Trade School vs. College: Why Consider Skilled Trade Careers in Aquatics?

Trade School vs. College: Why Consider Skilled Trade Careers in Aquatics?

If you’re tired of the traditional career path, don’t feel college is the right fit, or don’t want to go into debt for your future, consider a skilled trade career in the thriving aquatics industry. Skilled trades offer stability, excitement and fast-track success through hands-on learning and on-the-job training.  

What are the Skilled Trades? 

Before diving in, let’s first examine the differences between the skilled trades and a traditional career. Think of skilled trades as jobs where you learn specific skills, like construction, repair or design. There’s also no barrier to entry with apprenticeship programs that offer opportunities to learn skills on the job. Traditional careers, on the other hand, typically involve the college-to-professional-workforce trajectory in fields like business, finance, marketing and management. While the traditional path makes sense for some people, you don’t need a college degree to have a successful career – you just need a willingness to learn and do.  

Plus, skilled trades offer: 

  • Stability and Security: Skilled trades are in high demand across a variety of sectors, offering you a stable future 

  • Exciting and Dynamic: Every day is different, so you’ll never get bored in the trades 

  • Fast Track to Success: Start earning right away and build your skills through on-the-job training as you advance in your career 

A Rise in Demand & Interest: The Skilled Trades  

Now is the perfect time for jobseekers to pursue the overwhelming opportunities in trade. Take a quick glimpse at the current landscape of the skilled trades field:  

  • Double-digit growth: Demand for skilled trade positions has skyrocketed since the start of 2023 

  • Next gen interest: An increasing number of young adults (47%) are interested in pursuing a trades career 

  • Job satisfaction: A recent survey found that 87% of skilled trade workers would follow the same career path again if presented the opportunity  

Why a Skilled Trade Career in Aquatics? 

Skilled trades are the backbone of the pool and hot tub industry. Here’s a peek at what you can expect with an aquatics skilled trade job: 

  • High demand, high growth: The pool and hot tub industry is thriving, creating ample job opportunities with strong growth and earning potential. 

  • Dynamic and hands-on: Each day brings a new challenge, keeping you engaged and motivated. 

  • Varied opportunities: Choose from exciting fields like construction, service and maintenance, retail or manufacturing, all contributing to creating amazing aquatic spaces. 

  • No college degree (and no debt!) required: Get started faster with on-the-job training, apprenticeships and specialized education programs through GENESIS. You don’t even need to go to a trade school for this – start earning while you learn from day one. 

Ready to Make a Splash? 

WorkInAquatics.com is your one-stop shop for exploring aquatics skilled trade careers. Find resources on: 

  • Specific career paths: construction, service and maintenance, manufacturing and more 

  • Training and education: on-the-job training, apprenticeships and industry programs 

  • Job openings: connect with employers looking for motivated individuals across the aquatics industry 

  • Success stories: hear from real members who found careers in the pool and hot tub industry 

Dive into a fulfilling career today. Explore WorkInAquatics.com and search for current openings near you on our exclusive job board! 

Got Questions? Please contact PHTA at workforce@phta.org  

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