Skilled trades are a dying industry. Find something else to do.

[@lazygamer4746]

New employees are treated awful. The whole industry is full of older people that just bad mouth younger people. They don't want to train anyone, and just overall have nasty attitudes.

[@father5946]

Pretty much!

[@Yummynomnom123]

Oh yeah, like shit, just like when you are start out cooking, everyone shits on you, the only people who are left are mostly criminals and people who cant get other jobs.

[@cootloot5675]

Went into hvac making $12/hr doing life threatening work with no benefits or overtime while working 12 hours a day with an hour commute each way, this coupled with everything you mentioned is why I sought after a different job prospect 😹🎊🍻

[@tyreck9835]

@@cootloot5675where’d you go into HVAC, what city and state ?

[@alialshaches6658]

Honestly that’s one reason I stopped. Their attitude is so damn negative and they are always angry for no damn reason.

[@danielbeaird6264]

Welder here... couldn't give a crap about being looked up to... truth is the pay/benefits are crap, and the lack of respect from bosses is despicable... why would I want to work for McDonald's wages? Pre covid McDonald's paid $7/hr and a good welder could easily get $20/hr.... now McDonald's pays $20/hr and shops pay $25/hr... if we made about 3x McDonald's pay before then we should be 3x what it is now... if shops paid $60/hr then I doubt there would be a lack of tradesmen in the field

[@richardspillers6282]

Hype like this video and people like Mike Rowe keep trades hyped up and flooded even while they pay garbage wages. It's propaganda designed to keep essentials cheap.

[@gustavrodriguez910]

@@richardspillers6282 You gotta love Mike Rowe's lies lmao. He's a soft handed opera actor, he's in no place to speak on labor.

[@2Ahthelphi]

Truth is we do need people in the trades breaking their backs otherwise all of society’s luxuries fall apart. The true way to solve this is to simply pay more and get management in that actually cares and understands about their industry

[@richardspillers6282]

@@2Ahthelphi they love keeping the essentials dirt cheap though.

[@kenward9449]

"Why would I want to work for McDonald's wages?" Yes, that is the point! People working in the trades need to tell their bosses that if they don't pay more, they are going to get an easier job at McDonald's that pays the same.

[@zachwooster4555]

I’ve heard this argument from every old man I’ve ever worked for in my 10 years of construction and trades experience. There is so much wrong with the trades industries but the older generation consistently blames young people for the decline. The average salary for an electrician (which I am STILL apprenticing for) in the US today is right under $56,000. I went to college AND served in the military but I just got laid off along with 61 other excellent employees. Now I am interviewing with companies and showing them my level of experience and knowledge about the trade and the desire to work hard but they are low balling me on the salary left and right. The older generation wants to blame young people for being lazy and not wanting to “get their hands dirty” but offer nothing but criticism and and low wages for young people who actually want to do this work. If you are really worried about the future of your trade then you would TEACH and be patient with mistakes. Take chances on kids who don’t show much promise but show up. And if you can’t afford to pay them well then START CHARGING MORE FOR YOUR SERVICES. Inflation has impacted everyone but somehow our industry can’t keep up with cost of living. But we are in high demand now so we should capitalize on that and pay ourselves what we deserve.

[@ihunt12903]

Exactly , my boss wouldnt raise his rates to pay us more so we quit lol

[@gustavrodriguez910]

@@ihunt12903 Plumbing apprentices around here get payed 12/hr lmao. Most fastfood jobs here also pay 18/hr lmao. I can't with this retarded economy.

[@hyberkonawa272]

Thank you and I wish could be that way because I'm 28 years old millennial and I'm diagnosed with this Dyslexia and I already experience discrimination and even been fired from a Skill trade company called "Peele" on my third day of job training for no reason here in Canada. There was no way to sue this company cuz they disappeared from the whole job search and it was more expensive to hire a lawyer to solve this case. I hope that Company goes to sh*t including the skill trades industry.

[@tenebrousjones4897]

I saw how a lifetime of farming and factory work absolutely wrecked my parents and my grandparents and decided VERY young that I didn’t want that for myself.

[@Toolfetch]

Appreciate the feedback

[@Botyoutubeaccount]

Tbh this only happened because we started exporting work to make things cheaper. Sorry to hear this. I’m assuming ur from the rust belt, sorry to hear that

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

@@ToolfetchYour comment shows that you clearly don’t.

[@johnd4348]

yep

[@j.johnson8360]

That’s not true at all. Kids are smarter than climbing through a 130° attic for $15 an hour.

[@stevenjames6830]

Lol I was an hvac guy and yeah I wised up lol

[@Mohdzn]

Yea lol going on tiktok all day

[@limbogt747]

​@@stevenjames6830I thought hvac trade people were making easily 6 figures

[@user-qt5jb9ee1g]

Lol

[@Christianmorgan12]

With a high rate of unemployment,it's bttr than being an influencer

[@DaOriginalMurdah]

The pay sucks, no benefits, no retirement.

[@Killerrob-rn3os]

Facts they glorify killing ur body and making no money it’s sad tbh lol

[@alexcobert]

Right, some union jobs are good but the rest of them are ass, no reason to look up to it when you could be looking down from your helicopter lmaooo

[@Februarylove]

Become self employed and make bank

[@Killerrob-rn3os]

@@Februarylove lol no money I. That

[@Februarylove]

@@Killerrob-rn3os there is if you're self employed

[@hoghs1]

I wanted to do all those things and make great money. Turns out the industry didnt care. Took me less than a year to realize trades were gonna be the death of me

[@Toolfetch]

Which trade were you referring to and what location?

