Are you intrigued by the world of skilled trades, but uncertain where to start? Did you know that specialized trade jobs encompass a vast range of industries and are often in high demand? This blog post aims to offer an essential guide on the various skilled trades available, their benefits, and how to kickstart your career in this growing field.
Let’s embark on a journey into the exciting world of hands-on careers!
Key Takeaways
- Skilled trades are hands – on jobs that encompass a variety of industries, such as construction, medical, service, and technology.
- Pursuing a skilled trade career offers benefits like lower costs compared to college, early earning potential, job security, and fulfilling work.
- Examples of skilled trade jobs include welder, electrician, HVAC technician, aircraft mechanic, dental hygienist, EMT (Emergency Medical Technician), home health aide.
Understanding Skilled Trades
Skilled trades are jobs where you use your hands. They are also called trade careers or vocational careers. Many types of jobs fall under skilled trades, like electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians.
People who work in skilled trades do important work that keeps our homes safe and comfortable.
You can learn a skilled trade at a vocational or trade school. Some people get their training on the job. The time it takes to train for a skilled trade can be between three months and four years.
Skilled trades offer many good things like high pay, job security, great benefits, and room to grow in your career.
Benefits of Pursuing a Skilled Trade Career
Skilled trade careers offer lower costs, early earning potential, job security, and fulfilling careers.
Lower costs
Learning a trade can save you money. College costs are high and keep rising each year. But going to trade school is cheaper. You get skills that help you earn fast without huge student loans.
Picking a skilled trade also lowers job search costs. There’s high demand for workers in many trades right now. Easy to find jobs means less time and money spent looking for work.
Training for the trades takes less time too. This means you start making money faster than if you went to college. High earning potential is there from day one on the job, not after years of study and debt buildup like with some degrees.
Early earning potential
Skilled trades give quick money. You don’t have to wait for years. Many trade careers start paying good pay after short schooling or training. As a truck driver, you can earn around $48,310 per year.
Other jobs offer high wages too, like medical coders who make about $46,660 each year.
Job security
Skilled trade jobs often come with good job security. This is because these roles are in high demand. Skilled tradespeople can work in many places, like factories and home sites. They also do important tasks that need to be done all the time, such as fixing cars or building houses.
Job safety gets even better when there’s a shortage of workers in your field, like with manufacturers today! A lot of companies want skilled workers so much that they will fight to keep them.
With a skill under your belt, you can feel safe knowing you’ll always have work to do.
Fulfilling careers
Skilled trades offer fulfilling careers that provide a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Whether you’re working with your hands in construction, helping people in the medical field, or solving technical problems in technology trades, these careers allow you to make a tangible impact on the world around you.
You can see the results of your work firsthand and take pride in knowing that you are contributing to society. Additionally, many skilled trades offer opportunities for growth and advancement, allowing you to continuously learn new skills and broaden your expertise.
With high demand for skilled workers across various industries, pursuing a career in the skilled trades can lead to long-term job security and stability.
Skilled Trades in Different Industries
Skilled trades can be found in various industries such as construction, medical, service, and technology.
Construction Skilled Trades
Construction skilled trades are an essential part of the industry. They play a crucial role in building and maintaining structures. Here are some examples of construction skilled trades:
- Carpenter
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Pipefitter
- Steamfitter
- Mason
- Painter
- HVAC Technician
Medical Skilled Trades
Medical skilled trades offer rewarding careers in the healthcare industry. Here are examples of some in-demand medical skilled trade jobs:
- Dental hygienist: Dental hygienists clean teeth and educate patients on oral health.
- EMT (Emergency Medical Technician): EMTs provide emergency medical care and transportation.
- Home health aide: Home health aides assist patients with daily activities in their homes.
- Massage therapist: Massage therapists use touch to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Paramedic: Paramedics provide advanced medical care in emergency situations.
- Phlebotomist: Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for medical testing.
- Dental hygienists, EMTs, home health aides, massage therapists, paramedics, and phlebotomists are examples of medical skilled trades.
- Personal fitness trainers make a median salary of $40,700 per year.
Service Skilled Trades
Service skilled trades are an important part of the workforce. They provide essential services to people and businesses. Here are some examples of service skilled trades:
- Truck Driving: Truck drivers play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country. They earn a median salary of $48,310 per year.
- Medical Records Specialist: Also known as medical coders, these professionals ensure that patient records are accurately coded for billing and insurance purposes. They earn a median salary of $46,660 per year.
- Personal Fitness Training: Personal fitness trainers help people achieve their health and fitness goals. They make a median salary of $40,700 per year.
Technology Skilled Trades
Technology skilled trades offer alternative career paths outside of traditional college routes. They require specialized knowledge and hands-on skills. Individuals who pursue technology skilled trades have the opportunity to work with technology and make a lasting impact. These trades can also be done as a side-hustle or can lead to starting one’s own business. Technology skilled trades encompass a wide range of professions across various industries, providing individuals with the chance to quickly enter the job market and support the economy while offering a solid living.
