There are plenty of ways to level up in trades, but chances are you won’t find much advice or helping hands along the way unless you really look for it. Keep reading to learn how to scale the ladder in your line of work.
Are you thinking it’s finally time to get some growth in your career? If you’re in the trades and have Googled “how to move up in your career” you’ve probably felt like the internet forgot people in trades exist! Everything is about corporate promotions, salary negotiations, networking events, and other things that sound like they belong in a cringeworthy LinkedIn post. If you don’t work in an office, where’s the advice?
It’s wild because trades keep the world running. No plumbers? No working toilets. No electricians? Enjoy living in the dark. No builders? Hope you like sleeping outside. Yet, somehow, resources for career growth in skilled trades are shockingly limited. People assume that once you learn a trade, you just do the same thing forever. That couldn’t be more wrong. The truth is, there are plenty of ways to move up in your chosen trade, and they don’t involve sitting in meetings all day. You’ve got options!
Want More Money? Get More Skills
Okay, so here’s the thing, working harder isn’t always the key to earning more. Actually, working smarter is. If you want bigger paychecks, you need to make yourself more valuable. The best way to do that is to get the right certifications. Some, like forklift training, allow you to operate machinery that a lot of jobs require (so if you work in logistics, factory, or warehouse this credential benefits you).
But others, like advanced welding, electrical, or HVAC certifications, make you the person everyone needs on-site. And when people need you, they pay you more. So just think about it this way; the more specialised your skills, the fewer people can do what you do. That’s how you get into higher-paying jobs without having to beg for a raise. Employers and clients will see your value instantly because you’ve got the paperwork and experience to back it up.
Leadership Actually Pays
Some people think leadership in trades means being the guy who yells at everyone on-site. Wrong. Sure, that idea gets pushed, but thankfully it’s not accurate. So, real leaders keep things moving, solve problems before they become expensive disasters, and know how to work with people without making them want to quit.
If you’ve been in the industry a while and know your stuff, chances are people already come to you for advice. Well, that’s a sign you’re ready to step into bigger roles, like site supervisor, project manager, or foreman. So, these jobs come with more responsibility but also more respect and, let’s be honest, better pay.
Consider Starting Your Own Business
Now, there’s one thing trades have that most office jobs never will, it’s the chance to be your own boss. If you’ve got the skills and experience, there’s no reason you can’t start taking on your own jobs, building a client base, and eventually running your own business.
Going from worker to business owner isn’t about just being good at the trade, it’s about learning the business side of things. Plus, pricing jobs properly, managing clients, handling paperwork, and knowing when to invest and when to hold back all make a difference in whether you succeed or struggle.
And you don’t have to quit your job and go all in overnight. Plenty of people start small, taking side jobs, building a reputation, and slowly growing their business until they can make the jump to full-time. Besides, you get to be in control of all of this.
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