The past year has been a whirlwind of changes and challenges and now you’re faced with one of the most important questions of your life so far: what’s next? It’s time to stop focusing on a job and start developing a career – and it might be time for you to consider a career in the trades.
Adding It All Up
Before going any further, we should recognize the value of education. Everyone benefits from continuing to learn – however, how many can afford to? As of 2020, 43.2 million students who borrowed money are in debt by an average of $39,351 each. The average public university student borrows $30,030 to attain a bachelor’s degree. Roughly 86 percent of college graduates are employed immediately after completing their program. College graduates are reported to receive an average salary of about $50,000 in their first place of employment. Of course, these figures – and the likelihood of job placement – vary by field of study, interest and location.
These figures can be a little daunting at first glimpse but are important data points when it comes to contemplating and investing in your future. If you benefit from hands-on education and want to make money as you learn, a career in the trades might be a great fit for you!
Careers in the trades pay much higher than you might expect. For example, plumbers in Philadelphia make, on average, $62,410 per year. This number isn’t unique to Philadelphia, either – plumbers in New York, Oregon, Illinois, Massachusetts and Alaska are reported to earn salaries of between $69,000 to $72,000 per year. According to Ferguson, plumbers in those states earn as low as $33 an hour. We’re dealing with more than dollars and cents, though.
Besides money, the most important thing – and the only finite resource we have – is time. Instead of taking a two-to-four year course before entering the workforce, professionals in the plumbing industry learn on the job through paid apprenticeships. They are simultaneously investing in their education and future while also providing for themselves and their family.
What About Job Stability?
If you tire of routine quickly but want stability and job security, the plumbing industry may be an ideal field for you. As a drain specialist, you’ll meet new people and solve new problems every day. The most successful drain specialists are critical thinkers who utilize all available resources to remedy issues. Additionally, the plumbing industry’s employment is one of the most secure, since communities will always need experts to keep their toilets flushing and their sinks unclogged. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, Zoom Drain specialists were still able to work and provide for their families – not to mention, the plumbing industry is projected to grow by almost 12 percent over the course of the next 12 years, so it’s a perfect time to start your career!
The Zoom Drain Difference: Earn While You Learn
At Zoom, we highly prioritize both education and professional development. We provide comprehensive training for all of our drain specialists, which combines classroom learning with extensive hands-on experience supervised by one of our senior technicians. The best part? Our students are paid as they learn and have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience by the time they graduate, making them well-rounded experts at the point of entering the field.
Unlike college degrees and an overwhelming majority of internships, our Service Technician Training Program is a paid training program. Within our hybrid training program, you will:
- Receive thorough classroom training on topics from drain theory to executing a multitude of drain solutions from start to finish.
- Work with expert technicians in the field to get hands-on experience solving real-life drain issues under the guidance of an experienced mentor.
- Roleplay unique situations customers might present, while surrounded by colleagues and teachers who support you and want to see you succeed.
When you have graduated from our apprentice training program, you will be a licensed drain technician with hundreds of hours of practical experience to help you diagnose and solve any drain issue you encounter. Zoom Drain is an Equal Opportunity Employer and our program allows everyone the opportunity to thrive in this industry, no matter experience or background.
Are You Ready To Write Your Next Chapter?
At Zoom Drain, we are always looking for motivated problem-solvers to join our team of expert technicians. If you think a career in the plumbing industry might be a good fit, apply today! You’ve been handed the pen and tasked with writing your next chapter – what will you write?