5 Reasons 2020 Is the Best Year to Become a Licensed Contractor
When you read articles about the construction labor shortage, it’s mostly with a tone of gloom and doom. Lots of projects are falling behind and whole metro areas need tens of thousands of new units for housing and commercial expansion. Of course, this level of labor shortage means that pretty much everyone in the industry is busy. But in this industry, busy is good. If you get in on the ground floor now, you’ll be setting yourself up for a fantastic opportunity for your whole career. Here’s five reasons to get started this year.
- Licensed Contractors Make More Money
Did you ever think someone would pay you more because you have a specific piece of paper? Your contractor’s license can do just that. Without a license, there’s a handful of small projects that people are allowed to do by California law. Even the unlicensed contractors who try to do higher-paying work on the sly have to charge less. This is to keep their clients from reporting them to the Contractors State License Board. Keeping your business above-board with the proper licensing may be your ticket to more money than you ever imagined.
- The Entire Industry Needs Qualified Workers–Now
Have you seen the backlogs in construction in California? Between the increasing needs for affordable housing and the pressure on cities to upgrade their old infrastructure, there’s a lot on the docket. Even if no one moves into the state, the population will still grow by a few million every 10 years. Those people need places to live, work and play. Every part of the industry is hurting for trained professionals, but especially in areas like electricity and plumbing. If you’ve got a goal, now’s your chance to secure a good job with less effort.
- There’s Enough Work to Help You Establish a Business
When you first get started in an industry running at average speed, you have to face the competition. Right now, there’s so much work available in California that in most places, there’s enough to go around. That’s the best time to be starting a company, when you don’t have to fight for clients among a large group of established businesses. The backlog of construction projects will eventually slow down, but you’ll probably have at least a few years to get going and build a reputation. An easy start might make the difference between a business that thrives and one that struggles.
- More Experience Develops Your Career Faster
It’s true that they don’t give trophies for finding your career earlier, but you can certainly have a better professional experience that way. Adult life tends to go by in a flash. You blink your eyes and it’s been five years. If you start now, you’ll have more time to develop your career into the way you want it. This can lead to a higher long-term income and even the ability to retire early, if you play your cards right.
- You’ve Got No Reason to Delay
With all these benefits, you’ve got to ask yourself what else may be standing in your way. Taking the contractor licensing exam can take months of study, or less if you’re committed. If you’ve been working up to it but you’re worried about the results, now may be the perfect time to take a chance. Over 99% of applicants who take one of our exam preparation classes pass the exam the first time. That’s such a high rate of success that we’ll even pay for one of our students to retake it if needed. You’ve got nothing to lose, and so much to gain.
When you imagine your life five years from now, do you see yourself as a licensed contractor with a successful business? That career path starts today. For more information or to browse our classes, visit CSLS today!
