Blackhawk School of Apprenticeship

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Plumbing Level I students meeting before class to go over their math module. #apprenticeshipworks

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My Look Inside the Trades

When I first began here at the Blackhawk School of Apprenticeship as a marketing intern, I was quite nervous since I had no prior knowledge of plumbing or HVAC. I came to learn quickly that the trades are not at all what I grew up thinking. If we are being completely honest plumbing and HVAC are not portrayed as the most glamorous careers, but the opportunities that come within these jobs are more surprising than you might think. 

So many people, even from my high school, felt like they did not have the option to go to a four year college. Many of them thought a careers were out of reach. I truly wish I had this experience back then to help them understand that four year colleges are not always the best options for everyone, but that does not mean there are no options at all. 

BHSA has gone above and beyond to reach out to, not only, high school students, but homeless mothers and is looking into reaching disabled veterans that want a career. Most people that go to a four year college want careers that can offer financial stability. Well, I am here to say that college is not the only place to find that. 

While doing research for brochures and flyers, I found that the average salary for plumbing and HVAC specialists is around $50,000. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t complain about that at all. BHSA is a three year school that is a fraction of the price of public and private colleges. It also allows you to work full-time while taking classes. Many companies will actually pay for your apprenticeship as long as you work there for the 3 years. This would leave you with much less debt than a typical four year college. Trust me, I am going to one.

I hate to admit that I never really thought about this path as an option, due to the lack of recognition, but the need for plumbers and HVAC specialists is increasing every year. These careers offer unlimited opportunities for so many people. I am proud to be able to help this field get as much recognition as possible.