Choosing a career after leaving high school is always a difficult decision. Students are often pressured into attending college immediately after high school. But sometimes earning a degree isn’t the right thing to do. University degrees are very expensive, and young students often don't know their strengths and interests well enough to focus on a major. Studying for a degree can also be a stressful experience; only 54.8% of students graduate college within a six-year period.
If you decide not to go to college, there are many other paths for you to take. Continuing your studies by earning technical certifications or going straight into the world of work are two of your options. If you’re unsure whether you want to continue your education or start earning money, learning a trade may be the perfect solution. Learning a trade gives you the opportunity to gain valuable new skills while also earning money –making it a great option for those who aren't interested in higher education.
Working in a trade role requires problem-solving and creative thinking, as well as good physical conditioning. If you’re someone who enjoys working with their hands and getting absorbed into a manual task, it’s likely that you will enjoy a career in a trade. Whether it’s working in construction, as a mechanic, or landscape gardener, there is a trade role to suit many fields of interest.
There are 7 trade careers in particular that have great career opportunities, allowing you to pursue interesting work while earning a great salary. And best of all, no university degree is required. In case we haven’t already convinced you, this infographic created by Saxton Blades looks at these 7 trade careers, their average salaries and the minimum qualifications required to be considered. Read on to find out more!
Guest blogger Katie Myers is a writer who creates content on behalf of a range of websites, including Saxton Blades, a leading tools company based in West Sussex. With both their content and their products, they aim to inspire their customers to achieve great results in their construction work.