Powering the Trades

The second-annual National Careers in Trades Week has been a rousing success, and on behalf of SMACNA, I want to thank all our partners for their work and commitment to raising awareness of the value of working in our industry.

However, we cannot simply rely on one week of advocacy to grow the trades. We must all make a year-round pledge to drive home the need to build a talented, highly skilled workforce and get the word out about the amazing opportunities working in our space can provide.

Everyone knows that a long career in the trades provides a sense of long- and short-term financial security that no other field can rival, all without the crippling college debt weighing down so many young professionals in the current economy. There are also some other benefits that making this investment in yourself can present.

One of the big things that I’ve taken away from interacting with tradespeople is their fundamental ability to understand and explain how things work. While traditional education has renewed its focus on STEM careers, going through an apprenticeship and starting your career gives you the unique ability to get your hands on complex systems and understand their impact. This is a skill that will not merely serve you well in the shop or on a job site, but it is critical in almost every other part of life. In that same spirit, you will never stop learning either. With all the incredible technological innovation happening before our very eyes, you need to remain a student to remain competitive. This training, which is available through so many avenues, whether it be through SMACNA or our labor partners, gives our workers the opportunity to remain on the cutting edge. Beyond the pay, a career in the trades provides so many other additional dividends that no other sector can really supply. 

Wellness, both during and after your career, is a top priority. Knowing that you can retire securely and prosperously after making the commitment to the trades grants incredible peace of mind. Knowing that your employer has your back with top-notch health benefits for you and your family is something that cannot be understated. On the theme of “having your back,” the sense of brotherhood/sisterhood that exists within the trades simply cannot be rivaled. You are not merely coworkers; you build a bond that rivals family with teammates who will be there for you through thick and thin.

The trades also present unrivaled prospects for growth and achievement. While many careers promise unbounded potential, our industry delivers on that promise. Whether you want to assemble hospital ductwork, create iconic structures, improve school safety or advance from apprentice to business owner, these goals are truly attainable in the trades.

Many skilled professionals in our trade are approaching retirement. The best way to honor their legacy is by developing the next generation of workers. Programs like the Heavy Metal Summer Experience introduce young people to the rewarding possibilities of a career in the trades. This is an exciting time for our industry. We have a chance to not just survive, but thrive. I am looking forward to what the future holds!