Right after leaving high school many students are looking into possible college and university options. Though, for many graduating high school students, jobs in the trades are a great opportunity to work with your hands, earn a good salary, and help those around you.

For some students, however, getting involved in the trades means having to work too much with your hands, dealing with physical labour, and doing jobs that have been stigmatized over the years. While it’s true that many trades jobs involve labour and tougher working conditions, there are plenty of trades jobs that are on the non-physical side.

A construction manager is one particular job in the trades industry that requires more planning and coordinating various construction projects. In order to achieve the title, you’d need to earn a Bachelor’s degree, achieve certification and work your way to the top by going back for a Master’s degree. While a Master’s isn’t required, it has the potential to help boost your career. It’s worth noting that at least five years’ experience in construction is required in order to become a manager. Though, if you accomplish all you need to, you could be making close to $90,000 a year.

Construction experience can also lead to becoming a home inspector. Much like a manager, a degree and experience in the field is required. You’ll also need to know regulation codes and knowledge in real estate practices also comes in handy. Salaries can range from $30,000 – $80,000.

Various technicians don’t require too much physical labour but there’s still a bunch of responsibility involved. For example, a manufacturing production technician ensures the quality of products and making sure that they live up to health and safety regulations. One of the first steps to becoming a manufacturing technician is to earn your GED. In some companies, if you have your GED and manufacturing experience, that’s all the experience required to get your foot in the door. Manufacturing technicians can earn anywhere from $40,000 – $60,000 a year.

There are also plenty of jobs available in the industrial trades. Computer programming is a viable field for those interested technology. One of the first steps to becoming a programmer is to earn a degree. Some companies may only require an associate degree but many places ask that an applicant have a degree from a four-year college. Like any job, it’s suggested that you continue to enhance your skills and learning in order to further your career and skills as a programmer. The average salary for this career is near $70,000.

While the trades may not be for everyone, educating yourself on the various jobs available opens plenty of doors for entering the field. You also don’t need to get involved in a trades career that is too physical and looking into the multiple careers available is your best way to learning about what’s out there.

Sources:

http://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Certified_Construction_Manager.html

http://www.trade-schools.net/articles/trade-school-jobs.asp

http://www.wisegeek.net/how-do-i-become-a-production-technician.htm

https://www.recruiter.com/salaries/manufacturing-production-technicians-salary/

http://www.learnhowtobecome.org/computer-programmer/

http://www.home-inspectors.com/busopp.htm

https://www.theworkingcentre.org/types-trades/393