Working in the field while you train in the trade.
There’s a persistent assumption in the United States that a successful career requires a college degree. Sure, some professions—like teaching or medicine—do require four or more years at a college or university. But as demand for skilled tradespeople continues to increase, now more than ever higher pay doesn’t require higher education.
“There’s still a stereotype that working in trades is ‘less than,’” says Paul Akins, talent development for Davis-Ulmer Companies. “But The truth is that valuable education happens in classrooms and on jobs. Unless you’re 100% sure you need that degree, you may not.”
Despite lingering sentiments surrounding the choice to become an electrician, plumber, or technician, the data shows that more and more students are opting for trade school and jobs with apprenticeship programs over the collegiate experience. The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges increased 16% from 2022 to 2023 according to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center.
Here are a few reasons why choosing a career in the trades is a smarter choice for many than enrolling in college.
- Avoiding debt
As of March 2024, the average federal student loan debt in the U.S. is about $37,850 according to the U.S. Department of Education, with many borrowers racking up loan amounts into the six-figure range. As the cost of tuition at 4-year colleges continues to rise with no guarantee that a degree will land a job capable of repaying those loans, many see college as more of an expensive gamble than a path toward better pay.
Rather than paying for an education, employees who enroll in on-the-job apprenticeships and training programs get paid to learn while they’re working, bringing home a paycheck and gaining valuable skills at the same time. Without mounds of student debt, a trades worker in their early 20s can build solid credit and put more income toward investments in their future like retirement savings and buying a house instead of funneling every penny toward loan payments for a decade or more.
- In-demand jobs
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job openings in skilled trades are growing faster than average through 2029. In contrast, professionals in fields that were once considered sure-fire paths to success—healthcare, technology, finance—are struggling to find employment. As market conditions fluctuate and factors like emerging technology and global trade impact the economy and jobs, one thing will remain certain: there will always be a demand for the people who know how to install and fix electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
“The labor statistics are clear—the openings in the trades outnumber what we used to call ‘white collar’ jobs,” says Davis-Ulmer Companies’ Director of People Teams Danielle Phillips. “We’re even seeing it in our parent company, API, as well. Recent job postings are all for technicians; fewer in administration and management.”
Learning by doing
Instead of waiting two, four or more years to start a career with a college degree, apprentices are out in the field practicing their craft while learning on day one. For people who enjoy working with their hands, this kind of learning by doing unlocks their unique and valuable skills.
“The people who excel at trades are driven problem-solvers,” says Akins. “They’re great at trouble shooting and figuring out puzzles.”
While most apprenticeship programs do include classroom instruction and reading, it’s usually followed immediately by practical application.
“Trades do rely on book knowledge,” says Akins. “The advantage to an apprenticeship program is that the students are given the opportunity to apply their new knowledge immediately, which reinforces the classroom learning.”
Open to all ages
Apprenticing to work in the trades isn’t just for those fresh out of high school—it’s a viable option for people looking for a career change or a second career following retirement, too. Akins says the apprentices currently enrolled in programs offered by Davis-Ulmer Companies range in age from 18 to over 50 and include retired firefighters and former military personnel.
“We actively recruit veterans and retired firefighters,” says Akins. “They have a service and protection mindset, so they’re drawn to what we do, and they bring unique skills and perspectives to the learning environment.”
Learning alongside older apprentices whose teamwork, problem-solving and work ethic have been honed by years in the workforce is valuable to younger apprentices, too, who benefit from the examples and perspectives shared by more seasoned peers.
Opportunities for advancement
Akins began his career as an alarm install technician 30 years ago. Now he teaches new generations of trades people who are just starting a career path that can lead to roles in project management, design, sales and leadership ranks. He says that along with opportunities to grow and learn as a tradesman, a company that offers apprenticeships and on-the-job training is great place to work, too.
“It’s nice to work for a company that’s investing in the skills and success of its people,” says Akins. “I’ve always felt like I’m a member of a team that really cares about me.”
After starting his career at Home Depot, Norman Mishoe switched gears to attend trade school for training as an electrician. He joined S&S Sprinkler in 2018 as an entry-level technician and completed the company’s apprenticeship program. He transferred to Beach Lake, also part of the Davis-Ulmer Family of Companies, in 2024 and is now an alarm and detection department manager who is confident he made the right career choice.
“Financially I’m able to take care of my family,” says Mishoe. “I can keep growing and learning; there are lots of opportunities here. Someone who can be successful in this field is someone who is willing to learn, take their own development into their own hands, do a little extra outside learning, and ask questions. Some of our newer recruits ask really good questions that challenge even the instructors, and we all thrive in that environment.”
Need more information? Contact our Career Development Team: [email protected]
Check out all the career opportunities within the Davis-Ulmer Family of Companies HERE
Veterans – Interested in joining our team? Learn more about our dedicated veterans’ program.
