With careers that provide exciting projects, meaningful work, fantastic benefits, great pay, limitless opportunities for growth, and an enviable work-life balance, it’s no wonder that construction tradespeople hear “wow, you’re so lucky!” quite often.
For many people and in many professions, success often does come down to luck - who you know, who you meet, being in the right place at the right time, etc. - but a successful career in the trades has nothing to do with luck.
What makes a successful tradesperson, then?
World Class Education and Training Through Apprenticeship
First and foremost, success in the building trades requires skill and knowledge. Whether you're a carpenter, an electrical worker, or a plumber, you need to have a deep understanding of your craft to excel. But these are not skills and knowledge that someone is born with, can be learned overnight, or is acquired by luck.
Successful tradespeople learn their craft through registered apprenticeship programs. During apprenticeship, workers learn a skilled trade through a mix of classroom education and real, hands-on experience from on-the-job training alongside seasoned professionals in the trade. Once an apprenticeship is completed, a certificate is granted, establishing the individual as a trained professional in their craft - the start of a rewarding career.
Hard Work and Dedication
Trade work is truly a craft, and mastering any craft takes a lot of time, practice, focus, determination, and hard work. It also requires a dedication to maintaining high standards, working with precision, and never giving up. Tradespeople who have the passion and dedication to work hard and improve their skills can achieve great success in their careers.
Just think of the beautiful, custom stairwell in a famous cathedral or the smart data center that responds to outside temperature and balances load automatically. The skills needed for these jobs required hard work and countless hours of training and coaching.
Continuous Learning and Adaptability
Another key component of success in the building trades is adaptability. The construction industry is constantly evolving, with new materials, technologies, and regulations always coming into play. Robots can now paint deep storage tanks, but those robots need to be programmed and operated by skilled painters. AI-powered drones can photograph cracks in buildings and bridges; a skilled worker can analyze those photos and determine the work needed to maintain those structures. New equipment allows workers to lift and carry larger loads; a trained worker knows how to do this work safely.
Those who can stay up-to-date and adapt to these changes are more likely to thrive than those who cling to outdated methods and practices.
So, if you're considering a career in the trades, remember that success is within your reach, no matter who you are, as long as you're willing to put in the effort. With hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence, you can build a fulfilling and rewarding career that you can be proud of - no luck needed.
The trades offer many opportunities for those who are willing to take them - so what are you waiting for? Let's get to work! Learn more about career opportunities in the trades and get started today.
