The Trades Via A Back Door
Many people who enter the trades go in through the back door. By that I mean they had no intention of looking for a job in the trades, but a job found them. How does that happen? Well, there is a severe shortage of skilled
Let’s Discuss Marijuana
A growing number of states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, in addition to a long list of states that have approved it for medicinal purposes. Even if you don’t indulge, it’s almost certain that you have been around people who do. One poll found
College vs A Trade: You Can Do Both
Many people in the trades express admiration for the trade apprenticeship programs in Germany and some other European countries. As this article points out, whereas in Germany some 60% of young people train as apprentices in various skilled trades, the comparable number in America is
Women Are Welcome In The Trades
According to The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWC), women make up 9.1% of the construction workforce. When I first read that statistic, I thought it represented a big jump from previous data I had seen years ago. Upon closer reading, it’s not as encouraging.
The Physical Demands Of Trade Work
I won’t kid you, in general trade work is not as easy on the body as working behind a desk. If you cherish life as a coach potato, then the trades are not for you. Some jobs are more demanding than others. Construction jobs typically
New Year Resolutions
It’s that time of year when so many people resolve to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthier and so on. These are all worthy agendas. For those of you who aspire to become skilled trade workers – or are thinking of doing so – I
Student Debt Has Become A Crisis
I’ve written about crippling student debt several times before in this blog. Mostly I’ve tried to draw attention to the skyrocketing cost of a college education and how it can cripple former students financially for the rest of their lives. This article tackles the same
Student Debt: Are You Comfortable With The Consequences?
Sobering statistics: the U.S. Department of Education estimates the cost of a four-year public college averages more than $93,000. If your parents didn’t spend a lifetime saving for it on your behalf, or if you’re not eligible for scholarships, your only option might be to
Digging Deeper Into The Real Costs Of A College Education
Is it possible that your salary after college graduation will be enough to allow you to live comfortably while still paying off your student loans? Many young people are asking that as they think about what to do about college costs. A four-year liberal arts