[@hoghs1]

@@Toolfetch worked in a few areas. Drywall, framing/carpentry/ foresry, brick laying( i was mega broke) painting and some light heavy ewuipment operation. All were a disaster of dysfunction drug addicts with power tools and machines. Mixed in with lose pay and shit bosses. Least not the weather aspect.Some trades like roofing although i didnt do it being 6'8 makes that one not needing trying. Met some awful teachers along the way. Absolute knuckle dragger types.

[@jesseauge9973]

25 years old working in concrete as a skilled laborer been here for 2 years, was my dream job, picked up on it quick, overtime, got a company truck, gas card, benefits,the freedom was amazing, tried getting a 2nd job since my job wasn’t a set schedule to get off, but still wasn’t enough to make up for it, unfortunately once work got slow, or work was canceled due to weather conditions I was left with no work, even finding side work to survive was a struggle & wasn’t a guaranteed 40 hours, & is no way to live, even the highest position was still barely getting by, old heads were still working till they die living miserably in pain off social security, wouldn’t want that to be me one day, leave while you can, trades just doesn’t keep up with cost of living in this economy, was everything I wanted, but it was a hard pill to swallow to accept reality for what it is, never had sense of job security, had a lot of fun, & learned a lot, rather live comfortably, & retire comfortably

[@Toolfetch]

Are you leaving the trade to pursue something else?

[@jesseauge9973]

@@Toolfetchyes currently looking for it

[@TonyStarkChillinFromHeaven]

Same. All I wanted to do was carpentry, framing/construction work. I used to get paid $9/hr. Once the 07/08 recession happened, I was out of work just like that. And like you said, I had to work OT in order to make real money. Ended up getting a job at a hotel making $12/hr doing pretty much nothing in comparison what I used to do working construction. I still miss that line of work but unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be n this lifetime.

[@gabeisawesome879]

What's more likely, the entire nation for whatever reason just collectively started deciding they don't wanna get their hands dirty, or maaaaaybe it's the fact that most trade jobs have seen their pay stagnate and people aren't willing to do the most back breaking, dangerous, and high skill work for $2 more an hour than working at McDonalds. My job sucks. it's not hard, it's just that it fluctuates between extremely stressful and boring, with nothing in-between. The actual work I do doesn't seem to provide any real world benefit to anyone and because of that, putting in extra effort isn't even rewarded with a "thanks." I've been wanting to get literally any other job for years now. Hell at this point, I'd clean portapotties with nothing but my bare hands if it would pay my rent and I got a "thank you" once a week. Every time I look at what industries and trades need more workers, I see the pay and think "yeah that won't even pay my rent." It's a bit hard to show up to fill out an I-9 form without a mailing address other than "my car"

[@icet-oj5yc]

They don’t even pay that much more than McDonald’s you make the same at Wawa or Sheetz

[@trowwzers5057]

At my old job, I had to carry 100lb units of glass up 24ft ladders in 90 degree heat for the same pay as a McDonald’s worker. On top of it, you’ll work with trash people that’ll talk down to you I ended up leaving after 3.5 years and I’m staying unemployed until I either get a union job or an employer that isn’t a complete dick

[@user-qt5jb9ee1g]

Pay more and ill consider it

[@gustavrodriguez910]

He's a office wagie who sells the tools. He wouldn't know what it's like.

[@animez2861]

I worked nonunion for $15/hr as a carpenter apprentice, I was 18 and thought god damn this is insane work for little pay, but if you have a strong union then look into that! I am now a 5th term Interior &Exterior systems Apprentice at 24, (did office work between the years) and I make over $36/hr! (Over a $10/hr wage increase in 2years!).Journies make around $45/hr and our healthcare benefits are pretty good. Had to go to the ER and only paid $50 for the visit and care. I'm a woman in the trades and ADORE my work. Times are changing - some poorly old fashioned journies will be around but many are changing their ways and becoming more job site positive and safety conscious. If you're intrested in trades work, then just got for it! Its not like its set in stone if you decide its not for you.

[@Toolfetch]

Thanks for sharing your journey in the trades. What you put in is what you get out

[@bradmartin9105]

Nobody wants to break their back, get yelled at all day, work outside in the heat, sweat your fucking ass off… when you can make the same at Amazon in the A/C.

[@themajesticstick5262]

Great points but eventually Amazon will phase you out for robots. It’ll take longer for the construction industry.

[@cootloot5675]

@@themajesticstick5262fair point, that’s why I switched careers but hopefully by that time all I “have” to pay is property tax, I figure I can make 1k a year by doing random odd jobs🤷‍♀️💵🔥🍻🎊🌈

[@alexpaz9700]

Amazon pay is shit

[@wauweau]

Snowflakes

[@thefrog4990]

@@wauweauAdmitting you put yourself through needless suffering isn’t a flex

[@DH-oj2ru]

Like everyone else is saying, the actual, non-propaganda, reason that people stopped goinf into the trades is because for the pay they are getting, they might as well go work at McDonalds. If the pay was anywhere near adequate, plenty of people would prefer the trades to the joke that is corporate america - but people arent going to break their backs for a job that doesnt even pay enough to get a house on.....

[@polarmusic9059]

Where are people getting this info? I make $40 non union as an electrician

[@icet-oj5yc]

@@polarmusic9059good for you I make 18 after 4 and a half years I’m done with trades fuck em everyone can suffer when nobody is left but illegals

[@Crown42]

​@@polarmusic9059yeah but how many years of experience do you have? That probably played a huge role in your pay. Then again, it's still not worth it to me. I make over $100k by doing a tech job that I actually love and I only have to go to the office twice a week. 😂 it's a at home job but I go to the office twice a week to talk to my junior tech guys. You can't beat that. I went to college and got a masters degree in computer science and I managed to pay back my loans in a couple of years due to tech skills that I have.

