Anonymous wrote:I would get into plumbing. They make a ton of

AGREE! Plumbing is a great trade. And if he can add HVAC on to that, he's really golden.

Law School. Only half joking.

Tree work is where it's at. Dangerous as hell though. Same with power line crews.

The other trades people that making a killing are all the incompetents who don't know wtf they are doing as people are desperate enough to use anybody that is able to return a call. This type trades person is the most common, take your $ and deliver a subprime result. Specialize with some sketchy builder as most people will never know who the idiot was that wired the house backwards, never remove toilet flange cover, etc....but damn if they aint busy!

Trades are great till your body gives out in 20 years. The trades people with real craftmanship skills are where it's at. e.g. custom copper roofing, custom chimney caps, etc.

electricians seem to be in short supply.

Years ago, our electrician was an older guy, and he said he couldn't find young people to take over his business. He said part of the problem was that a lot of the young people couldn't tell if 1/4 was bigger or smaller than 1/8. So, you still need to know more than just 1+1 to be an electrician.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/07/27/americas-demand-skilled-electricians-boom.html

I have heard good things about the shipbuilding school in Norfolk.

The name escapes me but the job prospects are outstanding.

The biggest misconception is that residential trades are lucrative on average for just the everyday worker…they aren’t…even most small private residential trade owners don’t make a ton.

Your kid could look into apprenticeship programs with aerospace and auto companies in SC to become a commercial welder, electrician, pipe fitter, etc.

Many corporate trade jobs come with set hours, OT, benefits, etc.

I would get into plumbing. They make a ton of

If he’s still in HS he may be able to get into your county’s Vo-tech program and get an idea what direction he may be interested in going.

Both of my boys went to Montgomery College for their trade programs. Many
CCs offer programs and kids can either earn a certificate or Associates Degree depending on their preference. There are also scholarships through trade associations.

Another option is Lincoln Tech, which is expensive. We didn’t go that route because I didn’t find it supportive enough for kids with learning differences. But others may have found otherwise.

Someone mentioned elevator. If that is an interest, there are a few employers in this area and you could contact them to see what sort of training they might want to see before they would accept someone for an apprenticeship.

Anonymous wrote:Maritime transportation with coast guard license. 6 figures after graduation working 6 months a year on a boat.

I know several kids who went to SUNY Maritime and are doing very well. Can be a 2 or 4 year program.

Anonymous wrote:What industry and trade skill are the most profitable? If my son isn’t interested in college, I’m open to other options. He’s not interested in the military.

Go to a non college and university forum to find out.

My son is going into a trade and the best one is the one he’s interested in. Have him do some research, go to open houses with programs the same way you would do for colleges. That’s what we did.

But my personal suggestions to him, without having first hand knowledge at any of these when he had no idea where to start looking, was to research HVAC, elevator repair, aviation (lots of different options there) or becoming an electrician.

Maritime transportation with coast guard license. 6 figures after graduation working 6 months a year on a boat.

What industry and trade skill are the most profitable? If my son isn’t interested in college, I’m open to other options. He’s not interested in the military.