Looking for a Career Change? These 4 Blue Collar Jobs Might Be Right for You
People often make career changes in search of a better financial future. While seeking financial security, you should switch to an option with a steady income supply. While physically demanding, blue-collar jobs have endless opportunities that will allow you to tackle debts and achieve saving goals. If you’re looking to switch careers, read on to identify four blue-collar jobs that may be ideal for you.
1. Construction Laborer
In their line of work, construction laborers rely on handheld and power-driven tools and equipment such as hammers and bench grinders. Since there are many constructions ongoing and others popping up daily, the trade of construction tools is booming. The worldwide building and construction tools market valuation for 2020 was approximately 140 billion U.S. dollars. From land excavations to erecting buildings and demolishing them, this career offers financial security, as all sorts of construction jobs are regularly coming up.
The job description of construction laborers includes heavy lifting and directing traffic around a work site. If inexperienced, you can learn the skill onsite. Depending on the project, the workers may also deal with explosives, especially in demolition or excavation projects. As such, personal protective equipment (PPE) is a necessity. The gear includes hard hats, earplugs, and safety boots.
2. Plumbing
If you’re considering a career switch, then plumbing may be just right for you as it’s one of the continuously growing fields. The plumbing industry has grown by approximately 2.5% over the past five years. If these statistics are anything to go by, then the probability of plumbing workflow is high, and so are the chances of attaining financial security.
Drainage systems rarely cross homeowners’ minds, as they are out of sight. However, a faulty system such as a blocked drain has unpleasant consequences like flooding. Plumbers respond to and resolve such emergencies. To qualify for this job, attention to detail and technical skills are a must, which you can learn through an apprenticeship. These skills include reading and following blueprints of houses, as you’ll constantly work with construction contractors to install plumbing systems in ongoing construction. Routine inspection, maintenance, and repair of these systems are also a plumber’s responsibility. Depending on the state you operate in, you may have to apply for a plumbing license.
3. Electrical Repair
Most people rely on electricity to power their homes and work. Like any other systems, electric systems sometimes fail and require professional repair to restore working order. Electrical technicians make their living by finding and fixing faults in the structure. If left unchecked, electrical faults can have damning consequences such as electric shock and fire hazards. At least 50,000 fires result from faulty electrical equipment. Homeowners should treat electrical failures immediately, as they can lead to much more serious consequences.
To get into this field, you must take an electronics repair course. You’ll learn how to diagnose electrical faults and carry out repairs methodically. It includes on-the-job safety training and equipment such as insulator gloves, sleeves, and fireproof clothing. Auto electrical diagnosis and repair professionals carry specialty tools, including electrical tape, test lights, and power probes.
4. Fire Inspectors and Investigators
You may be considering a job change if employment in your current field is hard to come by. Switching to a career option that will never become obsolete can put you on the right track to achieving financial security. A fire inspector and investigator are among these jobs since fire safety is a valid concern for everyone, and this will never change. Even though some fires occur naturally due to factors like lightning, human factors also play a role. Fire investigators establish the cause of fires and devise ways to avoid the recurrence. Fire investigator training and certification are the first steps toward this career.
Fires often have undesirable and long-lasting impacts, including injuries and loss of life and property. These consequences are why fire prevention and control are essential. Fire safety inspectors check buildings to ensure that they maintain fire standards. These standards require facilities to have fire detectors and extinguishers. To qualify, you must undertake a training course and acquire certification.
If you’re considering a career change, consider the blue-collar job market, as it has a multitude of opportunities. Most electrical repair and plumbing jobs will require training to acquire technical skills. Others, like fire inspectors and investigators, need you to apply for certification. No matter which career path you choose, you can find success through experience and hard work.