As an aging workforce retires, employers are seeking skilled workers to work in trade careers in record numbers, but they are finding that many young people fail to consider these careers as they finish high school. These jobs are not only in high demand, but they are critical to keep our nation’s infastructure in working order. From construction on the country’s roads and bridges to plumbing and electrical systems to transportation positions like truck driving or ship repair, men and women working in trade careers keep our country running.
There seems to be a lot of misinformation when it comes to careers in the trades, jobs often known as “blue collar” positions. Here are five of the most common myths people still believe about skilled trade careers.
#1: Trade careers are a last resort for people who wouldn’t do well in college.
Truth: The skilled trades often require the hands-on application of advanced math and science concepts. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, welders, and other skilled workers rely on math, measurements and problem-solving skill. As these workers grow in their careers and take on more responsibilities they also typically earn specialized certifications that further their technical knowledge. These are not folks with second-rate minds!
“I think we’re coming out of this battle with an idea that everybody needs to graduate from a four-year institution with a bachelor’s degree in order to succeed,” explained Barbara Washer, director of Development and Programs at the Virginia Ship Repair Association. We know objectively that that’s not true.“
Washer, a millennial herself, said she also grew up with the mentality that the automatic next step after high school would be college. However, that doesn’t fit all students—even those who may be incredibly gifted in academics. While changing a generation’s mindset takes time, she said she likes to imagine a day when we think about career pathways, especially the college route, completely differently.
“A lot of times what I'll say is, 'If you're not cut out to get up every day and go do the hard work that it takes to hold our country together or enhance our national security, that's okay. You can go to college. That's a great backup plan.' What if we thought about it that way, right?” she asked. “Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying people shouldn't go to college,“ she added. ”That's never our message. Our message is to ask, 'What's right for you as an individual?'“
#2: The trades don’t pay as well as jobs that require a college degree.
Truth: Salaries in trade careers may depend partly on your location, but there is plenty of money to be made in skilled careers.
“The average income of a ship repairer in Hampton Roads right now is over $80,000 a year,” Washer said.
Plus, most of these workers are not starting their careers with student loan debt. Some even complete paid training programs that allow them to begin earning income right away.
“You can raise a family. You can have a nice house. You can have whatever it is that you define as success,” Washer explained. “The myth that maybe if you're going into the trades, you're going to make a little bit less money, that's not the case.”
#3: Trade careers offer no opportunities for advancement.
Truth: The sky is the limit for many people working in the trades. As they learn new skills and earn new certifications, these workers advance in their field and often see pay increases along the way. Xavier Beale, Vice President of Trades for Newport News Shipbuilding is a good example. He is a second generation shipbuilder who began his career as a pipefitter.
“I started in 1991 as a pipefitter at age 18,” Beale told Cathy Lewis in a HearSay episode on the maritime industry. Though he left the shipyard for a time, he later returned and held a number of increasingly high-level positions.
“I came back and am now responsible for 12,000 tradespersons.” he explained. “This is a place that dreams are made of, the opportunities are there.”
#4: Trade careers require work that is physically strenuous or dirty.
Truth: Yes, some of these positions require physically demanding work, but not all of them. There are positions that require project management, design, planning or administrative duties. In addition, the trades equip workers with skills that they can take anywhere because they are providing services needed all over the world.
Some of these careers also endure economic downturns better than other industries. While the travel, tourism and retail industries were hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, industries like manufacturing, healthcare and ship repair workers were deemed “essential” and continued working while other businesses were shut down. When you learned a skilled trade, you gain skills you can use for life.
#5: Trade careers are only for men.
Truth: Fortunately, this is starting to change as more women choose to work in the skilled trades. National organizations have formed for women working in construction, maritime and other trades, and the National Association of Women in Construction has a Tidewater chapter.
“There are some amazing, talented, strong industry leaders who are women who are out here doing this stuff every day and making it happen,” explained Washer. She believes it is important for young women to see other women in these roles. That’s why the VRSA created a video series called ”My Ship Repair Story“ that highlights employees working in the skilled trades. In the series, Candance and Kiesha, both welders, shared their stories.
“These women are able to raise families. They have great careers. All of the metrics for success that you could want in your life exist through these career pathways,” Barbara explained. “It’s important to showcase those women who are out here and doing it every single day.”
Read stories of other successful women who have built a career in the trades in our recent features on Kelli, Grace, Amanda or Anne. And check out our NEW initiative to create awareness around career opportunities for women, WORK LIKE A GIRL.
Bonus Fact: Some people also don’t realize that many healthcare support positions also fall within the skilled trades umbrella. Jobs like certified medical assistants, dental hygienists, or lab or pharmacy technicians are in high demand and require less training than the typical four-year degree.
If you’d like to learn more about how to get started in a trade careers, read about local training partners on our Resources page.