The demand for skilled trade workers is on the rise. Plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, and other home services professionals are needed by home and property owners in every market across the nation. This demand, in turn, is fueling a new wave of entrepreneurial spirit as prospective and experienced trade workers alike set out in search of financial freedom and a healthy work-life balance.
In fact, owning your own service industry business could be on your roadmap to success and achieve your long-term goals! If you’ve been thinking about the value of a vocational education or wondering which might be the best trade jobs or businesses to start in the industry, here’s what you need to know about the best opportunities available now.
Vocational Education Benefits: Trade School Career Options
The first thing to know is that vocational education or “trade school” is a broad term that covers a range of educational options. Most of the time, vocational education refers to education that helps you gain the ability to perform in skilled crafts job positions such as HVAC technician, auto mechanic, plumber, and electrician.
If you haven’t gone through trade school yet, but you’re considering it, ask yourself these questions to get started:
- Do I enjoy this line of work?
- How much can I earn?
- What are my options?
- Do I want to continue with traditional education?
- How much would my college education cost, and what would I do with it?
If you’ve already been to trade or vocational school or even have on-the-job experience, you may consider making the leap to becoming your own boss and owning a business in the field. Starting a home services business can be a lot more straightforward than you think, with relatively low costs and equipment required. If you opt for a home services franchise business, the business model is made for you to become an executive owner and start running your business, not working in your business.
One important thing to note is that if you choose to start a franchise business, vocational training is not required, but in many cases, you would need licensed technicians on staff.
3 Best Trade Businesses to Start
If trade school isn’t for you, or maybe- you just don’t want to be someone else’s employee in your line of work, starting your own business may be the way to go. Even if your experience doesn’t match the trade business you want to start, remember that you will be running the business, and it will be your employees’ responsibility to provide services.
Let’s take a look at the top 3 trade businesses to think about starting!
1. HVAC Business
Expert heating and cooling services are in high demand and are projected to grow steadily in the foreseeable future. In fact, Grand View Research reports that the HVAC market size is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of an impressive 7.4% from 2024 to 2030. This makes an HVAC business one of the best options for new and experienced business owners. In fact, starting an HVAC franchise business now can let you take advantage of the - market for years to come.
Want to find out more about starting an Aire Serv® franchise? Click her to download the franchise guide.
2. Electrical Business
As homes become increasingly reliant on electronic devices and smart technology, the demand for skilled electricians (and electrical businesses) continues to rise. This is especially true if your business offers smart installations, such as video doorbells and other connected systems. With a wide range of service offerings, electrical work can be incredibly lucrative for business owners.
As the owner of your own electric company, you will be able to build a loyal customer base and grow your profitability strategically. Plus, as a business owner, you are in control of your business setting your own goals and schedule. This makes it a great option for ideal work-life balance.
Ready to find out more about owning a Mr. Electric® franchise? Click her to download the franchise guide.
3. Plumbing Business
Plumbing is an essential aspect of home maintenance, and skilled plumbers are always in demand. Whether it's fixing leaky faucets, installing new piping systems, or repairing water heaters or drainage issues, plumbers play a crucial role in keeping homes safe and functional. This can make you a bit of a hometown hero to your community!
With the housing shortage, there is an increased number of people moving into older homes that often need repairs, in fact 61% of owners of older homes started a home improvement project between 2019 and 2021. In fact, the most common repair was to plumbing fixtures!
There is also an increasing emphasis on water conservation and eco-friendly practices by today’s new generation of homeowners, leading to a growing demand for plumbers who specialize in green plumbing solutions. If you are already a plumber, converting to a plumbing business franchise owner is a pretty straightforward process. For all these reasons, starting a plumbing business can be a rewarding venture for those with the necessary skills and qualifications.
Start a Mr. Rooter Plumbing® franchise! Click here to download the franchise guide.
A Home Services Franchise Business Is the Best Trade Job
Starting a home services franchise business could be the best decision you have ever made! By tapping into a growing market and providing valuable services to home and property owners, you can avoid being dependent on an employer and instead grow a successful business in an industry that you love.
By investing in a Neighborly® brand franchise, you can capitalize on an established business model and comprehensive training, so you can run your business with help from our corporate teams and our network of other franchise business owners.
Start by downloading our franchise guide to learn more today!
