives students the opportunity to learn about 150 skilled trades. You can even graduate with your OSHA 30 certification – a large bonus for potential employers. The Central PA Institute of Science and Technology provides a similar opportunity for those not in the State College School District or those looking for a career change. As one CPI teacher said: “I find it very exciting to work in career and technical education in a time when trade jobs are in such high demand. Our students love attending CPI, learning a skill, completing their education following a hands-on approach, and then immediately entering the workforce to use the skills that they learned at CPI. ”

Both programs allow exploration of the trades and the ability to learn about stable, well-paying careers that are in high demand not only today but will be even more so in the future.

Contact the Builders Association of Central PA for more information on how to start YOUR new career in the trades today!