Are you struggling to decide which career path is right for you? Trade professions, industries that require specialized skills learned through vocational training or apprenticeships, are rapidly gaining popularity.
This comprehensive guide aims to explore various trade careers, offering valuable insights into their earning potential and the different pathways to get there. Intrigued? Read on!
Key Takeaways
- Trade careers can lead to good pay without needing a lot of schooling.
- You can start working in trades through trade schools, apprenticeships, or on-the-job training.
- Skilled industrial trades, skilled service trades and skilled construction trades are some types of trade jobs.
- Many online tools and people wanting to help you make it easier to start a career in the trades.
Why Consider a Career in the Trades
Trade jobs are many. They can lead to big earnings. Many people earn well in trade careers. Often, they make as much money as those who went to college. Jobs in trades need special skills that come from vocational schools or on-the-job training.
A career in the trades is good for quick earnings too. You can start making a full-time wage at a young age even if you didn’t go to college. This way, student loan debt will not bother you! In fact, these types of jobs let you ‘earn while you learn.’ It’s work with your hands and being active all day which makes it fun!
You’ll always have job security in skilled trade jobs because we will always need electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians and so on—the list goes on! The U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has said that some of the highest-paying jobs are in the trade field like elevator mechanic or nuclear medicine technician.
Not just this but doing things like building something yourself gives lot of joy too! For others seeing their work used by people every day provides happiness and pride which is hard to find elsewhere.
Types of Skilled Trades
Delve into the diverse landscape of skilled trades encompassing industrial, service, and construction disciplines. Uncover roles from emergency medical technicians and electricians to web developers and truck drivers.
Understand each field’s unique offerings, responsibilities, and demanding skill sets that set them apart in their respective industries.
Skilled Industrial Trades
Skilled industrial trades are exciting. They cover a wide range of jobs. These can be power plant operators or mechanics. You could even become a solar installer in this field!
You just need a high school diploma to start. Trade schools offer the right training for these jobs. They prepare you well for many high-paying trade careers in the industry.
Job outlook in skilled industrial trades is also good. There will always be demand for skilled workers like you! Schools like WKCTC, Clovis Community College and Central Community College have training programs too! They offer online degrees, certificates and classes that fit your needs.
So, think about it! Skilled industrial trades may just be the perfect fit for your career goals!
Skilled Service Trades
Service trades call for a lot of skill. They include jobs like plumbers, electricians, and medical workers such as occupational therapists and emergency medical technicians. These trade careers are great choices for people who want to work right away and earn good money without going to college for many years.
Plus, there’s always a need for these trades in towns all over the country! It means you don’t have to worry about finding work wherever you live or move. Jobs like these can pay well too – sometimes even more than jobs needing higher education!
Skilled Construction Trades
People can have great careers in skilled construction trades! Jobs like electricians and plumbers are needed all the time. Too much school debt? That’s not a big problem here! These jobs pay good money.
In fact, some make as much as people who finished college. Better yet, these jobs promise steady work and even owning your own business one day.
Pathways to Skilled Trade Careers
Take a look at the different paths that can lead you to a rewarding trade career, from enrolling in trade or vocational schools to hands-on apprenticeships and real-world on-the-job training.
Delve into how military training could be your stepping-stone into one of these careers. Learn about state licensure requirements and industry certifications necessary for many skilled trades.
Read on to discover how each pathway presents unique opportunities, incentives, and benefits towards building successful trade careers!
Trade Schools and Licensing
Getting a trade job starts with good schooling. Trade schools offer focused training and education in certain trades. Let’s take a look at the steps:
- Find a trade school. There are many to choose from.
- Choose a trade. Like being an electrician, plumber or mechanic.
- Complete your trade school program.
- Get your license if needed for your choice of trade.
- Keep learning and stay on top of new skills in your trade.
Apprenticeships
Let’s delve into apprenticeships, a vital path to skilled trade careers. They offer hands-on experience and learning. Here’s how they work:
- Trade students start by finding an apprentice job. They can look at job boards or go to local trade unions.
- In an apprenticeship, students learn from trained experts on the job site. This leads to real-world skills.
- Students also take classes during their apprenticeship. This combines textbook teaching with practical work.
- Apprenticeships can last from 1 – 5 years. The length depends on the trade you pick.
- After completing the apprenticeship, you become a journeyman in your field. You can now get higher – paying jobs.
- A big benefit is little to no student loan debt! Students even get paid while they learn in most cases.
On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training is a clear way to start a trade career. To start, you have to get a high school diploma or the same level of school. This is not too much school work and you don’t take on big student debts.
- Look for an entry – level job in your chosen trade field.
- You will learn skills from trained workers at your job.
- Keep learning new things each day at your job.
- Work hard to get better at what you do.
- You may need to go to a safety class or other training classes by law.