Examples of In-Demand Skilled Trade Jobs
Some examples of in-demand skilled trade jobs include welder, electrician, HVAC technician, aircraft mechanic, and web developer. Read more to learn about the opportunities available in these fields.
Welder
Welding is an important skilled trade job that involves joining metal parts together. Welders use special tools and techniques to melt and fuse metal pieces, creating strong bonds.
It’s a critical skill needed in various industries like construction, manufacturing, and automotive. The demand for welders is expected to grow because of retiring workers and the need for infrastructure projects.
With a median annual salary of around $43,000, becoming a welder can provide a stable career with good earning potential.
Electrician
Electricians are skilled tradespeople who play an important role in various industries and residential settings. They are in high demand due to the need for electrical work, which includes installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems.
Electricians can earn a competitive salary in the skilled trades field. To become an electrician, individuals typically need to complete an apprenticeship program and obtain a license.
The stability of the trade workforce provides younger generations with opportunities for growth and job security. This makes pursuing a career as an electrician a promising choice for those looking for fulfilling and stable careers with potential for growth.
HVAC technician
HVAC technicians are skilled tradespeople who specialize in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They play a crucial role in maintaining and repairing these systems to ensure that buildings have proper temperature control and air quality.
With the increasing demand for energy-efficient HVAC systems, the need for qualified technicians is on the rise.
One important fact about HVAC technicians is that they require specialized training and certification. This can be obtained through a trade school or apprenticeship program. These programs provide hands-on experience and teach students how to troubleshoot, repair, and install HVAC equipment.
The training equips them with the necessary skills to work on various types of systems, such as furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, and ductwork.
It’s worth noting that HVAC technicians are considered one of the in-demand skilled trade jobs. As buildings become more advanced technologically and environmentally conscious regulations increase, there is a growing need for knowledgeable professionals who can handle complex HVAC systems efficiently.
Aircraft mechanic
One important skilled trade job is an aircraft mechanic. These professionals are responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing airplanes and helicopters. They ensure that the aircraft’s systems, including engines, electrical components, and avionics, are functioning properly to guarantee safe flights.
Aircraft mechanics play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of passengers and crew members. This skilled trade job requires specialized training and knowledge in aviation maintenance technology.
With a growing demand for air travel, there is a continuous need for skilled aircraft mechanics in the industry. These professionals can enjoy job security, competitive salaries, and fulfilling careers working with cutting-edge technology in the aviation field.
Web developer
Web developers play a crucial role in creating and maintaining websites. They use their coding skills to design, build, and update websites for businesses and individuals. While web developer is not specifically mentioned in the provided content or the list of skilled trades, it is an in-demand profession that offers high earning potential and job security.
In today’s digital age, businesses rely heavily on online presence, making web development skills highly sought after. With the decline of workers entering trade professions like construction and manufacturing, pursuing a career as a web developer can provide stability for younger generations looking for fulfilling careers without necessarily needing a four-year degree.
How to Start a Career in Skilled Trades
To start a career in skilled trades, follow these steps:
- Research different trade options and industries to find one that interests you.
- Look for trade schools or technical colleges that offer training programs for your chosen trade.
- Check if apprenticeships are available in your area, as they provide on-the-job training and hands-on experience.
- Complete the necessary education and training requirements for your chosen trade.
- Obtain any required licenses or certifications for your specific trade.
- Build a strong network by joining trade organizations, attending industry events, and connecting with professionals in your field.
- Gain practical experience by taking on internships or entry-level positions in your chosen trade.
- Continuously improve your skills through ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Prepare a well – written resume highlighting your relevant skills and experience in the skilled trades industry.
- Start applying for jobs in your chosen field and be prepared to showcase your skills during interviews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, skilled trades offer a rewarding and fulfilling career path for individuals who enjoy working with their hands and have a passion for mastering their craft. With job security, early earning potential, and lower costs compared to traditional college routes, pursuing a skilled trade can be an excellent choice.
From construction to healthcare to technology, the list of skilled trades is diverse and offers numerous opportunities in various industries. So whether you’re considering a career change or just starting out after high school, exploring the world of skilled trades could lead you to an exciting and successful future.
FAQs
1. What is a skilled trade job?
A skilled trade job involves work in fields like construction, maintenance, medical, art or agriculture careers that need special skills or training.
2. Can you name some jobs in the manufacturing and transportation trades?
Some jobs in these sectors are auto mechanic, CNC programmer, line installer and transit agency worker.
3. What types of medical career trades exist?
Jobs such as physical therapist, registered nurse, sleep technologist and respiratory therapist are part of medical career trades.
4. Are there careers available in food skilled trades?
Yes! Jobs like chef/head cook, butcher and food service manager belong to the category of food-skilled professions.
5. What sort of construction trade careers can I look into?
In construction workforce you can become a flooring installer, ironworker or electrical technician among others!
6. Would agriculture fall under skilled trades too?
Indeed it does! Agriculture offers skilled professions such as farmer/rancher and crop duster.
