We live in a highly specialised world; and never before have job opportunities so closely reflected that reality. Less and less is it a good idea to launch your working life on a wing and a prayer. The knockabout Jack of all trades is fast losing his or her appeal in the job market globally. So, what is your best avenue to success and satisfaction on your career path? It is, also, useful to remember that material success via a job does not always equate with meaningful job satisfaction. Many high paying jobs in fields, like sales, can be pretty soulless after a while. Everyone needs a coffee, but making coffee is not very profitable unless you own the business.
Learning a Trade vs. Learning a Profession
Trade versus profession has traditionally been a class defining divide, with trade on the blue-collar side and professions labelled white collar. These labels are, however, becoming increasingly irrelevant in a modern Australia, which prides itself on its equitability in the twenty first century. University education, has been encouraged by successive governments over the last two decades, via delayed fee payments for tertiary education in this country. Questions are now being asked about this emphasis on gaining a university degree and the lack of skilled workers for a number of industries.
Push for Young People to Learn a Trade
The push for young people to learn a trade rather than go to university is gaining traction. Things like cabinet making can lead places, when it comes to finding a worthwhile career pathway. Although, manufacturing has shrunk considerably over the last twenty years in Australia, there are signs of a small turnaround. More specialised high-tech industries are trying to get a foothold in this country and receiving government support in the wake of the departure of the car manufacturing industry in Victoria and South Australia.
Avoid the Big Debt of Getting a Degree
An analysis of the two training pathways sees above average earnings with no debt at the end for those apprenticed to a trade. A recent News article cited the fact that in NSW there are ten qualified school teachers applying for every single one job being advertised. The odds are squarely in favour of tradies in terms of getting jobs and their training being paid for by their employer. More women in trades is seen as another piece in the economic puzzle in this country, with around only 2% of women in that section of the workforce over the last twenty five years.
