Source: Fortune
Summary
A recent survey found that 78% of Americans have noticed a surge in young people turning to trade jobs like carpentry, electrical work, and welding. Trade school enrollment has been increasing post-pandemic, outpacing university enrollment. However, a new WalletHub study ranks trade roles as some of the worst entry-level jobs in the US, citing limited job availability, weak growth potential, and hazardous nature. Additionally, trade jobs are vulnerable to automation and economic downturns. Despite the appeal of six-figure salaries and freedom from student loans, trade jobs may not be as stable or future-proof as they seem.
Our Reading
The numbers tell one story. Trade jobs are having a moment, but the reality isn’t as rosy as it’s being pitched. WalletHub’s study reveals that trade roles dominate the bottom of the list for best entry-level jobs. The top 5 worst entry-level jobs include Computer Numeric Control Machine Programmer, Boilermaker, Automotive Mechanic, Emergency Dispatcher, and Welder. The data shows that these roles are vulnerable to automation and economic downturns, and tradies are also among the unhappiest workers.
Chip Lupo, WalletHub’s analyst, notes that new technologies like prefabrication and robotics are taking over parts of the workload, reducing demand for trade jobs. The physically demanding nature of the job and long hours are also contributing factors to the unhappiness of tradies.
The freedom to work for oneself and the potential for six-figure salaries may not be enough to make up for the downsides of trade jobs.
Author: Evan Null
