Giles Cadman 
For some, going through a four-university degree program seems like the obvious choice for the first steps of their career path. While this does make sense for lots of people, there are many other paths to success to consider.
I began my entrepreneurial career at 18, inspired by what the real world could teach me, and I never looked back. Now, as the chair of The Cadman Capital Group, a successful company I’ve built with many different facets, I truly understand and appreciate making your own path.
For those new to the series, I've decided to discuss the need to stimulate business growth in rural areas. After spending many years in business, it's something that I've become incredibly passionate about.
Supporting an increase in trade industry is a great way to stimulate business growth in rural areas. I think many young people can benefit from learning more about working in the trade industry, rather than following the oversaturated degree path.
Length
University degrees usually tend to take four or more years to complete, whereas trades can be completed in one to two year programs with apprenticeships and varied learning experiences.
A shorter, more focused and hands-on education can lead to a faster entry into the job market, working in the industry in which you studied. Trade education can also be extremely rewarding, and in my opinion, there is a certain sense of pride and satisfaction when working with your own hands.
Cost
Bachelor's degrees, while a valuable way to gain knowledge in your field, can be extremely expensive and result in massive amounts of debt. Meanwhile, skills-based industries require college diplomas and apprentices that are much less time consuming and less expensive.
University is more expensive than ever and currently, students are graduating with between $40,000-$80,000 USD in debt. It's terrible for the individual, but the economy as a whole. How are you suppose to save for the future "“your first home "“ when you're stuck paying off a degree, or worse, can't even find a job?
When you get an education in the trades, you'll get a faster return on the investment of education.
Job Security
Another advantage of a career in the trades is most of the jobs in the industry are difficult to export to another country or be replaced by a machine.
There is also a growing demand for high-precision skilled workers in the UK right now. According to a Forbes report, the majority of skilled tradespeople are getting ready for retirement, if they haven't done so already. This change in the industry demographic is creating new opportunities for young workers to fill these positions.
Not only are there many benefits to working in the trades, but the economy needs people to enter these fields to survive.
There are many paths to take on the road to success, and the trade industry is lucrative and will help to stimulate growth in rural areas. Whatever it is that you do, just make sure you are loving every minute of it!
Or is the 9-5 just not your style? Read my series on how to build a $100-million dollar company here.
