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.
| Trade | Role & Path | Typical Pay (U.S. 2024 median) | Notes (training, demand, local context) | Investing Snapshot (10% / 15% @ 7%, age 20→65) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | Apprentice → Journeyman → Master → Contractor | ~$62k median | Apprenticeship common; many openings from retirements; OT/union work can boost pay. | 10% ≈ $520/mo → $1.97M; 15% ≈ $779/mo → $2.96M |
| HVAC/R Technician | Residential & commercial; service contracts | ~$59.8k median | Strong demand across the U.P.; many retirements creating openings. | 10% ≈ $498/mo → $1.89M; 15% ≈ $748/mo → $2.84M |
| Welder / Fabricator | Structural, mill/plant, field service | ~$51k median | OT boosts common in shops/plants; pipeline to mines, mills, and fab shops. | 10% ≈ $425/mo → $1.61M; 15% ≈ $638/mo → $2.42M |
| Electrical Power-Line Worker | Utility or contractor; apprenticeship typical | ~$92.6k median | Steady openings from retirements; outdoor/shift work; strong earning potential. | 10% ≈ $771/mo → $2.93M; 15% ≈ $1,157/mo → $4.39M |
| Plumber / Pipefitter | Service, new construction, industrial | ~$63k median | Licensed trade with clear progression; consistent demand across residential/industrial. | 10% ≈ $525/mo → $1.99M; 15% ≈ $787/mo → $2.99M |
| Water / Wastewater Operator | Municipal & utilities; license ladder | ~$58.3k median | Stable public-sector roles; on-call pay and licensure tiers can raise earnings. | 10% ≈ $486/mo → $1.84M; 15% ≈ $728/mo → $2.76M |
Pay shown: typical U.S. 2024 median (BLS). Actual offers vary by employer, region, certifications, overtime, and shift work.
Investing math: assumes saving 10% or 15% of gross monthly income from age 20 to 65, earning a long-run 7% annual return (hypothetical, not guaranteed). Rounded figures for clarity.
Abbreviations: OT = overtime.
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!