Go to a community college and get your certifications.
The problem is that the wages are way low starting out. That's why young people tend to do it. If you can swing the first three or four years, then start your own business, you'll be good.
The other hazard trades can be dangerous starting out until you work safely even on automatic when sleepless and zoning out. Learning rough carpentry cost me a broken leg, which healed slowly in my 30s and much worse in your 50s.
Larry Haun iirc even broke some bones in his first few years. It's a young man's game, getting over that well enough and fast enough to return to work without going bankrupt.
Old man? You don't have to age like previous generations. I just turned 50 and feel great. Take care of your body and mind, laugh a lot, spend time with good people, and don't let preconceived notions of what aging looks like dictate your future.
Yeah but what do you do for work? You don't have to age like previous generations, but if you work trades for 40 years you definitely will.
I don't know about transitioning to hard work in your 40s or later. My background is blue collar but it's telling that I don't know anyone working a skilled trade over 45 who started later than say 30. I don't know any over 45 who would probably say they feel great either.
The problem is that the wages are way low starting out. That's why young people tend to do it. If you can swing the first three or four years, then start your own business, you'll be good.