Overcoming Barriers to Starting a Career in the Skilled Trades
Starting a career in the skilled trades can be one of the most rewarding decisions you make. With high demand, competitive salaries, and opportunities for career growth, trades like plumbing, HVAC, welding, and electrical work offer stability and fulfillment. However, many aspiring tradespeople face challenges such as limited access to training, financial barriers, and uncertainty about the best career path.
In this guide, we’ll explore these barriers and provide actionable strategies to overcome them. We’ll also show how Tradez can help simplify your journey to success in the trades.
Why Skilled Trades Are Worth It
Pursuing a career in the skilled trades offers numerous advantages:
- High Demand: The skilled trades face a significant labor shortage, making job opportunities plentiful.
- Great Pay: Many trade careers offer salaries that rival or exceed those of jobs requiring four-year degrees.
- Career Advancement: The potential to grow—from apprentice to journeyman, specialist, or even business owner—is one of the top appeals.
According to a study by DEWALT, 84% of trade students are optimistic about finding work immediately after training. This statistic highlights the incredible demand for skilled professionals and the confidence in trade career pathways.
Common Barriers to Entering the Trades and How to Overcome Them
1. Access to Training
The Challenge: Over half (52%) of trade students surveyed by DEWALT reported being placed on waitlists for vocational programs.
Solutions:
- Look for alternative training programs that offer shorter waitlists or flexible schedules.
- Enroll in online trade courses to build foundational knowledge while waiting for hands-on opportunities.
- Use TradePath’s training database to find schools and programs near you with open spots.
2. Financial Barriers
The Challenge: Upfront costs for training, tools, and certifications can deter many from pursuing trade careers.
Solutions:
- Research scholarships, grants, and employer-sponsored training programs.
- Join apprenticeships that combine training with paid work, reducing financial strain.
- Access TradePath’s financial aid resources to explore funding opportunities and create a financial plan.
3. Lack of Tools and Equipment
The Challenge: Many trades require specialized tools that can be costly to purchase upfront.
Solutions:
- Start small by renting tools or purchasing used equipment.
- Leverage tool discounts provided through schools, unions, or industry programs.
- Explore TradePath’s tool partnerships for exclusive discounts and rental options.
4. Career Uncertainty
The Challenge: Many aspiring tradespeople struggle to identify the trade that best matches their skills and interests.
Solutions:
- Take a career quiz, like the one available on TradePath, to discover which trade aligns with your strengths.
- Learn about different trades through free online resources, videos, or industry guides.
- Use TradePath’s AI-powered job matching tool to find opportunities tailored to your certifications, skills, and goals.
How TradePath Supports Aspiring Tradespeople
At TradePath, we’re committed to helping you overcome these barriers and start your journey in the trades. Here’s how we can help:
- Training Resources: Find trade schools, apprenticeships, and online courses near you.
- Certification Tracking: Stay on top of required certifications with reminders and renewal tools.
- Financial Aid Guidance: Discover scholarships and employer-sponsored training programs to ease financial stress.
- AI-Powered Job Matching: Get matched with job opportunities based on your skills, certifications, and location.
- Career Advancement Tools: Learn how to grow your career, from apprentice to journeyman or specialist.
Start Your Career in the Trades Today
Overcoming barriers to a trade career is possible with the right resources and support. TradePath is here to guide you, offering tools, training opportunities, and job matching to help you succeed.
👉 Sign Up Today and take the first step toward your trade career goals.
Reference
This post is based on insights from the DEWALT study, "Gen Z in the Skilled Trades." You can read the full report here: DEWALT Study PDF.