What Jobs Are Considered Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are types of jobs that require specific skills you learn from experience, on-the-job training, or vocational courses. These careers are usually stable and require technical knowledge. Skilled trades are often jobs that can be physically or mentally demanding.

Jobs in skilled trades can be found in areas like construction, repair, transportation, and maintenance. You can explore several types of skilled trade jobs before choosing which one you want to pursue.

Different Kinds of Skilled Trades

Skilled trades are great jobs to earn a living. People working in this type of job usually use tools and materials to create, fix, or look after buildings and machines. They work in many different fields, like construction, repair, transportation, and maintenance.

Here are some diverse kinds of skilled trade jobs:

• Carpentry

Carpenters who specialize in skilled trades use tools like saws and hammers to create buildings from wood and other materials. They also excel at installing cabinets and performing intricate tasks like adding decorative edges to doors and windows.

• Plumbing

Plumbers put in pipes for water systems in homes and businesses, and they fix them when they break. Plumbers need to understand the local rules and regulations about pipes in their area to do their job safely.

• Electrical

Electricians need to understand how electricity and wiring function. They install lights, outlets, and appliances and must follow rules to prevent fires and shocks.

• HVAC

HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians are like temperature experts. They make sure heating and cooling systems in homes and businesses function properly. They take care of things like furnaces, air conditioners, and humidifiers.

• Welding

Welding is a different kind of skilled trade job where you join two pieces together using heat. Welders needed to be skilled with their hands and extremely cautious. They work with all sorts of materials, like metal and plastic, and they might specialize in specific types of welding.

Getting Ready for a Skilled Trades Job

If you are aiming for a skilled trades job, you need to enroll in specific programs that teach you the knowledge required for your chosen career. Most of these skilled trades require you to participate in classroom learning and hands-on practice.

To work in these fields, most people need a certification or an associate degree. Some people even consider getting a bachelor's or master's degree. What you need depends on the program and industry you pick. Here are steps you can follow to get into a skilled trade field:

• Finish High School.

Most skilled trades jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development program). While you are in high school, consider enrolling in a shop or woodworking class, either within your school or through a local program. Pursuing this can provide you with valuable hands-on experience in skilled trades.

• Choose a trade.

Once you have completed high school or obtained your GED, it is time to consider the skilled trades that interest you the most. Most of the time, your hobbies and interests can align with a trade career. For instance, create a list of activities you enjoy, and then jot down a few appealing job descriptions related to them.

Compare these descriptions to identify any shared aspects between your hobbies and the potential jobs. This process can lead you to choose the trade that closely aligns with your personal preferences.

• Choose an educational program.

You can attend a technical school or enroll in certification classes at a community college. Keep in mind that each skilled trade has varying prerequisites, and not all of them demand formal education. But opting for these classes can significantly enhance your candidacy by setting you apart from other applicants.

• Join an apprenticeship.

Search for an apprenticeship program in skilled trades where you can learn skills while working on the job. You can find these through local trade unions, training centers, professional groups, or job programs.

• Get a license.

You may require a license to show that you can work in your skilled trades. But not all trades require one, and the rules can vary based on your location.

• Become a journeyman.

After completing your apprenticeship, you can become a journeyman in skilled trades. This signifies that you have passed tests and gained sufficient on-the-job training to independently work in your trade with your own license.

Labor Shortages in Skilled Trades

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant changes in how jobs work, leading to what is known as "The Great Reshuffle." Many people have left their jobs in search of better work-life balance, higher pay, and improved work environments. These individuals are also finding new jobs elsewhere.

When we discuss the number of people participating in the workforce, certain industries face a shortage of skilled trades workers, while others find themselves with an excess of workers. For example, industries involved in producing durable goods, selling items in bulk, and providing education and healthcare services often have more job openings than experienced skilled trades workers looking for jobs. Conversely, there is an imbalance within the construction industry. There are more experienced skilled trades workers seeking jobs than job openings available.

Despite the shortage of individuals for specific skilled trade roles, this scenario fluctuates based on the job's nature and how the job market is doing. It is important to recognize that the rise in remote work's popularity and shifts in worker preferences are bringing intricate changes to how jobs function in numerous ways.

Comparing Skilled Trades to Other Career Paths

Skilled trades are essential for our daily lives, contributing to well-built roads, public buildings, houses, cars, and other essential things for our society to flourish. Skilled tradespeople are incredibly important for our economy. Unfortunately, there has been a decrease in the number of skilled trades workers, partly due to the misconception that getting a specific degree is the only way to a successful life-long career.

Considering these trends, now is an ideal time to consider a career in the skilled trades. Opting for a skilled trades profession can offer financial stability, opportunities for advancement, and the freedom to manage your schedule, choose where you work, and control your workload.

Advantages of Skilled Trades

If you are considering a career shift, the skilled trades industry has a lot to offer. Skilled trades that are simpler to learn, like plumbing and electrical work, come with significant benefits. These skilled trades have stable job opportunities because there is a big need for skilled trades workers in these areas.

By acquiring practical knowledge through apprenticeships or specialized training at skilled trade schools, you can show off your expertise once you step into a professional role. This sets you apart from competitors who have theoretical knowledge but lack the hands-on experience necessary for the job.

To sum up, choosing a skilled trades career has many advantages. There are many secure job opportunities because these skilled trades jobs are in demand. You can earn more money, and you may even start your own business. This makes it a great option for people between 25 and 45 who want to shift to a new career.