[@punkrock1989]

Idk what people are complaining about, where I'm from electricians, plumbers, plasterers, roof tilers, window cleaners, mechanics, etc etc are getting paid plenty of money.

[@Crown42]

@@punkrock1989 it's not the hourly pay it's the overtime that they receive that makes them money. Also, if you are from a big city of course you are going to get paid more but it doesn't equate to a lot of money if the cost of living is high. Where I'm from those guys start at around $14-16 an hour. I know because I worked in blue-collar jobs. Now, take a tech guy who can make $60-75k with a bachelor's degree and make six figures within a couple of years. I would rather do that.

[@celestialarmor695]

Ok sir skilled trades are so good lead by example get off youtube and start a skilled trade job bet you wont

[@emmizzie]

“WHY does no one want to work long, unpredictable hours for a wage $5 above the poverty line anymore!!! What happened to the good old days where you could pay someone far under their actual worth for them to do body breaking work and be spoken to as if they’re insignificant?!! This generation is SO lost!”

[@MP-ti6lz]

Hahaha YES!!!! I’m a 2nd year apprentice electrician and I think the same thing. The propaganda got me bro

[@thefrog4990]

⁠@@MP-ti6lzThat’s exactly why I didn’t become an apprentice. I’m not falling for the trades meme.

[@gustavrodriguez910]

@@thefrog4990 Frogposter, I'm scared fren, days keep passing and all jobs and careers suck.

[@christined9210]

Well said

[@nelcomargaming6612]

Mass immigration happened

[@aratay3117]

Instant gratification? Hell no we just want to afford rent. Little pay for 3-4 years? Why struggling to make rent for that time when you can just go for better paying jobs now? Or in that 3-4 year period where you would be struggling anyway. Why not put that time into a degree? (At least one that actually makes sense)

[@mdh2o530]

No skilled trade worker should have to work a 40 hr week at a skilled trade and have to work side jobs to keep their head above water. When I say this, I mean bare minimum living. Not a grandiose, materialistic one. Not everyone wants too much stuff. They want to be able to take good care of their family, maintain a home and the vehicle they take to and from skilled trade. It’s especially difficult for single parents unless they have a bullet proof support system in way of trusted family members and friends. Sooo much to cover.

[@Mattyice2000]

More people should be more greatful for the blue collar workers cause without them they wouldn’t have homes, cars, running water, electricity, ect

[@icet-oj5yc]

Yah the people who should be grateful are their greedy ass bosses

[@jasonmuniz-contreras6630]

We are grateful for their labor, no more no less.

[@shyjy6241]

Why on Earth would I want to do "back-breaking" work for little pay? When I can go to college and still have a functioning body when I'm older?

[@Mattyice2000]

And have major debt

[@Crown42]

​@@Mattyice2000lol. If you go to college for an engineering or technology degree you will pay back thise loans in no time. I went for computer science and paid back my loans within 3 years. Do you know how because tech and engineering jobs pay good. Also, I did side programing projects that paid well.

[@Yummynomnom123]

​@@Mattyice2000no peolple who have debt are either stupid or are women who studied a useless degree, if you do stem, like bioengineering, engineering, computer software engineering or ai or any of the other degrees that pay you, you'll be fine. Also most companies pay for your college like mine pays 10k of it a year, while im making like 70k. Its only stupid people who get useless degrees and then cry😊

[@matthewwax4434]

@@Crown42debating doing computer science or nursing the main thing idk about computer science is it just don’t interest me that much except for the money in it, do you think you should be passionate about it to pursue it in college?

[@Crown42]

@@matthewwax4434, hello, First and foremost, you should most definitely be passionate. However, you should be realistic with yourself. Here's what I mean... Doing something that you are passionate about is good only if it's going to pay the bills. Let's say that you are passionate about being an artist but know that your chances of making good money in that industry don't make sense then I would choose a different field. Also, I would suggest pursuing what you are good at. The reason why I choose computer science is because I've been a IT nerd all of my life and I'm pretty good with computers. Once I found out that I can make great money while doing something that I love I told myself that this is the right move for me. I only have to go to the office twice a week to check up on everyone and that's it. I have good benefits, I get treated well, and most importantly I make great money. Again, go do something that you are good at, have a little passion, and pursue something that has a rewarding outcome. Good luck!

[@chase1556]

Some advice I’ll give you, is if you want young people to start working in the trades, don’t be petty and badmouth them like they are the reason the trades are dying. Giving people incentive to work WILL make them work.

[@chase1556]

Also important to note, young people DO want work, but are often treated badly and expected to fall in line. Treat your people right, and they’ll treat you right.

[@Toolfetch]

I agree recognition, training and mentoring go a long way. Not every company treats employees the same. If you're not treated right you should consider another company that values you. Do you have experience or just stating facts?

[@bigdaddyo760]

It’s hard when you have contractors paying their electrical apprentices 9/hr and still making them go out of town from Monday through Friday, it’s a no brainer why young people aren’t interested in these kind of jobs anymore when you have Walmart paying you double the salary in an entry level job

[@Toolfetch]

During these years, there is not much pay but you're gaining experience. As you grow in experience, then more opportunities arise with higher wages.

[@bigdaddyo760]

@@Toolfetch not in El Paso, the most I’ve seen a Journeyman make is 25/hr and with today’s inflation that’s still below average. Imagine working as an apprentice for 4 years to earn 25/hr while in those 4 years you could be working retail at Walmart at get promoted to supervisor and be earning 30/hr, for me that’s just plain sad specially because electricians skills are way more critical than working retail. Now I understand why you have plumbers and electricians offering overpriced services in Facebook marketplace for changing an electrical outlet.

[@Toolfetch]

@bigdaddyo760 that seems rather low . Could it be your location?

