Skilled Trades Program

Going into a Skilled Trades Program

There has been a common theme that has been communicated and taken at face value for decades now and that is that you have to get a college degree if you want to make a good living.

Today's career landscape would beg to differ. Going into a skilled trades program - or vocational training or even an apprenticeship — can absolutely lead to great and oftentimes even better career opportunities. Furthermore, joining a skilled trade can mean job security, even during market upheavals, like a recession. Also, the current (very) high demand for skilled trade workers leads to relatively high wages that grow over time.

In terms of annual salary, skilled trades programs can beat out many college degrees. Especially, with the high demand for skilled workers in many industries.

The BLS reports that over half of the nation's 20 fastest-growing occupations between 2020-2030 do not require a bachelor's degree. A few of these include solar photovoltaic installers, exercise trainers, motion picture projectionists, and makeup artists.

Skilled Trade Program Options

Life Considerations for the Skilled Trade Path

Look at the sliders to review this career path to see if it makes sense for your situation, needs, and wants.

Productivity Comes From

Autonomy/Independent Work

Collaboration/Group Work

Work Day Success

Clock in and Out

Accomplish Things

Thoughts on Education

Foundation to success

I can learn on the job

Moving Up the "Ranks"

Not important

Very important

Preferred Project Mode

Task-driven

Outcome-driven

Thoughts on Student Loans

A little is OK

It's an investment in myself

Motivation

Money

A job well done

Work Place Flexibility

WFH

On location

On the Job Environment

Desk job

On the go

Learning Happens

On the job

In a classroom

Thoughts on Work/Life Balance

Career-focused

Family-focused

Starting My Career

Immediately

I can wait

Career Starting Point

Entry-level

Be a boss

Whether you want to chase your dreams or follow a well-planned path, take some time to explore our resources, expose your mind to new possibilities and experience a glimpse of what your future could look like from your perspective.

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Questa Education Foundation

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Next Level Jobs

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Job Corps

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Career One Stop

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Huntington University

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Indiana University Fort Wayne

IU Fort Wayne’s focus on the health sciences—dentistry, nursing, medicine, medical imaging, social work, and more—have transformative potential for the greater Fort Wayne community and northeastern Indiana.

Grace College

At Grace College, we are guided by our name. Grace is not just the tradition on which we were founded; it’s the future we embrace. Christ has been the center of our community from the day we were founded in 1948. We follow His example of grace in all things. The way of grace leads us to explore powerful academics, create meaningful careers, and launch purposeful lives. Because grace is not just a set of beliefs. It’s belief set into motion.