Should I consider a trade job after high school?

I'm a high school junior exploring my options, and I'm thinking about going into a trade instead of college. Can anyone share what I should consider when choosing a trade job? Are there any particular trades that you’d recommend?

Going into a trade can be a viable and rewarding option! While it might not hold the same prestige as some other career paths, it’s not about the prestige, but rather about doing work that satisfies you and meets your personal and financial goals.

Trade jobs can be attractive because they often require less time to study, have lower costs associated with the training, and yet still offer appealing salary opportunities. Many trades are also experiencing an increase in demand, so job stability is often better compared to other fields.

Here are some factors you might want to consider:

1. Interest and aptitude: Given that career satisfaction greatly depends on doing something that interests you, it's important to explore different trades and see what appeals to you the most. This might be a physical trade, like plumbing or carpentry, or perhaps a more tech-focused trade, like an electrical technician or HVAC technician.

2. Education requirements: While trade jobs require less education than a 4-year degree, you will still need some post-secondary education or training. This could be through a specialized trade school, a community college, or an apprenticeship program.

3. Demand and earnings: Different trades can have very different compensation levels and demand, so research your potential earnings and the job outlook for whatever trade you are considering.

4. Long-term prospects: Consider if the trade you’re interested in offers opportunities for advancement or owning your own business in the future if that’s something you aspire to.

As for recommendations, it truly boils down to your personal interest and aptitude. Some trades that are in high demand and offer competitive compensation include electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians. But there are also less commonly considered trades that also have excellent prospects like wind turbine technicians or elevator installers and repairers. Take some time to research and explore the many options available to you! Good luck.