9781422276877

Introduction The Trades: Great Careers, Good Money, and Other Rewards Trades workers play a major role in the success of economies throughout the world. They keep the power on (electricians), use bricks and natural and human-made stone to build walls and other masonry structures (masonry workers), and install and repair pipes that carry water, fuel, and other liquids to, from, and within busi- nesses, factories, and homes (plumbers and pipefitters), among many other job duties. Yet despite their pivotal role in our society, only 6 percent of students consider a career in the trades, according to ExploretheTrades. org. Why? Because many young people have misconceptions about the trades. They have been told that the trades are low-paying,

lack job security, and other untruths. In fact, working in the trades is one of the best career choices you can make. The following paragraphs provide more information on why a career in the trades is a good idea. Good pay. Contrary to public perception, skilled trades workers earn salaries that place them firmly in the middle class. For example, average annual salaries for brickmasons in the United States are $53,440, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. This salary is higher than the average earnings for some careers that require a bachelor’s or graduate degree—including meeting

planners ($52,020), social workers ($50,710), counselors ($49,740), and recre- ational therapists ($48,190). Trades workers who become managers or who launch their own businesses can have earnings that range from $90,000 to $200,000. Strong employment prospects. There are shortages of trades workers throughout the world, according to the human resource consulting firm ManpowerGroup. In fact, trades workers are the most in-demand occupational field in the Americas, Europe,

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