BUILDING TRADES OFFER SUCCESSFUL CAREERS

You can make a great living as a professional in the construction trades. You really can! Here are two examples for you:

Dustin Murray and Darrick Guthmiller followed similar paths to their success.

Dustin earned degrees in carpentry and construction management from a local tech school and started his company, Dustin Murray Construction a few years later. He specializes in remodeling, new construction framing and finish work. Dustin enjoys working for himself and being hands-on. Most days, you can find him on the jobsite, taking on whatever challenge awaits: setting trusses, building walls or trimming out a kitchen.

Likewise, Darrick earned two degrees: one in construction technology and one architectural drafting and estimating technology from a local tech school. Today, Darrick manages his company and designs house plans. He spends much of his time at his desk or meeting with clients. He is president at Kochmann Brothers Homes, Inc., a local custom homebuilding and remodeling company.

Both Dustin and Darrick are successful, love what they do and have accomplished it with hard work and degrees from technical schools.

It's being widely reported across the nation that skilled trades people are in dire need. The National Association of Home Builders has seen rising rates of open jobs over the past several years, and there is an inability for builders, remodelers and other trades to fill them. It's a concerning issue locally as well as employers struggle to find skilled workers.

It’s important for parents, educators and students to consider construction or technical careers. At the very least, look at the potential for salary, job security and cost of education! A four-year, college education, and those related jobs, are not for everyone. We all have different abilities, preferences and personalities, and some of us will do better in a hands-on, active job.

In 2021, construction career wages averaged $52,950 - $57,600 in North Dakota and $57,730 - $73,370 in Minnesota according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters and construction managers are needed to build new structures and update existing buildings. Locally, the construction industry has been stable and steady. It's a wonderful environment to get into a trade, grow it as a business or career, and leverage it to provide for a satisfying lifestyle, or to support a growing family.

Home Builders Care of F-M Foundation offers scholarships for those interested in the trades and persistently promote our building industry to area youth through several events and programs throughout the year.

Visit hbcfm.com to learn more!