You’ve probably heard since childhood you must go to college and graduate to get a good job. Did you know that’s not entirely true? There are many professions where you don’t even need a degree to get a good job. Hard to believe, yet it’s true. Pursuing a career in a skilled trade presents many advantages beginning with options. One option to consider is a career in a manufacturing skilled trade such as metal fabrication.
Having the knowledge and skill in metal fabrication can be lucrative, stable, and satisfying.
Here are some reasons to consider an industrial skilled trade as a career.
For one, the U.S. Department of Labor expects jobs to grow up to 22% in the next ten years if you are curious as to why, think of all the advanced technology and the baby boomers getting close to retirement. If you choose to get a skilled trade, you’ll be investing in a career that has an impact in many different markets and will always be in demand.
Although there are many areas of skilled trades to explore, Prototech Laser has many opportunities in metal fabrication, machining, laser cutting and more to support a long-term career.
What Are Some Benefits of a Skilled Career Trade?
Skilled trade careers in manufacturing include metal fabricators, welders, and machinists, to name a few. With thousands of jobs currently available and increasing in demand, you’ll likely have no problem securing a job. Another benefit is you can learn while you earn. This is because most of your learning will come while on the job instead of sitting in a classroom.
This is just the start of the reasons you should consider becoming a skilled trade worker. Here are a few other benefits you should think about.
You Get to Learn While on The Job
Many people don’t do well inside a classroom, having to sit still for hours on end. Then when they hear the word test, they cringe.
No Internships Required
In skilled trades, you don’t have to do unpaid internships. Instead, when you go into skilled work, you get hired as an apprentice and start working immediately. You get to work directly with experienced professionals and make money.
Costs Much Less Than College
If you have ever looked at the cost of earning a four-year degree or even a two-year one, the price probably made you shudder. If you choose to get an associate degree from a trade school, you can graduate with little or no debt. Trade schools are much more affordable, offer more scholarships, and you can easily apply for financial aid.
You Get Real-World Experience
Many degrees you get through college don’t allow for real-world experience. There are those where you must do an internship without pay before graduation, but you don’t always get the one you want but have to settle for whatever you can find. While working towards your degree in a trade school, you’ll be gaining experience by applying basic skills on the job.
Skilled Tradesmen Get Paid Well
Professional trades account for thousands of jobs in Michigan alone with tens of thousands new openings expected annually. With competitive pay and benefits as well as opportunities to excel, it is a career more than worth looking into.
What Types of Industrial Skilled Trades Are There?
There are so many different types of industrial, skilled trades to choose from. It varies from shop to shop due to the various machines they use and the kind of fabrication. The most frequent ones you’ll find are listed below.
● Metal Fabricator – Metal fabricators bend and form metal into the shape it needs to be.
● Machine Operator – this is exactly like it sounds. You operate the machine. If you choose this type of job, you’ll have to know how to read blueprints.
● Press Operator – Press operators must use the machines to create various types of shapes into metal.
● Welder – A welder prepares metal and other pieces to be welded together, and at times, they may have to join pieces.
● Tool and Die Maker – A tool and die maker verifies dimensions, makes sure all the instruments fit, and assembles them. When necessary, they also repair parts.
● Automotive Mechanics – When you read this, you may think of an auto mechanic. That’s not all they do. You can manufacture them, install software perform safety checks, and do a host of other things.
Partner with Prototech and Help Shape the Future of Manufacturing
From good pay, benefits, job security and the ongoing ability to further your career in manufacturing, a skill set in metal fabrication is worth looking into. Prototech Laser in Chesterfield has promising opportunities available in all areas of advanced laser cutting and metal fabrication. Call and speak to a Specialist today.