During high school, many students start seriously considering their future, which can include deciding between entering a trade or enrolling in college.
While many are urged to pursue further education, trades are another valuable option. They’re necessary jobs and strong career prospects for new adults preparing to step into the workforce. How can industry professionals encourage these young minds to explore a trade?
Why students should consider joining a trade
By entering the workforce through a practical trade, students experience many personal and professional benefits. When someone decides to pursue a vocational career, they are likely to:
- Pay less for education: In Australia, the average tuition for vocational education and training is $5,700 to $24,000 annually, depending on the programme and institute of choice, while a bachelor’s degree averages $17,000 to $50,000 annually. Students pursuing vocations have less debt to hold them down financially.
- Get a profitable job faster: It can take only four to six months to earn a certificate or two years for a diploma from a technical and further education institute. When young adults can enter the workforce sooner, they can start making money promptly.
- Advance in their field: Working hands-on alongside others is a great way to network and learn new skills, which can lead to pay raises or promotions.
Saving time and money is a large motivator for those considering trades, considering all household types in Australia are experiencing a higher annual cost of living. The past year saw higher interest premiums, mortgage rates and food costs. Housing prices have risen 39.1 per cent in recent years.
Tradespeople provide crucial services to keep society up and running, so the demand for such professionals remains high. Globally, 74 per cent of companies experience talent scarcity. Young interest and involvement can help fill these gaps.
Trades to consider
There’s a large array of trades for students to be exposed to and encouraged to pursue.
Construction
Construction workers are vital for building and maintaining infrastructure. There are many avenues to explore in this trade, such as metal fabrication or millwright. Industrial contractors often have more experienced and specialised skills to complete larger or niche projects.
Electricity
Electricians, power line workers and power plant operators are just a few of the career opportunities in the electricity sector. They are essential to nearly every industry, so electricians can find themselves working in homes, hospitals, factories and more.
More Options
There are many more trades offering unique experiences and benefits, including:
- Electricity
- HVAC
- Carpentry
- Plumbing
How to get students excited about the trades
Students of all demographics can be encouraged to pursue a trade. While traditionally male-dominated, the number of women in vocations rose 53 per cent within the past decade. More people interested in the trades can help keep up with labour demands.
When informing students about the vocational education and training opportunities, consider their personalities and skills. Examine their strengths and how they can apply to a future career. Are they able to meet the trade’s physical demands? Do they have solid teamwork skills? What skills could they further develop that would benefit them later?
Give these new adults opportunities to learn about the trades and ask questions. As outreach, you can host career panels in your facilities or present at school districts. Answer their questions accurately and positively to inform them, and share why you enjoy working in your trade to connect with them better.
Provide opportunities for interested students to visit your facilities in person. When they tour a building site or shadow someone working there, they see the trade in action, meet real employees and get a sense of their work routines.
Encourage the next generation of trade professionals
It’s essential to share various career opportunities with young people. When they get involved in vocational education and training, they can find high-paying, in-demand jobs and help combat labour scarcity.
