So, What Do You Want to Do with Your Life?
This is the question many of us have heard from our parents as we get towards the end of high school and try to figure out what career path we want to take. Finding our direction has always been a very personal path of growth and discovery. Long held impressions suggest that university/college graduates have greater access to opportunities which lead to success, measured in wealth and happiness.
On the other end of the spectrum are blue collar workers, who are made up of folks who work with their hands as trades people. Examples might be bricklayers, floor installers, plumbers, electricians, construction workers or residential painters. This group traditionally were seen as people who had no option for higher education and had to work harder to make ends meet.
The Answer Has Been Flipped on Its Head
What might have been somewhat true once upon a time no longer is. Getting a trade increasingly makes sense in a world where university/college students often have fewer prospects when they graduate, and a good portion end up working in fields unrelated to their studies. In fact, many who have completed university/college turn to the trades when they realize that having hard skills can provide more income and security. Instead of being weighed down by thousands of dollars in school loans, starting a career as a residential painter, as an example, lets you hit the ground running. A relatively short apprenticeship and you can begin working straight out of school, putting money into the bank instead of paying it back.
Why a Career as a Residential Painter Makes Sense
There are many reasons why someone might consider starting a career as a residential painter. Let’s take a quick look at some of these:
- Quick Start: Becoming a residential painter does not require excessive schooling. You can learn under the guidance of another professional painter and should have all the skills you need within a few years.
- Training: You can enroll in a fully accredited apprenticeship program beginning with a pre-apprenticeship course, and it will take 3-4 years. This typically includes both field and classroom training, giving you the credentials you need to take your job anywhere.
- Opportunity: Painting is always going to be required. Every structure will need to be painted at some point, and the booming building and construction industry will continue to employ professional painters.
- Advancement: A motivated residential painter can run their own site in about 3 years. With experience, you can diversify and consider being a crew leader, operations manager, or even an estimator. Beyond being a contractor, residential painters who want to be entrepreneurs can learn the industry and consider starting their own painting business.
- Good income: With skilled worker shortages being a growing concern and home renovations booming, the demand for trades has gone up. This means higher wages. With advancement, project managers and estimators can see lucrative bonuses and command more money. Many painting companies will also offer good benefits
Start Your Career as a Residential Painter
Starting a career as a residential painter can be a smart choice. Whether you choose to go to university/college first or begin immediately, you can rest assured that having a trade will benefit you for a lifetime. By joining a painter’s union, you’ll get the opportunity to train, develop your skills, earn competitive wages, and gain job security. Find out more by contacting us today.
