There is a shortage of blue-collar labor. Most people who finish high school join colleges leaving a gap in the blue-collar workers. Most people grew up being told that they should work hard, go to college and get a skilled job. There will always be demand for skilled jobs. However, the supply is more than the demand in some industries. This results in having people with college degrees and no jobs.
Who is a blue-collar worker?
A blue-collar worker is someone with a career in technical fields. Most workers do not go to college but instead go to technical school before starting their apprenticeship on the job. They learn skills that are essential to the job market. They include plumbers, electricians and other professionals who are often looked down upon.
Blue-collar jobs are looked down upon by most people. However, there is money to be made in blue-collar career. You can consider getting the skills if you do not want to go to college. You can avoid the high student loan fees by doing a technical course. If you still have doubts, read articles on huffpost to find out more about the blue-collar careers that pay well. You never know, you might find yourself earning from something you enjoy.
- Plumber
As long as there is water running in residential or commercial properties, there will always be need for a plumber. For you to become a plumber, you need to work under someone who already has a license. There are unions and companies that can offer you a chance to connect with experienced plumbers.
You can also go to a technical school and learn the skill. To get a license, you have to do an exam after your apprenticeship years. With the increase in the number of properties coming up, you can expect the demand for plumbers to increase.
- Electrician
If you want to be an electrician, you need to be trained both in and out of class. You will also undergo an internship until you get your license. You will learn the safety rules, electric codes and everything that an electrician deals with. Licensing requirements vary by state. However, one thing for sure is that the world will always need electricians.
- Welder
If you pay attention to minute details and you enjoy making and putting things together, you can consider a career In welding. You need to be able to read sketches and blueprints and take careful measurements so you can get clean welds. The training is not long as it takes about six months and after you complete it, you can get mentored on the job.
- HVAC Tech
More people are having Heating, Ventilation, and Air conditioning and cooling units in their homes and places of work. They are becoming more of a necessity than a luxury. That means there is demand for HVAC technicians. You can get your training that lasts between six months and two years. You will also need to undergo two years apprenticeship until you can work without any supervision.
- Mechanic
If you love cars, you can consider a career in the automotive industry. This will give you the training you need to become a mechanic. Other than getting the basic knowledge from community school, you will have to undergo mentorship. That is where you will get the most knowledge as you learn from experienced professionals. You will also need to pass the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) examination that has specialized exams depending on the area you choose to venture in.
- Dental hygienist
No one wants to spend their days breathing in dragonās breath. However, there is money to be made in that sector by being a dental hygienist. You are not expected to get a graduate degree but an associateās degree is necessary for you to get a license. On the plus side, you will help others improve their oral health.
There is no guarantee that going to college will secure you a job. You can always choose a trade to specialize in. With blue-collar jobs being on the rise, you might find yourself earning a good amount of money in future. Do not look down on blue-collar jobs as they will always have a role in the society.