[@bigdaddyo760]

@@Toolfetch yeah it could be, El Paso has always had low wages due to being next to the border, it’s sad that property taxes have gone up and salaries remain low

[@WILLAIM20]

​@bigdaddyo760 25 an hour is terrible for 4th year Journey Men

[@stevenjames6830]

Yeah, but these jobs kind of suck and you were literally treated horribly everyplace. All the places I’ve worked at I’ve been treated horribly simply because I was new. There’s no real training and structure to help people truly learn and improve instead you have to rely on the guy you are with that day and hope that he’s in the mood to show you what you need to know. And of course there’s just bullying and put downs from immature coworkers. Not to mention that most of the people that work in these fields, unfortunately are some real lowlifes and don’t pretend like that isn’t true you know that it’s true

[@Mattyice2000]

Yea and no

[@Crown42]

This is so true, most are either convicted felons, rednecks, drug addicts, or immigrants. Hahaha

[@Crown42]

​@@Mattyice2000it's definitely true

[@professional.commentator]

Is the bullying/harassment really that bad? Because I was thinking of doing a trade as I'm 26 and not sure what I want to do with my life. But I'm starting to think it's not worth it.

[@Crown42]

@@professional.commentator, yes it is that bad. Especially when you live and work in the south. Unless you live in the North where they have unions then I would say it's not worth it at all. The reason why is that you're around a lot of degenerates of society convicted felons, drug addicts, rednecks, and so on... I would say if you have a better opportunity go for it. The reason why tradesmen make good money is because of the overtime that they work. They literary work 80 hours a week almost 7 days a week. At least I did when I worked. I'm telling you someone has lasted for years I regret it every day. Unless you are a felon and can't find work then it's not worth it at all...

[@Gremlin-Glizzy]

I’ve noticed in Scotland there’s actually a lot of people aspiring to be tradesmen of some sort, the USA has bad pay, no benefits or anything, the UK is much better with electricians getting paid quite a lot more than the national average

[@Toolfetch]

It's getting better here in the USA

[@maevethefox5912]

Living somewhere with national healthcare makes me feel so much better about working in trades. In the US I just couldn't justify the risk without excellent insurance, which is rare to get.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

As a former trade worker, you couldn’t be more wrong. It doesn’t work for everyone, even when they pay well. Have no fear to admit those jobs don’t work for you and move on. Even Jesus quit being a carpenter to go on to do the best work yet. :)

[@user-yd4kr2wu9d]

Just got in to a job as a project engineer after a decade in the trades. NGL the work of the trades is back breaking and thankless.

[@Toolfetch]

It can be a thankless at times. The trades are the backbone in the economy and essential.

[@richardspillers6282]

Most trades only pay $12 - $15 hourly for 5 years. Even if you have no kids or family to take care of you can't eat on that money. The pay is a joke. Not all 18 year olds get to live at home with mommy and daddy and the trades don't pay enough for a single man to survive. Tell the truth.

[@Toolfetch]

are you in the trades, if so what trade. It depends on your experience.

[@richardspillers6282]

@@Toolfetch I'm a welder and a truck driver. Oil field hand too. I'm pretty well informed on all of them. I check in regularly.

[@Toolfetch]

@@richardspillers6282 weldingworkforcedata is showing median salary is 24.80/hr.

[@richardspillers6282]

@@Toolfetch $24.00 × 40 hours comes out to $960 A single man can expect $300 - $400 in taxes to be deducted. So we'll go with being left with a nice round $500. That wasn't even get by money 20 years ago in a chunk of the country. Overtime you say? Ok, Well 24.00×70 = $1680.00 bit again, you'll walk away with maybe $1100.00 of that. Then you've got other various expenses that these employers often dodge and pass onto you and you can't write most of them off as a W2 employee. Not to mention most bonuses are scams and bait intended to be taken away asap. Also let's not forget those stats you're reading are skewed and most of the time outright wrong. I'm out here. I get paystubs and I sign checks. Don't hype people up with bs. Just makes it worse on everyone out here. $20 hourly hasn't been good money in a long time. $30 hourly is get by money, especially if you have bills and a family to take care of. Call around. The usual for most trades starting out varies between $10 - $18 and a large portion sit in the $12 - $15 range.

[@MealTeam6]

As a single person with only 1 income, I cannot survive on that wage. $24 for a welder to burn your eyes up?? Joke try $54/hr

[@johnd4348]

Doing back breaking work for low wages. I wonder why noone wants to get into the trades.

[@Toolfetch]

Depends on what trade you're referring too.

[@JacobsNews]

​@@Toolfetchall of them look up what a nurse makes .😂😂😂😂😂 more the any 20 year macanic

[@Alucard404]

@@JacobsNews that is just plain misinformation lmao

[@JacobsNews]

@@Alucard404 sorry bud i am right you are just afraid to look it up

[@JacobsNews]

@@Alucard404 no i am defiantly right . look it up

[@dshoec]

Its gone the opposite direction where now the trades are glorified.

[@stevenjames6830]

yup. Like a fool I didn’t go to college and went to trade school, learned nothing I needed to know as an entry level hvac installer. Im now studying IT at an online college, best decision I’ve made.

[@Crown42]

​@@stevenjames6830it's funny because I was an HVAC tech then I went back to school for computer science and now I have a remote job making good money.

[@stevenjames6830]

@@Crown42 LOL. Then you know the story lmao. I’m so glad that part of life is over.

