It's Never Too Late to Start a Career in Skilled Trades! (2024)

FAQs

Is it ever too late to start a trade? ›

There's no need to worry that it's too late to start a career in the skilled trades. These jobs are perfect for people of all ages and experience levels.

Skilled trades jobs are essential for a functioning society, ensuring our homes, businesses, and public spaces are safe, functional, and well-maintained. They also drive the production of goods and promote community development.

Lots of people end up changing their careers in their late forties and early fifties and succeed in their new roles. This is proof that for most of your life it isn't too late for you to start a trade. Most people start a trade quite young, typically between the ages of 16 and 24.

The truth is you can start an apprenticeship at any age, and it's never too late. There are many apprentices who don't start their training until their late 20s, 30s and 40s…

Is 24 too old to learn a trade? 24 is not too old to learn a trade. It's true that most people learn a trade when they are in their late teens and early twenties. In fact, many people start to learn a trade when they are aged between 16 – 24.

Changing careers at 25 is not a sign of failure but a courageous step towards personal growth and adaptability. It reflects a willingness to reassess one's path and make bold decisions to align with personal aspirations and values.

Reasons the skilled trades are a great career path

There are a variety of reasons to consider a career in the trades, ranging from great pay and high worker demand to training availability and job satisfaction. Let's break down the top reasons for considering a trades career and examine each one in depth.

Economy-wide, trade causes jobs to shift into industries in which a country has comparative advantage and away from industries with comparative disadvantage. In the process, the composition of employment may change, but there may not be a net loss of jobs.

Tradespeople play a vital role and contribute to the overall economic growth and stability of communities. Having a hands-on career in trades allows you to see tangible results. Whether it's constructing a building, fixing a broken appliance, or creating a piece of art, you can take pride in the work you're doing.

Know That It's Never Too Late

You might think a career change means completely starting over. But in fact, you most likely already have years of work experience by the time you're 30.

Is 26 too late to start a trade? ›

Yes, it is absolutely okay to change careers at 26. No matter what age you are, it is never too late to embark on a new career path; indeed, with the right support and guidance, such a transition can be smoother than anticipated.

The courses available provide a comprehensive level of information that you will need to begin your journey in this particular trade. It's clear then that there isn't such a clear age limit on learning a new trade.

What is the shortest trade school? Medical assistant programs generally take the least amount of time to complete. Students can finish their training in as little as eight weeks.

Carpentry is one of the easiest trades to learn. It involves constructing and repairing structures made from wood, such as houses, furniture, and other wooden objects. Carpenters typically use hand tools like saws, hammers, chisels, planes and drills to create their projects.

According to the BLS, the highest-paid skilled trade professionals include construction managers and elevator and escalator installers. These professionals earn median salaries of $104,900 and $102,420 per year, respectively.

Age isn't a factor.

It's not uncommon for 30-year-olds to get self-conscious about their age when considering a career change.

It's Never Too Late for a New Career

A fresh career can be pursued at any time. Taking advantage of education at any age allows you to follow your passions and opens doors to new opportunities and personal improvement.

At this age, a person is legally regarded as “an adult” and can sign contracts independently. However, regardless of age or experience level, it's never too early or too late to begin learning about it.

Absolutely! There are plenty of apprenticeship opportunities available for those over 35 years old. In fact, many employers actively seek applicants with a more mature age, as they can bring a wealth of experience to the role. Apprenticeships can be a great way to gain new skills, knowledge and confidence.