The 5 Major Trades
Welder
While living in Florida (again), in 2022 - 2023, I attended Daytona State College for Welding Technician. So, WELDING is something I know a lot about and can speak too personally. Which is exactly why I listed this one first. I can tell you absolutely this, Welding is so rewarding, calming and peaceful. Peaceful as in soul soothing, not as in sound / noise (just to be clear). Whenever I do a "PUBLIC" blog post, my credibility is ALWAYS on the line so I have to be clear here. Anyway, I met a lot of cool people, made a lot of friends and learned a lot of new things. Welding of course makes great money, which goes without saying. Also, it gives you a hands-on skill for life that no one can ever take away from you. If you stay in practice and you hone your craft well, you can write your own ticket in life. I believe strongly that welding id something that never goes away and will always be in demand. Master this skill and employers will be running to YOU ! In my current location at the time of this post, I live in an area where the closest "Welding Opportunity" is far away from me so you will need to live in a major market area, know that.
Electrician
Here's a SHOCKER... Being an Electrician is a High risk and that's an understatement for sure. So you dam well better "KNOW" what you are doing. With that being said... It pays extremely well and you will be needed : EVERYWHERE ! Especially in New Construction. It's a skill in demand that not many competent people can do : well. Just know that it's not the easiest, but if you pay attention and know your craft, you won't need to worry over job security or competition. You will always be ELECTRIFYING to all employers : Everywhere. You decide...
Plumber
OK, I won't hit you with the expected Super Mario puns and jokes (Too EASY), but seriously, Plumbing and Plumbers are needed everywhere. The concept is simple and ease. Keep the water flowing and the drain clear. That's it, right... Well, there is of course a lot more too it than that. However, there is always a need for Plumbers everywhere. In my home state of Maryland, a lot of Plumbers I know (as well as HVAC Technicians) work for Apartment complexes and they tend to live on the property FREE of very low co$t rent. Huge perk, especially in today's world. There is no denying that it's a basic job that the "Average Joe" can do to make a great living, always be in demand and have definite undeniable job security. If you don't believe that, wait til you have a clogged drain or stopped up toilet and think about how you feel then or just look at the online job listings and salaries and you'll see...
Carpenter
You know, I have to be honest... After doing Welding, Carpentry was my next step and I didn't get the chance (Very BITTER). With my love of Tiny Houses and being able to weld my own frames and trailers, I would jump at the chance to do Carpentry. It's also the best way to beat the banks too. Buy your own piece of land, build your own home or small house and have NO MORTGAGE. Just the yearly property tax on the land and maybe the water bill. You can get around the electric bill with solar panels and large battery storage. The fact is... Like my great grandfather, building your own home, on your own land, is the greatest peace of mind. Never having to work yourself to death, being able to retire early and owing nothing to anyone. Just being able to live an easy life in peace. Maybe even make money with your own business building small homes and furniture for others. Carpentry is so rewarding, under rated and I think it should be a requirement in schoolls. Even when I was in middle school (6th and 7th grades), I had wood shop class. I actually fell in love with a coping saw. It's small, flexible and extremely useful for small and curved spaces and corners. Carpentry is a fiend that is ALWAYS in demand in 1 way or another and very creative. Just ask a guy like Zack Giffin. 1 last thing..., besides Zack, whom I highly admire for his skill and creativity, Jesus Christ was the greatest Carpenter who ever lived ! Just saying...
HVAC
Rounding up the top 5 trades is... : HVAC ! I saved this one for last (ON PURPOSE). Weather you work on the Residential side or the Commercial side, this top trade is so flexible and universal. It fits EVERYWHERE and ANYWHERE ! If you live in the North, you will always need heating. If you live in the South, you will always need Air Conditioning. And you need Refrigeration and Ventilation : EVERYWHERE. There is nothing I can't say about this one that you probably don't already know. This is always a quick easy way to also start a hands-on business easily as well. All residences and businesses need HVAC. You can't live "ANYWHERE" on the planet earth without needing some sort of climate control, no matter what region you live in. This is the 1 trade that is universal everywhere, all year around. And of course it pays well, obviously. I really don't think I need to say anything more about it to be honest... HVAC is a "Safe Bet" for all tradesman and trades women too!
