If you’re someone who frequently daydreams of switching up their career and doing something completely different, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, there is a growing interest from young adults to pursue trade careers. In fact, 50% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials are considering a trade profession. Trade professions are skilled jobs that require specialized training, hands-on experience, and sometimes certifications, focusing on fields like construction, automotive, manufacturing, and technology. Popular trade careers include skilled construction workers, mechanics, electricians, HVAC technicians, solar installers, plumbers, and drivers.
Some of the factors that are drawing in young workers include work life balance (43%), job security and job availability (both 42%) as well as the belief that taking on student loan debt for a 4-year college degree is not worth the investment (64%). Social media is also contributing to the growing interest in trades with 10% of trade workers saying that seeing skilled-trade workers on social media influenced their decision to pursue a trade career. Another 10% said that seeing stories from people who are struggling to make ends meet with corporate jobs also impacted their decision.
In Hawai’i, blue-collar jobs are on the rise. According to data from UHERO, Construction and Mining jobs are seeing a 15.2% year-over-year growth, as well as some of the highest hourly earnings.
Wondering how to begin making the switch to a trades profession? To start, you’ll need to do some research and decide which trade best suits you. Once you’ve made that decision, you’ll need to acquire experience either through apprenticeships or vocational schools. Apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from an experienced tradesperson, though securing one without prior training can be challenging, especially in licensed trades. Community or technical colleges offer structured programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. You don’t always need to go to school for a trade job, but formal training through vocational schools or community colleges can provide valuable skills and certifications.
Explore job opportunities with ALTRES Staffing
Looking to explore trade work or start fresh with a new job? The ALTRES Staffing team is here to help you take the next step! We assess what you’re looking for and compare it to the open positions that local businesses are looking to fill. The great news is that many of these positions are entry-level opportunities, making them a great way to start gaining experience. And did we mention that our services are always free for jobseekers? Contact us today or apply for positions on our job board.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.
If you’re someone who frequently daydreams of switching up their career and doing something completely different, you’re not alone. According to a recent study, there is a growing interest from young adults to pursue trade careers. In fact, 50% of Gen Z and 42% of millennials are considering a trade profession. Trade professions are skilled jobs that require specialized training, hands-on experience, and sometimes certifications, focusing on fields like construction, automotive, manufacturing, and technology. Popular trade careers include skilled construction workers, mechanics, electricians, HVAC technicians, solar installers, plumbers, and drivers.
Some of the factors that are drawing in young workers include work life balance (43%), job security and job availability (both 42%) as well as the belief that taking on student loan debt for a 4-year college degree is not worth the investment (64%). Social media is also contributing to the growing interest in trades with 10% of trade workers saying that seeing skilled-trade workers on social media influenced their decision to pursue a trade career. Another 10% said that seeing stories from people who are struggling to make ends meet with corporate jobs also impacted their decision.
In Hawai’i, blue-collar jobs are on the rise. According to data from UHERO, Construction and Mining jobs are seeing a 15.2% year-over-year growth, as well as some of the highest hourly earnings.
Wondering how to begin making the switch to a trades profession? To start, you’ll need to do some research and decide which trade best suits you. Once you’ve made that decision, you’ll need to acquire experience either through apprenticeships or vocational schools. Apprenticeships allow you to learn directly from an experienced tradesperson, though securing one without prior training can be challenging, especially in licensed trades. Community or technical colleges offer structured programs that lead to certificates or associate degrees, combining classroom instruction with hands-on experience. You don’t always need to go to school for a trade job, but formal training through vocational schools or community colleges can provide valuable skills and certifications.
Explore job opportunities with ALTRES Staffing
Looking to explore trade work or start fresh with a new job? The ALTRES Staffing team is here to help you take the next step! We assess what you’re looking for and compare it to the open positions that local businesses are looking to fill. The great news is that many of these positions are entry-level opportunities, making them a great way to start gaining experience. And did we mention that our services are always free for jobseekers? Contact us today or apply for positions on our job board.
Sign up for our newsletter
Sign up for our monthly HIVE newsletter and get tips for finding a job, managing a business and advancing your career right in your inbox.