I used to scoff at trade apprenticeships until my neighbor's promotion.

I always thought corporate jobs were the only path to success. Then, my neighbor, who completed a local electrician apprenticeship, got promoted to foreman. His steady income and job security convinced me skilled trades are undervalued. The local demand for tradespeople is booming, and I was blind to it. Now I'm enrolling in a similar program next month.

3 comments

3 Comments

max4897d ago

My friend Alex in Denver started a welding apprenticeship three years ago! He was totally adrift after college, jumping from one temp job to another. Now he's certified, works on major construction projects, and earns more than most of our friends with office jobs. Seeing his turnaround completely shifted how I view vocational training. The pride he has in his craft is just as important as the income. Your neighbor's story echoes that, and it's awesome you're taking the leap!

fisher.anna5d ago

Linda's bit about signing bonuses for apprentices says it all. We were all sold this lie that office jobs were the only real career, while the trades were quietly printing money. Now the people who believed that are stuck in cubes, and the smart ones are getting paid to learn.

lindawalker7d ago

Yeah, there was a segment on the local news last week about the trades shortage in Ohio. They interviewed a plumbing company CEO who said he’s offering signing bonuses for new apprentices because he can’t keep up with service calls. It’s wild how the demand has flipped the script on wages and benefits, lol.