[@Crown42]

@@stevenjames6830, yes and I don't recommend it to anyone. I worked as a maintenance tech, window installer, and a lot more other blue-collar jobs and I don't miss it one bit. Lol, let the rednecks, hillbiles, and immigrants have it all... Hahaha 😂

[@dorrianbrooks9408]

​@stevenjames6830 I'm barely 23, and I've been contemplating doing the same. I went to school for Welding, and while I like the act of welding, for the most part, I hate just about everything else. The dangerous work environments, the future impacts of all the toxic fumes and burns. I originally got into it for the money, but I learned far too late that the money is only a thing when you're self-employed or super experienced. I'd literally rather go back to school and learn web development like I used to want to before I was turned off from college loans back in HS

[@alexlaw1892]

Skilled trades are dying because they pay shit and are almost impossible to get into without knowing high level union bosses.. Has nothing to do with gratification instant or otherwise.

[@Toolfetch]

What trade are you in today? Where do you think wages should be?

[@Savage22223]

@@ToolfetchI went to school for Industrial Maintenance/Millwright got out couldn’t find a job sadly. Decided to go back to school for instrumentation electrical

[@Toolfetch]

Great field how far into school are you for this field?@@Savage22223

[@chrisedwards9156]

​@@Toolfetch I have 11 years as an electrician I don't want to be in this field anymore Because we don't get paid c*** highest I get offered $17.50 in Central Florida. so If you want things to change We want more money. Especially when someone at target is getting $12-$15 an hour.

[@Illuminatisevil]

I’m a union sheet Metal worker and this week I worked 48 hours and grossed $4,058! 🤑

[@maevethefox5912]

I loved working in trades when I was 21 and healthy. Still glad to have the skills I picked up. Then I started working with 40 year olds who looked 60 and drank a case of beer a day to cope with the constant pain they're in, and I got the heck out as soon as I could. I do lots of hobby carpentry now, love to get my hands dirty, but no way I can justify tying my livelihood to something that breaks people down like that. I want to be able to play with my grandkids when the time comes.

[@kenward9449]

I love the trades. It is noble work. But when I was growing up, people working in the trades were kind, humble, and competent. I still like the trades, but the people working them are getting insufferable. They're arrogant, they think they know everything, and they think they're better than everyone. They have become the arrogant college students that they have been complaining about.

[@Toolfetch]

I don't think that's everyone's experience in the trades. I do believe certain companies people have experienced this type of behavior. It really comes down to culture and how leadership handles these situations

[@richardspillers6282]

Nobody wants to get their hands dirty and do back breaking work and still starve. Starting out you cannot afford to survive. 5 years in, you're just getting by.

[@Toolfetch]

In what trade?

[@richardspillers6282]

@@Toolfetch plumbing, welding, electrician, most of them. The ones that stay flooded because they continue to gain hype. It's how you keep the essentials dirt cheap. Take being a carpenter for example. You have to be well versed in all the other crafts and work for yourself just to keep your head above water. And when you start falling apart, that's it. You're done. Once your knees, feet, back, hands, shoulders or an combination of those start to go, there's no more you can do.

[@datownkidd]

Trades also expect you to have experience and many aren't willing to train. So how can you expect younger people to join if ther isn't a helping hand.

[@Toolfetch]

I talk about that regularly that companies need to provide mentorship programs and provide training. This will provide retention and help newbies get a head start. Some companies do and others don't

[@Savage22223]

Factssssss this one right here!!!

[@BlueEyedAmerican]

As a welder I'm leaving California cause no one wants to pay enough, people working in fast food make almost as much as me.

[@Toolfetch]

What should the pay be based on experience?

[@BlueEyedAmerican]

Been a welder for 9 years

[@BlueEyedAmerican]

Welding is a hazardous job, average life expectancy is 60 years

[@maevethefox5912]

What sucks is the fight here is always "pay fast food people less" when really it should be "pay trades people more"

[@BlueEyedAmerican]

@@maevethefox5912 well said

[@battleaxe8252]

Unfortunately all the old heads that are already in the business completely despise all the new people coming into the industry. So basically you gotta do back breaking slave work while being disrespected 24/7 by a bunch of clowns with one foot in the grave.

[@spawn11]

High-risk job deserves high pay. Trades people especially apprentices are at the highest risk of getting permanent injury or disease. Mandate staring pay for apprentices at 24$ /hours instead of 16$ Senior workers don't let you learn new skills they will keep making you work housekeeping or heavy lifting shit.

[@kendrickf-d6695]

Anything less then $50/hr for skilled trades isnt worth it to me. For all the hard work we put in. And this is speaking as a former tradesman. I truly miss that career. I still do construction projects on the side because I love it but for me tradesman wages cant support my familly in todays age.

[@Toolfetch]

Depends on your trade, experience, and location.

[@kendrickf-d6695]

@@Toolfetch You should make a video on the best trades and locations to do in 2024.

[@Toolfetch]

@@kendrickf-d6695 I'm ahead of you have that one in the works.

[@JaredVal13]

I don’t know why everyone is saying the pay is shit. I’ve been doing hvac for 2.5 years and I’m making great money. Went to college for law and decided it wasn’t for me. Getting into the trades was the best thing I’ve ever done. Working towards starting my own business

[@Toolfetch]

Amazing to hear, putting the work in and making it happen.

[@tyreck9835]

Did you start as an apprentice and where do you work, city or state, if you don’t mind.

[@jackjames8962]

Yea what state? And do you think I should go for an hvac or electrician job in Texas

[@tyreck9835]

@@jackjames8962 from my recent experience, you’ll be fine with whichever one you choose, at that point it just becomes which one you would prefer. I chose HVAC and work was booming this past summer, I’m from Louisiana, companies all over Texas were looking for employees at all levels.

[@BardD226]

What is your salary ?

[@father5946]

Lmao these old heads in here love to talk shit but cant take the same shit they dish out.

[@drewnelson9916]

Nobody pays, everyone pushes you around for nothing. I showed up with good tools and that meant I was rich kid

[@Toolfetch]

For what trade?

