Welcome to the Trading Up resources page. We believe that everyone deserves access to resources that can help them build a successful career, regardless of whether they have a college degree or not.
We understand that navigating the job market can be challenging, but we are here to provide you with valuable information and tools to help you succeed.
Whether you are seeking career advice, job opportunities, or skill-building resources, this page is designed to help you reach your career goals. Our team has curated a list of resources that we believe can help you gain a competitive edge in the job market and we are excited to share them with you.
Table of Contents
Salary and Income Resources
See how much money you can make
Check out your future possibilities with estimated yearly incomes from various trades.
All datasets are sourced from the BLS
Parental Resources
Talk to your parents about your new career path
It is important to approach the conversation with your parents in a respectful and understanding manner. Explain to them why you are interested in trading up your life and the benefits that it can offer. Show them that you have done your research and are committed to pursuing this career path. Be sure to emphasize that you are still open to other options and that you value their opinion. Finally, be prepared to answer any questions they may have and to discuss potential compromises.
Union Resources
What does a Union do?
A union is an organization of workers that works to protect the rights and interests of its members. Unions negotiate with employers on behalf of their members, advocating for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. They also provide legal representation and other services to their members.
Whether or not you should go for a job in a union depends on your individual situation. Unions can provide a number of benefits, such as better wages and working conditions, legal representation, and job security. However, they can also require membership fees and may limit your ability to negotiate your own terms. It is important to research the union and consider your own needs before making a decision.
Women in Trades Resources
Women in Trades
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up only 8.3% of the skilled trades workforce. This is significantly lower than the overall workforce, which is 47.5% female. However, the number of women in the skilled trades is slowly increasing, and there are a number of organizations dedicated to encouraging more women to pursue careers in the skilled trades.
Women are increasingly entering the skilled trades, and there are a number of industries that are particularly well-suited for women. These include plumbing, HVAC, welding, carpentry, and electrical work. Additionally, women are increasingly entering the automotive and construction industries, which are traditionally male-dominated
Skilled Trades Resources
What is a Trade?
A skilled trade is, by definition, any job that requires a particular set of skills, knowledge or ability to perform.
There are so many trades out there that affect our lives on a daily basis. For instance, the carpenter that built your house, the truck driver that delivers your packages, or even the HVAC technician that keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. There are so many things we enjoy because of the people in the trades and the work they do.
Most skilled trades do not require a four-year college degree and most, if not all the skilled trades will PAY YOU to learn the job.
Compare graduating college with a four-year degree to getting paid to learn a skilled trade.
The average university is going to cost you around $22,000 a year. While an apprenticeship in a skilled trade will not only will cost you nothing, but will PAY YOU $18 to $24 dollars an hour from the start.
Flash forward four-years – instead of swimming in debt and minimal real world experience – you would have earned over $200,000 dollars and already have 4 Years actual experience in the industry of your future.
The Benefits of Skilled Trades
Going into a skilled trade can be a great career choice for many reasons. Skilled trades offer a variety of job opportunities, often with good pay and benefits. They also provide the opportunity to learn a valuable skill that can be used in many different industries. Additionally, skilled trades often require less formal education than other career paths, making them a great option for those who may not have the time or resources to pursue a college degree.