Hardware Retailing The Industry's Source for Insights and Information
As the skilled labor gap continues to impact the home improvement channel, tool manufacturer CHANNELLOCK® is launching a new tool aimed at getting young people interested in the trades. The company has introduced Trades 101, a landing page with the objective of highlighting the many benefits of pursuing a career in the skilled trades field.
“All across the country, historic numbers of welders, HVAC techs, mechanics, electricians, plumbers, linemen and first responders are soon reaching retirement age with few trained to replace them,” says Ryan DeArment, vice president of sales and marketing for Channellock, Inc. “This, along with a booming construction industry and an ever-expanding population, means the skilled trades are in increasingly high demand and poised for rapid growth—now and well into the future. This new website helps people explore some of the top reasons for joining the trades.”
The Trades 101 page allows potential tradespeople to explore trade schools in their area, tips for choosing the right trade and steps to take to enter into a trade field. In addition, users are also able to filter data on media income, common occupations, entry level education requirements, and training or schooling for each specific trade.
The company says highlights for choosing a skilled trade include:
- Job security: Skilled trades professionals are in constant demand. Never in danger of having their jobs outsourced or replaced by robot automation, American tradespeople enjoy excellent job security and opportunities for advancement.
- Less time in the classroom: Forget about four years in the classroom. Most American trade schools can get students on the job a lot faster with certification and degree programs that can be completed in just three to 18 months.
- Affordable tuition: Acquire valuable, lifetime skills instead of a lifetime of college debt. In many areas across the country, traditional, four-year colleges can cost up to 10 times more than nearby trade schools.
- A great living: Always in high demand, the skilled trades command excellent pay and benefits. In some fields, entry-level workers receive up to $50,000 annually while experienced professionals often earn six figures.
Trades 101 is part of the brand’s larger commitment to secure the future of skilled labor.
“We want to ensure we have a strong skilled trades force now and in the future,” DeArment says “These jobs are outsource-proof and consistently rank among America’s best, most secure and highest-paying careers without a four-year degree. We hope this new tool helps young men and women find out all the benefits of trades jobs and ignites passion to help them choose the career of a lifetime.”