[@drewnelson9916]

@@Toolfetch HVAC

[@Toolfetch]

@@drewnelson9916 nice great field

[@TonyStarkChillinFromHeaven]

😂 boomers really are out of touch with the new times. I got my cdl and I lost count how many times we used to get yelled at when not “shifting properly “ or if you took too many tried while backing a trailer. I sucked up for almost 3 month. Thought it would be different once I went out to the “real world” only to find out that’s worse. I quit 2 trucking jobs after getting treaded like dog shit 😅 just cause you boomers had to put up taken advantage of working the corporations doesn’t mean us millennials or gen z will put up with that greed as well. Some old heads are so mad because they didn’t have different opportunities like we do now with today’s environment.

[@JohnQPublic345]

im gen x, and had to deal with the nastiest of boomers when i was newbie. its life

[@TonyStarkChillinFromHeaven]

@@JohnQPublic345 it’s life if you wanted to be life. I said fuck that and got A+, Network+, and Security+ certified and went into IT 😉🤙🏼

[@kirkdunn1379]

they can stay out of the trades, just makes me more valueable

[@edouard9867]

Same bs, just pay more

[@funkychorizo56]

I took a paycut and just started a new career in the tile trade last year... One year later I'm basically still a laborer that does all the shit journeyman don't want to do and have been laid off a quarter of the year. The only positive of the job is that I've lost 40lbs. Not to mention I'm one of two people that made it through the first year of classes. Everybody else quit or was kicked out due to poor attendance.. can't make this stuff up lmao.

[@grantos]

The reason for the trades dying in layered. It’s not just large groups of people looking down on trades people. If that’s your circle I’d suggest widening your horizons. Depending on the trade and the location the starting pay just isn’t competitive enough when compared to other jobs that require just as many hours but with less physically taxing consequences. Let’s be honest, everyone ages out of trades. If you’re not able to maximize your earning potential early on you’re screwed and have some ailments as parting gifts. The work culture usually sucks. More often than not there’s at least one egomaniac asshole on site. And I didn’t even get started with the nepotism. It’s very possible to have a great career in the trades. It’s just more probable that you’ll end up no where near the advertised top. That’s every field. There are exceptions and there’s everyone else. Go where you can get the furthest.

[@slothmanfitness2290]

For me, money in the trades is being in sales and maintenance. new construction for every trade cap off at a certain amount and what other people said can be backbreaking work.

[@Toolfetch]

Thanks for sharing

[@psyco1425]

This is very true, people don’t appreciate those who keep everything they use and do moving. Schools and social media have dragged on the trades way too much not giving them the respect or attention they deserve.

[@Toolfetch]

💯 they are the true heros and keep everything running

[@mdh2o530]

It’s more than that unfortunately. Why aren’t the skilled trades workers raising skilled trade workers? So many more questions that need to be addressed to create solid solutions

[@LazyboyRecliner]

Because most people that work in the trades want better for their children. It's hard to recommend when your body hurts all the time. After almost 20 years I'm going back to school.

[@frankyyy9725]

Ive been in Blue Collar for a while Im doing just fine unfortunately alot of these comments are right I can see why most ppl went to College and worked part time somewhere

[@Toolfetch]

What trade are you in?

[@frankyyy9725]

@@Toolfetch Plumbing

[@BornGreatMike]

I’d recommend trades to anyone who is young single with no kids. If you don’t want back breaking work get your cdl

[@Savage22223]

Same

[@LazyboyRecliner]

Self driving trucks are gonna take that job over the next decade. Get a certificate in industrial robotics and automation instead.

[@BornGreatMike]

@@LazyboyRecliner yeah that’s not gonna happen they can’t even make self driving cars properly

[@zSugarRush]

Although I agree on most on this video, I would have to agree on the comments that is it not for everyone, pay is not amazing, sometimes the benefits are shit, and if you are new, the veterans will test you on this field which may break you or make you. I have been a plumber for 6 years and I personal love it still. I am still learning everyday, and my pay is at a comfortable level. More ways to improve. Trades are great, but like I said it is not for everyone and sometimes not worth it for some. Nowadays, every company follows safety procedures and ensure you don’t hurt yourself. So pretty much getting your hands dirty and braking you back relies on you. And also one tip for the trades, try to learn as much as you can on the field before your on your own, sometimes the classes or courses won’t teach your real life situations.

[@Toolfetch]

Thanks for sharing your experience

[@caelanmurie-gq2sj]

I disagree with this entirely. Its just gatekept by nasty old men who hate their lives.

[@handlesrstupid123]

When I worked as a Machinist I was paid $13 an hour after a $2 raise after busting ass, I was given blueprints and material that was it. I programmed setup and chose the tools. Mean while mcdonalds paying $15 an hour. Did I mention the min. 50 hr work week. "No one wants to work. Why is no joining the trades."

[@someguy4040]

I worked trades for 5 years. I’m so sick of these videos. Here’s why trades are dying: no one wants to work 12+ hours a day, 7 days a week, doing back breaking labour, with drug addicts and criminals, making a few dollars above minimum wage.

[@419chris419]

Training is horrible.

[@Toolfetch]

How do we fix it?

[@punkrock1989]

Oh no, people don't want to be having countless back problems and pains in their 40s and have destroyed bodies just so they can say they worked hard. This generation is smarter than that, thats why the trades are dying out.

[@Toolfetch]

Are you speaking from experience 🤔 in the trades?

