The Hands-On Route to Success
Deciding on a career path is a significant decision, but if you’re inclined towards hands-on work that yields immediate, tangible results, the skilled trades are worth considering. These professions are not just jobs; they are critical roles that keep society running smoothly and offer personal fulfillment, financial stability, and numerous other benefits. Students in Dexter may embark on a journey in pursuing a career in the skilled trades in a variety of programs available through Career and Technical Education (CTE) at the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC).
“The building trades program has been a great learning experience for me. I enjoy working with my hands and it’s a great alternative to the classroom,” said Sullivin Hines, a Junior at Dexter High School. “I plan to use the skills I use here in my future career.”
Benefits of the Skilled Trades
Pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be a smart, rewarding decision. Skilled tradespeople are always in high demand due to the essential nature of their work, which includes construction, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, and more. The persistent need for these skills means that job security in this sector tends to be robust.
Variety, a sense of accomplishment, and financial considerations contribute to high job satisfaction in many of the skilled trades. Working in a trade often means no two days are the same. The work can involve different locations, varied projects, and unique challenges, which keeps the workday interesting and dynamic. There is a unique satisfaction that comes from crafting or repairing something with your own hands. Additionally, skilled trade jobs often offer competitive salaries that are comparable to or even exceed those of jobs requiring a four-year college degree.
“Welding is a field rich with opportunities,” said Randal Butts, a welding instructor at SWWC. “With competitive wages, job stability, and entrepreneurial potential, students who pursue welding through CTE programs gain valuable skills that employers highly seek.”
Other financial advantages for skilled trades people include the opportunity to work overtime and the opportunity for advancement. Skilled trades people can advance in their careers by increasing levels of certification and specialization, by moving into management and supervisory roles, or by going into business for themselves.
Spotlight on the Skilled Trades
For those who prefer active, engaging work environments over desk jobs, skilled trades provide the opportunity to work with their hands, solve practical problems, and see tangible results. Here are just a few of the fields available in the skilled trades:
- Electrician: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power systems in homes, businesses, and factories, ensuring that electricity is safely and efficiently brought to every device that needs it.
- Plumber: Plumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures that carry water, gas, or other fluids in residential and commercial settings. They are critical in designing systems that effectively manage water and waste.
- Carpenter: Carpenters construct and repair structures, buildings, and homes. Some work as builders, others as remodelers, or they may also build custom furniture and cabinetry.
- HVAC Technician: HVAC technicians work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems that control the temperature and air quality in buildings. Some work in commercial buildings and others service or install equipment in homes.
- Welder: Welders use equipment to join metal parts, fixing and fabricating metal structures, tools, and vehicles across a variety of industries. Welding requires a steady hand and precise attention to detail.
- Heavy Equipment Operator/Mechanic: Heavy equipment operators work with large machinery and vehicles used in construction, mining, agriculture, and other industries. They also need to know how to maintain, and repair heavy equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and loaders.
- Automotive Technician/Mechanic: Automotive technicians diagnose, repair, and maintain vehicles. They work on engines, transmissions, brakes, and other mechanical and electrical systems.
Empowering Students to Build a Bright Future
From electricians wiring up our world to plumbers ensuring our water runs smoothly, skilled tradespeople are the backbone of our infrastructure. But how does one get started in this fulfilling line of work? High school CTE programs serve as a launching pad, providing students with the practical skills, industry connections, and career readiness needed to thrive in the trades.
“Students learn skills, gain confidence and make friends while tackling building and remodelling projects that serve their communities.” said Jeff Rittenhouse, SWWC Building Trades Instructor. “It is inspiring to have former students come back and share about their progress in training programs or employment. We welcome local contractors to visit our classes to recruit and share their experience and knowledge with our students.”
Transitioning from Classroom to Career
With a solid foundation from CTE programs, students seamlessly transition into the workforce or pursue advanced training. Armed with practical skills, industry connections, and a clear career path, they can enter careers in the skilled trades, shaping the world around them one project at a time.
“CTE classes like those at SWWC give students real-life skills in a controlled environment,” said Ryan Wood, an automotive technology technician at SWWC. “I took an Auto Tech class in high school just to learn basic car maintenance. Fourteen years later, that interest led me to a college degree and a decades-long career in the auto industry.”
Choosing a career in the skilled trades isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about pursuing an occupation that offers stability, satisfaction, and meaningful impact. High school CTE programs serve as the first step on this journey, empowering students with the skills, knowledge, and connections needed to succeed in the workforce. Whether you’re wiring circuits, welding metal, or building structures, the world of skilled trades awaits—ready to welcome you into its ranks.
Visit www.TheSWWC.org for more information.
Opportunities through the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC)
The South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) provides Career & Technical Education (CTE) opportunities to 11th and 12th-grade students enrolled in the Chelsea, Dexter, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, and Saline school districts.
The SWWC offers traditional CTE classes such as Culinary Arts, Automotive, Welding, Building Trades, Cosmetology, and Health Science, as well as nontraditional CTE classes such as Marketing, Accounting, Hospitality & Tourism, Computer-Aided Design, Cybersecurity, and Engineering and Robotics.
CTE classes offer a wealth of benefits that can positively impact a student’s future, such as:
- Hands-On Learning: CTE classes provide practical, hands-on experience in various fields, allowing students to develop valuable skills that are directly applicable to real-world situations.
- Career Exploration: The SWWC programs offer a wide range of courses in diverse industries, allowing students to explore different career paths and discover their passions.
- Industry Certification: Many CTE courses offer the opportunity to earn industry-recognized certifications, which can enhance students’ resumes and make them more competitive in
the job market. - College and Career Readiness: By participating in CTE classes, students will gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to begin the next stage of their life after high school. If students complete a full year of their CTE class and earn a 2.0 or higher, they can obtain college credit.
- Leadership and Scholarship Opportunities: Every CTE program has a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO), which offers additional leadership opportunities and the ability to earn scholarships.
Learn more about the CTE opportunities at SWWC at
washtenawisd.org/our-services/career-and-technical/swwc-cte-programs/
“With competitive wages, job security, and entrepreneurial potential, students who pursue welding through CTE programs gain valuable skills that employers highly seek,” said Randal Butts, a welding instruction at SWWC.
“I like being hands-on and working on vehicles,” said Van Picinotti, a Dexter student.
Photos: South & West Washtenaw Consortium