Local Educator Spotlight: Why Consider a Skilled Trades Career?
Published on December 17, 2020 by Nate Bortz
At Builders License Training Institute, we work hard to create comprehensive license exam prep programs because we believe in the skilled trades industry. As a licensed builder, you already know how fulfilling a skilled trades career can be. But there are many people (especially high school students) who think college is the only choice after graduation.
That’s why we’re excited to partner with Build Your Life (BYL), an organization based in Traverse City, MI that strives to “change the narrative of a life in the trades and provide educational opportunities to students.” BYL’s main goals are to:
- Shift the public’s perception about careers in the construction industry to reflect the wide range of professions available.
- Evangelize career and technical education as a valuable option within secondary schools.
- Provide multiple career paths to success within the construction industry.
In an effort to help BYL with their last goal, we’re proud to work with them by providing our career development courses through their website.
If someone you know is nearing graduation age and is interested in other options besides college, send them this blog to help them see why a skilled trades career can be a good choice for them!
Why Pursue a Skilled Trade Career?
BYL provides handy resources like specific career data/training, scholarships, and job postings because a skilled trade career offers many benefits like:
Job Security
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics states that national job growth for “Construction and Extraction Occupations” is expected to increase by 4% from 2019 to 2029 – which amounts to about 296,300 jobs.
In Michigan, jobs in the skilled trade industry are expected to reach 545,000 in 2026, with 47,000 annual job openings every year until then.
Higher Wages & Less Debt
In 2019, the median annual wage for all construction and extraction occupations was $47,430, compared to the median annual wage for all occupations of $39,810.
In general, becoming a licensed professional takes less time than earning a college degree, and costs a lot less. The average in-state tuition cost for one year at a public university in Michigan is $12,930.
Whereas the complete cost for all the training you need to pass the Michigan residential builder licensing exam is less than $600.
Career Resources
If you live in Northern Michigan and are interested in a skilled trade career, these organizations can help you get started: