Seeking a New Career? Consider the Skilled Trades
Tim King, President
North Coast Building Industry Association – NCBIA – www.ncbia.com
Working in the skilled trades is not simply another job. Professional craftsmen in the residential construction industry are compensated well for their expertise and help build communities. Beyond the financial benefits, individuals working in the residential construction industry contribute to the happiness and stability of families in our community by helping to fulfill the American Dream.
October is Careers in Construction Month, which recognizes outstanding workers in the residential construction industry and spotlights the opportunities available in the skilled trades. If you are seeking a new career, consider the following reasons why residential construction might be suitable for you.
Jobs in High Demand. The residential construction industry is facing a labor shortage. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), remodelers and builders have reported shortages in 16 types of trades, including framing crews, carpenters and plumbers. Construction industry employers must fulfill them to help address the nation’s housing shortage. The number of open construction sector jobs currently averages between 300,000 to 400,000 every month, according to the Home Builders Institute. Therefore, you will be a highly sought-after job candidate if you join the trades.
A Variety of Opportunities Available. There is a career option for every type of skill set and interest area. For example, occupations such as carpentry, plumbers and HVAC technicians are in high demand. These types of jobs require individuals who have skills such as being detail-oriented and are generally active problem-solvers who enjoy troubleshooting a range of challenges.
Earn a High Wage and Be Your Own Boss. Careers in construction offer competitive compensation. For example, electricians and plumbers make more than $60,000 annually. And as you move up the career ladder, such as becoming a crew leader or superitendent, your wages will increase. Alternatively, professionals in the trades choose to work for themselves. According to the most recent data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately one out of three carpenters were self-employed. The key benefit of self-employment is the ability to set your schedule and stay flexible to accommodate your lifestyle.
A Sense of Accomplishment. Skilled trade professionals enjoy tangible and intangible benefits. As a craftsman, you are building something that future generations will enjoy. In addition, members of the residential construction community are satisfied knowing that their work helps strengthen their community, which few other industries can offer. All of these benefits bring a sense of fulfillment in a well-done job.
Now is the time to start considering a career in construction to gain new skills, earn higher wages and help your community thrive. To learn more about job training opportunities in our area, contact the NCBIA.
We are your local not-for-profit trade association representing member companies involved in all aspects of home building, remodeling, and other aspects of services available to help you in the future as well as more information on the above topic. So, you can see it is for your protection that you use a NCBIA member. If you are unsure that your contractor is a member of the NCBIA or you are looking for a list of NCBIA members, you can visit our website at www.ncbia.com – go to Members and then Member Search, or call 440-934-1090. We also have a job posting board (under the industry tab).
Visit our 24/7 Virtual Parade of Homes!!! Allows you to look at some of our builders’ new homes and communities on your mobile device or computer at your leisure (including our remodelers) We know time is our greatest asset and via our NCBIA Virtual Parade of Homes, we save you time looking for a new home or a community that fits your lifestyle. The Virtual Parade of Homes is open online 24/7. Many of the homes featured in our Virtual Parade host regular open house hours for those consumers who are looking to tour the actual homes. You can click through to builder websites to see what they have to offer.
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Homeownership is truly a cornerstone of the American way of life. North Coast Building Industry – Come Build with Us!