Pathway to the Trades

Pathway to the Trades

The trades can be a smart move toward a bright future, whether you’re in high school considering your next steps, or someone looking for bigger and better opportunities. Some of the many options include carpentry, mechanic, millwright, welder, line-repair person, electrician, plumber, as well as engineers and healthcare professionals. Some of the trades require college, special training, or internships/journeyman programs, while others are willing to train on the job. Let’s take a quick look at the pathway into some of these promising careers.

Do What You Love

Whether you work to play or work to pay the bills, the job you do should be enjoyable. According to a study done by the University College London, those who like their job (the place where you spend a large amount of time every day) are 35% less likely to pass away in the next five years.

Another study by HeartMath found that people who are happy with their career, whatever that job is, are less stressed, which is one of the leading causes of fatality in the world. The moral of the story? Being a lawyer might pay well, but if the stress ends your life at 55, is it really worth it?

If a career in carpentry or working on electrical lines would make you happy AND pay the bills, that could be a win for your future.

How’s the Pay?

When it comes to paychecks and careers, there are a lot of variables to consider. As with almost any job, the more training you have, the more you’re likely to get paid. But overall, in Oregon, a person working in the trades can expect to make anywhere from $40,000 to $70,778 per year. The average is $45,000 or $21.63 per hour. In Washington those numbers are similar, ranging from $31,200 to $57,525 with an average of $40,736 or $19.58 per hour.

What You’ll Need to Get Started

Entering the trades starts with a high school diploma or GED, in many cases. Some careers require you enter an apprenticeship or trade school program. Apprenticeships give you job-related technical training and real-life experiences. Trade school programs combine classroom training with on-the-job experience to get you ready for a specific career. Learn more about trade apprenticeships in Oregon and Washington. Your local community college has plenty of trade programs.

Learn more about skilled trades and service trades.

You’ll Likely Join a Union

There’s a lot of conflicting information about employee unions out there. For the trades, unions help ensure workers are paid fairly, receive good benefits, and that job sites are safe. Some trades require union membership, which comes with a lot of perks.

You Might Need Some College

There are one- and two-year programs that focus on specific trades. Jobs in healthcare, electrical, and engineering may require specific degrees.

Coastal is Here for You

Whether you’re a barista or a bronc rider, Coastal has everything you need for your country way of life. That includes the clothing and footwear you need to do your job right. Stop by today where you’ll find just the country needs.