Contact us to learn more about your options

Start Your Career Today

Empower your child to succeed independently. Complete the form in just one minute, and we'll arrange a quick call to discuss how the School of Skilled Trades can set them on a successful career path.

By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by the School of Skilled Trades representatives and agents via email, text messages, and/or phone calls (including through automated systems or pre-recorded messages) at any phone numbers I have provided. This contact may include marketing messages and other school-related communications. I affirm that I have read and agree to the School’s Privacy Policy. I understand that providing this consent is not required to request information or enroll at the School of Skilled Trades and I can request information by calling 919.892.8989 instead. I understand that I may revoke my consent at any time. Standard text message and data rates may apply.

An instructor guides two students in blue overalls working with a vise in a workshop, as the students in plumbing focus intently on listening to the teacher's instructions.

First-Rate Training for a Respectable Career—Not Just a Job

Home / Future Students / Parents of high schoolers

Why a career in plumbing could be the ideal path to success for your child

Plumbers are in high demand, and for good reason. All buildings—from apartments to single-family homes, to commercial skyscrapers—need plumbing that works at all times to keep everyone safe and healthy.
The demand for plumbers here in North Carolina is especially high, and it’s expected to keep growing for the next decade. In fact, the Department of Labor gives the occupation a “Bright Outlook,” meaning it will grow faster than average, and estimates there will be nearly 1,600* job openings each year for plumbers in North Carolina over the next ten years. 

A Message to Parents

An excellent option for hands-on learners

Plumbing is an especially good career option for students 
who are:
School of Skilled Trades blue gear bullet pointsHands-on learners
School of Skilled Trades blue gear bullet pointsGreat problem solvers
School of Skilled Trades blue gear bullet pointsGood mechanical and spatial thinkers
School of Skilled Trades blue gear bullet pointsNot interested in a desk job or corporate career
Your son or daughter deserves a future that fits them.
Trade school vs College – How they compare
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
Projected employment
North Carolina
United States
16,080
2022 Employment
473,400
2023 Employment
17,620
2032 Employment
499,700
2033 Employment
10%
Percent Change
6%
Percent Change
1,590
Annual projected job openings
43,300
Annual projected job openings
North Carolina
16,080
2022 Employment
17,620
2032 Employment
10%
Percent Change
1,590
Annual projected job openings
United States
473,400
2023 Employment
499,700
2033 Employment
6%
Percent Change
43,300
Annual projected job openings

Trade jobs making headlines

A man in a suit speaks in an interview on Yahoo Finance with the headline, "WHY BLUE-COLLAR JOBS ARE ESSENTIAL" and a subheading about the Ford CEO discussing the skilled trades crisis and worker shortages.
America Needs Skilled Trades. Durham Is Answering.
September 30, 2025
Ford’s CEO says the skilled-labor shortage is a “huge crisis.” The School of Skilled Trades turns that gap into your opportunity with their trade school located in Durham, NC.

A viable, respected career path

In fact, The Wall Street Journal recently ran a feature* about plumbers and other home-services business owners. These businesses can generate millions of dollars a year in revenue, and even small operations sell for $1 million or more.
*Source: Private Equity Pours Millions into HVAC, Plumbing Trades. The Wall Street Journal. October 14, 2024
The Trades give you the potential to live the American Dream.
“I’ll be honest, it took me a little bit mentally to get on board,” says [trade school graduate’s mother] Lisa Hopkins, who studied drama and art history before obtaining an MBA. She never had much exposure to the trades, but she says she’s thrilled her son has found something he loves with good prospects: “He’s already thinking, ‘I want to buy my first house by the time I’m 24. I don’t have any debt, I’m off to the races.”
From “How Gen Z Is Becoming the Toolbelt Generation,“ The Wall Street Journal, April 1, 2024

Accelerated career training for AI-proof careers

Helping your son or daughter get started as a plumber can be an excellent investment in their future, and it offers a fast return on investment. 
Students at the School of Skilled Trades can complete a Plumbing Technician Certificate, the ideal preparation for a plumbing apprentice role, in just six months. Trained plumbers can earn $22* an hour or more in the Triangle area and grow from there.
*Source: Durham, NC, hourly wages for plumbers [Retrieved 10 February 2025]
Accelerated career training for AI-proof careers
According to Salary.com, the median salary for plumbers with less than one year of experience reporting to a supervisor is $57,939, in the Durham, NC area.
*Source: Durham, NC Yearly Salary according to Salary.com [Retrieved 10 February 2025]

Licensed, rigorous, and practical

The School of Skilled Trades, a non-profit school, is licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges. We offer a rigorous training program that covers the technical skills your son or daughter needs to get started in the plumbing field. 
And we teach the non-technical skills that help graduates stand out in the job market and land good jobs in a fast-growing industry. These “soft skills”—including excellent time management, clear communication, and personal presentation—are also key to career advancement. 
Your child will learn and practice all these skills in hands-on, interactive lessons taught by licensed plumbers with decades of experience. Your child will be engaged and empowered while preparing for a secure career.
Start Your Career Today

Empower your child to succeed independently. Complete the form in just one minute, and we’ll arrange a quick call to discuss how the School of Skilled Trades can set them on a successful career path.

By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by the School of Skilled Trades representatives and agents via email, text/SMS messages, and/or phone calls (including through automated systems or pre-recorded messages) at any phone numbers I have provided. This contact may include marketing messages and other school-related communications. I understand that I may revoke my consent at any time. Messaging frequency may vary. For SMS messaging, standard text message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting STOP. For assistance, text HELP or visit our website at schoolofskilledtrades.org. We do not share or sell SMS opt-in, or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS. Visit the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information. I affirm that I have read and agree to the School’s Privacy Policy. I understand that providing this consent is not required to request information or enroll at the School of Skilled Trades, and I can request information by calling 919.892.8989 instead.

The School of Skilled Trades is a non-profit school, meaning we invest in helping you learn, not in making a profit. We’re licensed by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges, so you learn valuable skills from qualified instructors with years of field experience.

Contact us to learn more about your options

Start Your Career Today

Empower your child to succeed independently. Complete the form in just one minute, and we'll arrange a quick call to discuss how the School of Skilled Trades can set them on a successful career path.

By submitting this form, I consent to be contacted by the School of Skilled Trades representatives and agents via email, text/SMS messages, and/or phone calls (including through automated systems or pre-recorded messages) at any phone numbers I have provided. This contact may include marketing messages and other school-related communications. I understand that I may revoke my consent at any time. Messaging frequency may vary. For SMS messaging, standard text message and data rates may apply. You can opt out at any time by texting STOP. For assistance, text HELP or visit our website at schoolofskilledtrades.org. We do not share or sell SMS opt-in, or phone numbers for the purpose of SMS. Visit the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service for more information. I affirm that I have read and agree to the School’s Privacy Policy. I understand that providing this consent is not required to request information or enroll at the School of Skilled Trades, and I can request information by calling 919.892.8989 instead.