Highlights:
The Trades
Many people are choosing skilled trades over the traditional college or university route. They are realizing that trades such as plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, welding, and carpentry offer strong job security, clear advancement paths, and salaries that can rival or exceed those of many degree-required careers — all without the heavy burden of student debt. With high demand and an aging workforce in many trades, these careers are increasingly viewed as a promising, respectable, and financially rewarding alternative to a four-year degree.
Skilled Trades Gaining Momentum
Skilled trades are gaining momentum as more people — from recent high-school graduates to adults seeking career changes — are looking for stable, hands-on work with strong earning potential. Trades are typically grouped into four main categories: Construction, Agriculture, Industrial, and Services.
Construction trades include careers such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, masonry, and HVAC installation — jobs that shape the buildings and infrastructure around us.
Agriculture trades involve roles like farm equipment technicians, irrigation specialists, greenhouse technicians, and livestock management, helping sustain our food systems and rural economies.
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Industrial trades focus on the machinery and systems that power factories and large operations, including welding, millwrighting, machining, automotive service, heavy equipment repair, and industrial mechanics.
Service trades cover people-centric and technical support roles such as chefs, hair stylists, truck drivers, appliance repair technicians, and even IT support technicians.
Across all four categories, trades are seeing increased interest because they offer real, tangible work, shorter and more affordable training paths, and abundant career opportunities. Whether you’re starting fresh or shifting careers later in life, the skilled trades provide a clear path to meaningful work, advancement, and long-term financial stability.
