Why Pursue a Career In Skilled Trades Right Out of High School
Embarking on a new career path can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially when you’ve already established yourself in a different field. If you’ve found yourself yearning for a change and are considering transitioning to the trades, you’re not alone.
Many individuals at various stages of their lives have successfully made the leap into the world of trades, finding fulfillment, financial stability, and personal satisfaction along the way.
It’s never too late to change your path in life. Switching careers at 30, 40, or even older is acceptable since we all desire to achieve greater heights, even if it means leaving our comfort zones. Redirecting your goals is easier said than done, but not impossible.
Skilled Trades College is here to help you get started!
Switching Careers: A Definitive Guide
1. Assess Yourself
Switching careers into the trades requires a ‘why’ to keep the gears turning. This could be anything from wanting a better work-life balance to finding a new environment for growth. Whatever your reason, it should motivate you to leave your comfort zone.
Assessing your current skills and how you can transfer them to a career in the trades is vital. Identify your strengths and weaknesses so you have an idea of how to improve.
2. Embrace An Industry Change
Unless you’re pivoting from one trade to another, you’re probably preparing to completely switch industries—and that’s okay! People make drastic leaps all the time. It doesn’t matter if you’re a salesperson exploring how to become an electrician or a kindergarten teacher looking into construction. Chances are, someone has done it before you!
3. Explore Job Openings
Once you’ve determined what type of trade you’d like to work in, search for job opportunities available in that field. This is your time to see what’s out there—which companies are hiring and for which roles? Scour job sites such as Indeed and Glassdoor, as well as contact any connections you may have as well.
4. Get Those Qualifications
Most careers in the trades require some kind of qualification, whether it’s having completed an apprenticeship or having received special certification. You’ll probably find these requirements listed on the job postings you find.
Do you have what you need to apply? If so, then apply! If not, keep your head up! Instead of feeling discouraged about not being totally ready yet, it’s time to put together a plan to get the qualifications you need…
5. Create A Blueprint
Your next step to entering the trades is creating a blueprint to become a worthwhile candidate. This will likely involve a detailed evaluation of the following:
- Deadlines - Set deadlines and draft timelines to put things in motion—the last thing you want to do is find yourself treading water.
- Education and Certification - If you do in fact need additional courses and programs to meet job requirements, find out what they are! Explore options for where you can take these courses, how long they will take, and so on. A good tip is to check out the available grants and scholarships at your disposal if you’re worried about money.
- Finances - Of course, you need money to afford classes and workshops. However, you should also consider whether you have enough saved up to float yourself while you’re between jobs.
6. Widen Your Network
Networking is essential when switching careers since it exposes you to people who work in your desired field. Connecting with others paves the way for open discussions, mentorships, and informational interviews that will broaden your scope.
Make the most of social media. Build your profile on LinkedIn and use specific keywords to attract people in the trades. This site is also perfect for reading expert tips for your career plans. Don’t underestimate platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok—they cater to various niches and can provide support groups of like-minded people.
7. Try New Things
At this point, you probably have your heart set on which trade you want to enter and have formulated a plan to get there. However, exploring different opportunities to build up a knowledge base is also valuable. If you have the time and financial means, consider taking specialized courses in your desired field such as:
Not only will having this knowledge make you a more dynamic candidate, it will arm you with the experience to switch careers within the trades down the road. You might find that you want to do something different after a few years—make sure you can!
8. Breathe!
Remember to breathe and stop to find your footing when the process inevitably begins to feel overwhelming. Each breath refreshes your mind, calms your heart, and resets your determination.
Switching Careers: Taking the Leap
If you’re passionate about working in the trades, then it’s never too late to get started. Allow yourself to take a leap of faith and begin a new chapter!
Skilled Trades College of Canada courses are designed with an 80:20 ratio of practical and classroom activities, which foster an experience geared towards those who learn best by doing.
Want to know more about how to change careers? Chat with us today!
