Why Should I Get Into a Trade?
Are you feeling like the traditional “go to college for four years” advice just isn’t for you? You’re not alone. Maybe it’s the prohibitive cost of a university degree. Maybe the concept of more general core classes after high school feels exhausting. Or maybe you prefer going the hands-on route—training for a career that is active, meaningful, and doesn’t take 4 years to complete. This mindset sounds like you are looking to train in a career that helps you transition to employment now. Skilled trades may be the career path for you.
In our rapidly changing world where AI and automation are impacting office-based jobs, the wide range of skilled trades stand out as careers that need humans to weld, replace ductwork, install an HVAC system, troubleshoot an electrical panel, code invoices, support surgeons in operating rooms, and interact compassionately and professionally with customers, patients and team members. Skilled trades rely on human judgement, physical skill and on-the-spot decision-making—things that AI cannot replace.
The demand for trained professionals in the skilled trades is growing—and fast. That means opportunities are opening up for people who want a career that’s practical, stable, and full of potential.
Here are four reasons why a skilled trade could be the right move for your future:
- You like being active, working with your hands, and thinking on your feet.
Some people find sitting behind a desk 8 hours a day a task that they’d rather avoid. Skilled trades give you the chance to stay on your feet, solve real-world problems, and work with modern technologies. Take HVAC, for example—one of the programs offered at All-State Career School. Today’s HVAC technicians work with energy-efficient equipment, smart systems, and new regulations. It’s active, it’s technical, and it keeps your mind engaged as you install, troubleshoot, and repair the systems people rely on every day. - Training is faster than a four-year degree.
You will still benefit from specialized training, passionate instructors with real-world experience, and dedicated career service advisors with a wealth of resources to help you identify local employment opportunities—but trade programs are designed to get you into the field quicker than tackling a four-year degree. If you want to build a career without waiting four years to begin, the trades offer a faster, more hands-on path forward. - Skilled trades offer long-term stability.
Regardless of what’s happening in the economy, our society still requires skilled tradespersons trained through accredited programs in healthcare, nursing, dental, medical technology, welding, electrical systems technology, HVAC, and CDL. The opportunity for job security and steady work is an attractive benefit to entering skilled trades careers. - You could become your own boss.
Once you have graduated from your accredited training program and gained experience in the field, the trades offer a real pathway to independence. Many skilled professionals eventually launch their own businesses—whether as contractors, subcontractors, or specialized service providers. If you’ve ever dreamed of controlling your schedule, building a loyal customer base, or becoming the go-to expert people depend on, a skilled trade could be your doorway to entrepreneurship.
Ready to explore your future?
If a traditional four-year college doesn’t feel like the right fit, the skilled trades might be exactly what you’re looking for—a career path with purpose, stability, and hands-on work you can be proud of.
All-State Career School offers training programs to help you take the next step. Start your journey by submitting the form on this page to learn about how our programs can help you achieve your career goals.