From Struggle to Success: Lessons on Personal Growth



From Struggle to Success: Lessons on Personal Growth Working in Skilled Trades

When people think of skilled trades, they often imagine a strong, burly man with a wrench in his hand, working on a construction site or in a factory. This stereotype may be prevalent, but the reality is that the skilled trade industry is made up of people from all walks of life, including women, minorities, and individuals of all ages.

Working in skilled trades can be challenging, and can come with its unique set of struggles. However, those who persevere despite the obstacles, have the potential to attain great success. In this article, we’ll explore the lessons on personal growth one can glean from working in skilled trades.

Let’s start with some statistics. As of 2019, there were approximately 7.6 million jobs within the skilled trades industry, with an average wage of $25.87 per hour. The demand for these jobs is only set to increase, with an estimated 48,000 new jobs expected to be added to the industry by 2029.

Despite this, the skilled trades industry still faces a shortage of workers. In fact, according to the National Association of Home Builders, 47% of builders had to turn down work due to a shortage of skilled labor in 2020. This shortage is attributed to a lack of interest in the trades among younger generations, as well as a lack of training and education programs.

This shortage of skilled workers has created an opportunity for those willing to work hard and learn the necessary skills. Working in the trades teaches individuals important lessons on personal growth, including:

1. The Importance of Perseverance

Working in the trades can be grueling, both physically and mentally. It takes perseverance to push through long hours, challenging projects, and unexpected setbacks.

For example, let’s take a look at electricians. Electricians must endure long hours of work, especially on construction sites, where time is of the essence. Moreover, they have to withstand a lot of physical and mental strain, make sure they’re taking the necessary safety measures, and constantly be on their feet. Even when things don’t go as planned, the electricians have to put in the extra effort and persistence to ensure that the work is done correctly.

The lesson learned here is that it’s not enough to simply have talent or skill-sets to succeed. One must be committed to the work and willing to power through the challenges that come with it.

2. The Significance of Attention to Detail

In the skilled trades, mistakes can be costly, and in some instances, deadly. As such, those in these professions have to pay close attention to detail and ensure that there are no mistakes in their work.

For example, welders must be very meticulous when working with welding machines, as a minor error could lead to accidents. Similarly, plumbers need to ensure that they follow safety guidelines while working on water supply systems to prevent contamination.

The lesson here is that attention to detail is vital in ensuring quality work, safety, and the continued success of one’s career.

3. The Value of Continuous Learning

The skilled trades are continually evolving, with new technologies and techniques emerging all the time. To remain relevant, it’s essential to keep learning and adapting to new developments in the field.

For instance, carpenters must keep up with new building codes and regulations while staying current on new tools and construction methods. With this knowledge comes an advantage over fellow workers and more job opportunities.

The lesson here is that a growth mindset and a willingness to learn are crucial for success in the skilled trades. Those who fail to put in the effort to learn and grow become outdated and irrelevant.

Bottom Line

The skilled trades industry offers an opportunity for personal growth and career advancement. Those who work in this field must be willing to persevere through challenges, pay attention to detail, and continuously learn and adapt.

Despite the current shortage of skilled labor, the industry’s future is bright, and those who choose this career path have a wealth of opportunities to secure a stable and fulfilling career.

The skilled trades should be viewed as a viable and rewarding career path for anyone willing to put in the effort to learn and grow, regardless of their gender, age, or background.


Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Photo of the Remarkables mountain range in Queenstown, New Zealand.

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