It is amazing how things have changed over the last couple of decades. For 20+ years many parents in WNY (and all of the United States for that matter) sought to direct their children to a college education and a professional type position. In today’s society, with many employers in dire need of skilled tradespeople, youth seeking career guidance or those thinking of changing their career should consider a job in this field. Finally, with the resurgence of the skilled trades, those currently in the field are finding that it is a good time to see if there is better employment out there.
• Current Skilled Tradespeople:
By the way, you may have noticed I have avoided using the term of skilled “tradesmen”, as there are so many females in this profession. For those already gainfully employed, the time may be right to consider moving to a different employer.
With so much new construction around the area, if you were wondering if there is something better out there, now may be the time. It may be for more money, a better schedule, improved benefits, steadier work, or a more understanding supervisor.
If you are concerned with your current employer, you can always create a profile online, with WNYJOBS.com, confidentially. This would allow your interest known to prospective employers without using your name.
If you do seek a new job passively, you are under no obligation to accept whatever comes your way. If the position is not what you are seeking due to pay rate, schedule, benefits, etc., then you merely decline and stay with your current position.
• Thinking of a Skilled Trades Career:
It can be a tough decision to make primarily because, as noted earlier, society has driven their message so strongly to go to college and get a degree (or even more than one) and have a professional career. What is interesting, however, is that the reality is much different than the perception. In fact, the vast majority of Americans, 25 of years or older, are not holding 4-year degrees. This does not mean, however, that these individuals lack education, as they can have Associate Degrees, Certifications, Apprenticeships, etc.
Although anyone can enter the skilled trades if they have the skill, the potential years of apprenticeship type work that may be needed, however, may favor someone starting their career. The good news is that, in many situations, there are free or low-cost programs available that can assist you in obtaining needed career skill training.
Those thinking of skilled trades generally have a number of items in common:
• They are mechanically inclined. If you are someone who naturally has a curiosity of how things work or can be fixed (and can do something about it), this may be for you. Especially in areas such as construction, plumbing, carpentry, etc.
• Work in a Non-traditional Environment. Although you may be in a factory-setting, often you are on a variety of different work sites depending on your specialty. In many situations, you will even be outside. Sitting behind a desk in an office won’t be your future.
• Need to Pay Their Dues. In many situations, it will take 4 or 5 years of apprentice type work to earn their full certification. During that time, you will most likely earn partial pay while you learn. Due to this, you will want to make sure you are confident that this is the career you want and that you are able to serve these dues.
• Math is Important. It is the subject that so many loathe while in school, but the skilled trades are yet another area where it is important. It is very tempting (while in school) to only do the minimum in math, but if you are going to seek a career in the skilled trades, you will regret not taking courses in this area.
• Reliability Is a Key. In the skilled trades, so many people are depending on you for your particular skill that reliability is crucially important. The skill that makes you so valuable also creates a higher need for you to be reliable as you may hold up a project (or worse) if you are not.
The skilled trades have had a resurgence in Western New York. With the current need for skilled employees, it appears to be a good time to enter the field as the prospects look good for a number of years. For those already in the skilled trades, it is easy and confidential, via WNYJOBS.com, to see what your value is in the open market.
As always, best of luck in your job search.
The following has been prepared for the general information of WNYJobs readers. It is not meant to provide advice with respect to any specific legal or policy matter and should not be acted upon without verification by the reader.
Joe Stein
WNY Human Resources Professional
Feel free to contact Joe Stein regarding questions or comments at:
Joe Stein
