Why consider trade school?
- Earn while you learn. Registered apprenticeships are paid, include classroom training, and lead to an industry-recognized credential—without big debt. Michigan.gov
- Fast track. Most programs run 6–18 months (pre-apprentice/cert) to ~4 years (apprenticeship to journeyman), so you start earning sooner. CareerOneStop
- Retirement = opportunity. Many openings each year are to replace retiring workers (electricians, HVAC, lineworkers), not just new growth. Bureau of Labor Statistics+2Bureau of Labor Statistics+2
- Stackable path to ownership. Skill → license → add business courses (at a CC) → launch a small shop (service, install, maintenance)
How to apply
- Pick a trade + program: e.g., welding, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, line tech.
- Find openings & apply: search Apprenticeship.gov Job Finder; talk to local U.P. Michigan Works about pre-apprentice and funding options. Apprenticeship.gov+1
- Typical readiness steps: HS diploma/GED, valid driver’s license, drug screen, basic algebra, resume + references; some programs expect a CDL-A path (e.g., line tech). Northern Michigan University
How to pay
- Apprenticeships pay wages that rise as you progress. Michigan.gov
- Many short, clock-hour certificates are FAFSA-eligible at public schools; Michigan Works may help with training funds depending on situation. Michigan Works! Southwest
Pair trade skill + community college to run your own business
- Year 0–1: earn a cert / start apprenticeship
- Year 2–4: journeyman license; take 2–3 CC business courses (accounting, small-biz law, marketing).
- Launch: register LLC/DBA, obtain contractor license, liability insurance/bond, basic bookkeeping + job-costing, set a service niche (residential HVAC maintenance, small commercial electrical, etc.).
- Grow your business on your terms.
Western U.P. career paths
Pay shown = typical U.S. 2024 median (BLS). Investing snapshots assume starting at age 20, saving 10% or 15% of gross monthly at 7% annual return until 65.
Electrician (apprentice → journeyman → master → contractor)
- Save 10% (~$520/mo) → ~$1.97M @65; 15% (~$779/mo) → ~$2.96M @65.
- Pay: ~$62k median; lots of annual openings from retirements. Bureau of Labor Statistics
HVAC/R Technician (residential/commercial/service contracts)
- Pay: ~$59.8k median; strong demand; many openings due to retirements. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 10% (~$498/mo) → ~$1.89M; 15% (~$748/mo) → ~$2.84M.
Welder/Fabricator (structural, mill/plant, field service)
- Pay: ~$51k median; overtime boosts are common in shops/plants. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 10% (~$425/mo) → ~$1.61M; 15% (~$638/mo) → ~$2.42M.
Electrical Power-Line Worker (utility or contractor)
- Pay: ~$92.6k median; apprenticeship common; steady openings from retirements. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 10% (~$771/mo) → ~$2.93M; 15% (~$1,157/mo) → ~$4.39M.
Plumber / Pipefitter (service, new construction, industrial)
- Pay: ~$63k median. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 10% (~$525/mo) → ~$1.99M; 15% (~$787/mo) → ~$2.99M.
Water/Wastewater Operator (municipal/utilities; license ladder)
- Pay: ~$58.3k median; stable public-sector roles. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 10% (~$486/mo) → ~$1.84M; 15% (~$728/mo) → ~$2.76M.
Local training examples
- NMU – Electrical Line Technician (1-year certificate + CDL-A training option). Northern Michigan University
- Michigan LEO – Registered Apprenticeships. Michigan.gov
- Apprenticeship.gov – Job Finder. Apprenticeship.gov
- U.P. Michigan Works – Become an Apprentice (regional help + funding). UP Michigan Works!