Military Training
Learning skilled trades can also take place in the military. Yes, you can grow your skills while you serve the country. Here’s how:
- The military gives jobs in many areas. You may work as an electrician or a mechanic.
- In the military, you learn on the job. This is hands – on training.
- By joining the military, you gain skills without taking on student debt.
- Being in the military offers a solid career path after service ends.
- The country’s job market values your skills and experience from the military highly.
- Still serving? You can start preparing for a trade career for when your service ends.
- Many firms like to hire ex-military people due to their discipline and hard-working nature.
Resources for Exploring Trade Careers
In order to navigate the world of trade careers efficiently, there are abundant resources available such as exploration programs and activity libraries provided by vocational schools.
Numerous online platforms offer support for career preparation in fields such as construction, engineering, or medical trades. Networking events can provide opportunities to connect with experienced professionals for guidance and mentorship while planning guides lay out clear paths leading to a fruitful career in the trades.
Trade Career Exploration Programs
Trade Career Exploration Programs help people find good trade jobs. They use different tools and methods.
- West Kentucky Community and Technical College: This school offers great trade job learning. You can study online or in-person.
- Clovis Community College: This college has top-notch skills programs.
- Central Community College: Here, you can learn many trades like boiler making or building inspection.
- Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College: This place helps students to get ready for good trade jobs.
Trade Career Activity Library
The Trade Career Activity Library is a great tool. It offers the right information for workers. This can help them find the best job in the trade field. Here are some things you can find in it:
- Info on boiler makers. You can learn what they do, how much they earn, and more.
- Facts about construction and building inspectors. They make sure everything is safe in homes and buildings. This job pays well too.
- Tips on becoming an electrician. They work with power lines and wiring systems. A high school diploma or equal degree is needed here.
- Many other jobs are also listed in the library. You’ll learn what you need to start these jobs.
- All jobs include where you can get training for them.
Online Resources and Support
Online resources aid those looking to dive into trade careers. Here are some helpful tools:
- Websites: Many informative websites provide details about trade careers. They show the skills needed for jobs and the ways to gain them.
- Online Courses: You can learn new trades from online lessons. They teach you how to master a trade without going to a physical school.
- Blogs: Trade experts often share useful tips and advice in blog posts. They talk about their job, helping others understand what it takes.
- E-books: You can download e-books that delve into different trades. These books help you decide which trade is right for you.
- Videos: If reading is not your style, watch online videos instead! Experts post short clips teaching viewers different trade skills.
- Online Community Forums: Join groups of people who share your interest in trades. In these forums, you can ask questions and get answers from trading pros.
Networking and Mentoring Opportunities
You can find a lot of help in the trades through networking and mentoring.
- A chat with a skilled worker can teach you a lot. You can ask about their job, what they do each day, and how they trained.
- Trade groups often set up group talks or events. You can meet many people there.
- Mentors are important too. They can guide you and help you make good choices.
- Many trade schools set up mentors for their students. Ask if your school offers this.
- Some towns have local craft or trade groups that you could join. These groups often help new workers learn from old ones.
- Don’t forget online resources! Sites like LinkedIn have big networks for many trades.
- Look out for meetings, events, or trade fairs near your city or town. These offer great ways to meet people and learn more about your trade.
Trade Career Planning Guides
Trade career planning guides are useful tools for those interested in trade careers. Here are some of the things these guides can do:
- These guides provide a deep dive into many trades. It helps you learn about different jobs and what skills you need.
- They show what kind of school or training is needed. You’ll know if you need to go to a trade school or find an apprenticeship.
- Guides give details on how much money each job makes. This helps you in your choice.
- Planning guides let you know about job safety. It’s good to be aware of any risks before choosing a career.
- Trade career planning guides also add knowledge on long – term career options.
Conclusion
FAQs
1. What are trade careers?
Trade careers are jobs in skilled areas like medical, residential, energy and industrial, cosmetic, technology trades and more. These roles can be learned through trade programs and apprenticeships.
2. What is the cost of education for trade careers?
Education costs vary based on your chosen field within trades. Some require an associate’s degree or postsecondary certificate from a state-approved educational program or post-secondary institution.
3. Can I earn high in Trade Careers?
Yes! Many trades have high earning potential including occupations like dental hygienist, real estate agent, aircraft technician etc., with stability and benefits such as livable take-home pay to retirement packages.
4. How do I make a career transition to Skilled Trades work?
Career development resources exist online that guide you through the process using additional skilled trades examples like locksmithing or graphic design in information technology fields.
5.What do we learn about job outlooks in Trade Careers?
You can research median salary data along with training requirements by profession & future outlook using resources such as the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
6.Are there other career options available if physical labor jobs don’t fit my style?
Yes! In addition to impacting careers like construction workers or maintenance specialists , there’s choice for less labor-heavy jobs within vocational careers list- further creating space for side hustle opportunities.