[@Andresl_ol]

Nah its just pay. When you're putting your body or life on the line for half the salary of what people are making while sitting in an office being comfy, its a no brainer... Nevermind the fact that it is an extremely fast paced industry with poor work/life balance. Filled with disrespectful employers. If you dont own your own company youre constantly facing layoffs when projects end. Theres days when youre not able to work due to weather...the list just goes on and on. This out of touch opinion is the same as saying "nobody wants to work anymore." Its false. People want to work, they just dont want to work for your shitty company. Its just a lot easier to say that than it is to point out the real issues. You want more people to join the trades, pay more and treat people with respect. Until that happens the only people joining the trades are people who have no other choice left, not by choice.

[@NameMcNamename]

As a welding graduate, I speak from experience when I say that there just aren't any real opportunities out there for novice tradesmen. Those who disagree with me come from a background of great privilidge, with free handouts in the form of career opportunities they haven't earned.

[@Toolfetch]

Which welding school did you attend?

[@christined9210]

Very well said

[@chrisburns5691]

you have to work your way up from the bottom, it takes awhile but can definitely pay off.

[@Toolfetch]

@@chrisburns5691 just like anything else

[@chrisburns5691]

@@Toolfetch yep. The trades have been good to me. I see a lot do comments in here about the starting wages being too low etc. They have to look at the apprenticeship as an education, yes some of the conditions can suck and money can suck for the first year or two. But once skills develop the opportunities open up with better pay. Has been my experience.

[@Mantelar]

I thought this was a city problem. But I recently retired to a red state, country. I went to a school assembly for my kids and everyone either said they wanted to be a teacher, influencer, or web developer. I am heartened by the craftsmen though. My electrician is working nights with a 16 year old apprentice. It’s big money, especially if you invest in the kit and are working for yourself.

[@Toolfetch]

Yes, lots of kids think they can be an influencer, but that's not easy either. A trade will never be obsolete and you have a skill that's in demand

[@prepordietryin9119]

Let me tell you about my welding class. We started out with 12 students and we ended up having six when it was done. Some of them got stressed out when we started doing certain types of weld and it got hard. I actually talked to one of the students and she told me that once we got on the groove welds it just broke her. Welding is definitely something you got to have some skills at how to do proper welds for each scenario but you also have to have the skill set to be able to do the actual weld itself book smart with the welding and you have to be able to have the handcraft. If you lack either one you're going to have problems.

[@gianthills]

I'm a painter and it's common for painters to complain about being at the low end of the totem Pole primarily because tapers make more money but are in the same union.

[@Toolfetch]

How long have you been in the trade?

[@gianthills]

@@Toolfetch 5 years

[@ethanwasme4307]

my apprenticeship has been shit... tell that to the bosses who all treat us like shit and expect us to stay with them after our 5 year apprenticeship... a flash new work truck to use when I want isn't a reward, it's tax deductable and is given back when I find a better paying job 😂😂

[@Toolfetch]

Can you elaborate why do you feel you were treated poorly?

[@joshuamckillen3712]

Fathers,grandfathers,uncles dont wanna teach younger guys anymore. And people are treated like trash. Self employment only way not to be treated like trash.

[@Sigmacenturion]

Expecting a reasonable paycheck isn't instant gratification.

[@alexpaz9700]

All these negative people in the comment section 😂 I currently work at spectrum and I just started with training for a field tech at $25 an hour, great benefits, company vehicle provided you can take home and so much more. once training is over bump goes up to 27.50 and training is only two months.

[@Toolfetch]

These are the stories we need to share with others

[@Madcapredcap]

On top of all that, new tax laws from 2018 mean you can’t write off your tools as a business expense

[@kingben7962]

Never work for someone who started a small-large business. They will pay you cheap

[@RouVie2001]

Yeah i failed college so im trying a trade but honestly im excited. I need something i can constantly be learning. My current job isnt like that i know everything i need to do at all times i dont have to figure anything out it sucks. Im still gonna get my IT certifications on the side though just wont have a degree😂

[@michmluc]

The key to becoming a successful tradesman is to work for yourself or maybe join a union. Cut out the middle man, ie your boss, from customer to your bank account.

[@JaneKane08]

Go become a lineman! Benefits, financial freedoms, sense of purpose, retirement plan, etc. highly recommend this for anyone willing to work hard

[@Toolfetch]

With the overtime you can make some really good money.

[@Pvppy_dr3amz]

My grandfather died doing that work and the company covered it up. I'm okay.

[@TheLordSheogorath]

Blue collared workers need decent pay (for the amount of overtime they have poor pay), should also work 8 hours a day like white collars (they ALWAYS do overtime), have free weekends and time for their family (rare af) and be treated as humans. We also must acknowledge that they are sacrificing their health and bodies, so two times a week an hour of free physical therapy (maybe first hour of work time) to lower the impact on body and regular check ups should be mandatory. These are essential skills that keep the society running and should be treated as such.

[@icet-oj5yc]

HHhahahahahahahah yah it’s because we don’t want to get our hands dirty.. not the illegal labor and absolutely garbage money.. no it’s the dirt and hard work.. gfys

[@Yummynomnom123]

My dad runs a contruction company and the only women there are the secretary

[@jameswilliams7415]

I make $70,000 to work from home 40 hrs a week, pto, vaca, good benifits, and I get to do while watching my 5, 3, and 1 year old grow up with a GED not even a high school diploma. What trades person can say this? 0. I would work trades if the pay was better and it was a straight 40 hrs, but to many times have are family friends said they envy me cause not only is my relationship great with my family, but I’m also providing.

[@jameswilliams7415]

And I’m a data analyst for Amazon for anyone who’s curious.

[@Toolfetch]

@jameswilliams7415 Some people like to work with their hands, to each their own

[@jameswilliams7415]

@@Toolfetch I prefer to work with my hands as well. The pros outweigh the cons though in my opinion to not work a trade at this point in time.

[@Rev-di1vl]

They dont pay enough for me to take care of the losers in society

[@johnf817]

Partially true, but also without work experience, you can't even think about registering for licenses. But then to get work or experience, you need a license 😅 so basically if your family isn't in the trade or union good luck 😅

[@Isaac-ye4mm]

It's not just hard work and hands getting dirty. Idk about other trades, but skilled trades like machining and tool making is as difficult to learn as becoming doctors, lawyers, software engineering, etc ... It takes 3-5 years minimum of apprenticeship to just become someone who is barely able to contribute without assistance or guidance. And on average, you'll be making 25-30 an hour with that amount of experience. The problem is why would kids wanna do this difficult kind of work when the pay is 3x-10x lower than mentioned careers? Don't look down on the trades, most white collar office jobs that I've observed at my company are filled with idiots who would not be able to handle the sheer amount of learning required to be a good machinist or tool maker. Yet, they get paid more.

[@martinlutherkingjr.5582]

People don’t look up to move stars anymore. The 2000’s are over. Movies are less relevant every year thanks to the internet.

[@taboy2723]

Mate u should see Australia, Tradies do nothing and gets paid more then a doctor. Don’t believe me then come and have a look your self.

[@Toolfetch]

Thanks for the insight

[@Azakadune]

No, I’m not lazy, I’d rather be an engineer working on calculations at 60 instead of a plumber with back pain and two bad knees working till I die (cause you know Canada’s retirement prospects are grim)

[@tdobson888]

The skilled trades are not a dying industry there is a labor shortage the pay is good most are making $40 to 60 plus per hour

[@trowwzers5057]

I want to get into the trades but most employers pay minimum wage for tough work with no benefits and the foreman were bullied in high school and they take it out on you Union jobs is were it’s at; however, it’s super competitive

[@tonyjames6221]

Pay is definitely not bad. All depends on skill set and what type of tech u want to be most. I can speak for Hvac bc I’m in it. but over 5-7 yrs experience most techs make around 32-40 an hr with no debt where as if u make that from college there’s a possibility u have to pay back loans. U wanna get paid u gotta study and learn the craft aka know your shit😭

[@tonyjames6221]

College is still a great option if u won’t struggle financially to go

[@Toolfetch]

What you put in is what you get out.

[@Toolfetch]

@tonyjames6221 Yes, for some, but not for everyone

[@Toolfetch]

@@BahbahKaduche probably should find another channel to heckle my friend

[@mattsharkey8437]

Blame the boomers

[@IM808HI]

Tell the truth on pay as well. Non union jobs are paying the same wage as if you were to work in fast food. In the trade I’m in I make 45 as a union and if I was working for non union I be making $20. I have to bring all my tools as well.

[@BardD226]

salaries are trash.

[@Toolfetch]

I know many people in the trades making 6 figures after putting the time and effort in.

[@BardD226]

@@Toolfetch Sure migrants will be happy to do the work regardless so whatever

[@SKULL1776]

@@BardD226for 13 bucks yea

[@gustavrodriguez910]

@@BardD226 Not even funny, you've got floods of Immigrants lowballing and bringing down the value of trades. John will do it for $25,000 Juan will do it for $15,000 Chong Jong will do it for $10,000 and pay three Juans 200 each to do it,

[@wafflesmcgrawl]

lol, and they wanna make it hell for a woman to hold down a job and just let them go the moment a man baby throws a temper tantrum because there's a woman on a job site, and we cry about the struggle the trades are having... It's not you it's a generalized problem and it's well known but they think they're above having ladies in the field but wonder why they are struggling to survive.

[@SparkyStew98]

I think it's more to do with the pay. If you can earn the same if not more using what you learn at school free of charge then why wouldn't you. People these days tend to fall into the trades but it isn't exactly an attractive option. Hey if it payed extremely well people would aspire to do so but they don't. The value isn't really there for the wear and tear on your body. That's the extra factor not considered with regards to pay.

[@Toolfetch]

It will pay off but you need to put the time in

[@user-cc5wm3ps4f]

alot of the trades suck, the pay is shit the work is hard and the bosses/owners are some of the biggest peieces of trash i have ever encountered my current owner/boss works us so hard and we get cussed at and insulted constantly. I could give a shit if my trade dies.

[@vincemartin5323]

Nobody's in the trades because nobody wants to pay 😂 Pay someone enough you would ve shocked what they would do for money

[@Yurii9999]

Skill trade isn’t a dying industry. We’re just doing surgery. If you’re gonna get your hands dirty, might as well make money doing it.

[@Toolfetch]

Not enough kids coming into the trades that's why its wide open to excel in the trades.

[@Samson2323]

Am I the only kid who doesn't want clout and attention?

[@neojohn9335]

THE TRUTH!!!! Thank you

[@tsideas5541]

We need more movies about plumbers other than Mario to make kids wanna do it. Lol

[@artLopez24]

Maybe cause the old heads in the trades don’t wanna teach

[@Toolfetch]

It's not like that in every case.

[@lusdf5676]

Trades are slowly starting to give dogshit pay, even for experienced guys. Rn I get payed pretty decent for a Welder, but looking at the pay ranges of some other jobs, definitely not looking good.

[@motherhoodsbeauty9279]

Kind of reminds me South Park

[@SKULL1776]

15-16 bucks hr sit ganna cut it. Make it 17-20 give you more motivation to go to school and work at the same time to get licensed fully eventually.

[@stevenalonzo8189]

I want to work but have no high school diploma or ged how do I get in or which trades can I qualify for help!

[@El_Guero01]

Oh so ya recommend to go at college and get my degree or certificate?

[@Toolfetch]

Arguments for both, which are you leaning towards?

[@spiritanimal7516]

Nobody wants to get dirty and destroy their body for chump change.

[@Toolfetch]

It depends. You have to work your way up the ladder of success like anything else