Are you looking for a career that is interesting, challenging, and pays well?
Are you considering some alternatives to college?
If so, you may want to consider one of the many trade careers out there. These are careers that involve using your hands and your mind to create or repair things and often do not require more than a high school diploma or GED.
Although attending technical schools for some careers is recommended to improve your skills and opportunities!
There are many different types of skilled trades, including plumbing, carpentry, culinary arts, welding, and electrical work to name just a few. In this article, we will offer some advice on how you can get into the skilled trades and some jobs you can consider!
Whether you are just entering the job market or looking for a new fulfilling career, we hope you will find this article helpful.
What is the best path for becoming a tradesman?
There are many different ways to become a skilled trade professional. You can attend community college and get an associate degree, attend vocational schools, or go right into some on-the-job training.
Which path you take is going to depend on the career you are focusing on. Each career might have very different requirements.
Below are a few of the options to help you meet your trade job career goals.
1. Learn & Practice On Your Own
One great way to learn some skilled trade techniques is by doing projects at home. There are many different types of skilled trades, so it’s important to find one that interests you.
For example, if you want to be a plumber, you can try fixing a leaky faucet or replacing a shower head on your own by watching YouTube videos.
If you’re interested in being a carpenter, you can build a simple birdhouse or bookcase. These are just a few examples; there are many different projects that you can do depending on the trade that interests you.
Not only will practicing at home help you improve your skills, but it will also give you a better understanding of what the job involves. This is especially important if you’re thinking about becoming a tradesperson yourself and not sure which one appeals to you the most.
Doing these small projects can lead you into a career path you love and then you can look into more formal education.
2. Attend a Trade School
It’s no secret that trade schools are a great post-secondary education opportunity. But what many people don’t know is that trade schools can also improve your career path. This can mean better salaries and future growth opportunities.
Trade schools offer programs in everything from welding to cosmetology. This means that you can find a program that perfectly matches your interests and career goals. And unlike traditional four-year universities, trade schools typically only take two years to complete.
This means that you can start working in your chosen field sooner.
But the benefits of trade school don’t stop there. Trade schools also offer smaller class sizes and more hands-on learning opportunities than traditional universities.
This means that you’ll be able to learn more in a shorter amount of time. And since trade schools are focused on teaching specific trades, you’ll be able to get started in your career right away. Learn more about how to get into trade school and what the typical entry requirements are.
3. Work As An Apprentice
Becoming an apprentice is a great way to learn a trade, and it can help improve your chances of having a more successful career in your field of choice. Some careers might require an apprenticeship, for example, an HVAC apprenticeship is a typical step to a fulfilling career.
One of the best things about becoming an apprentice is that you get to learn from the best.
You’ll be working with experienced professionals who can teach you everything you need to know about the trade career you want to learn about. Not only will this help you learn faster, but it will also set you up for success once you finish your apprenticeship.
Another great thing about apprenticeships is that they can lead to great careers.
Many apprentices eventually become master tradespeople, and they often earn a good salary and enjoy good job security. If you’re looking for a great career, becoming an apprentice is a great way to go.
An apprenticeship also allows you to develop relationships with experienced professionals in your field. These relationships can be very beneficial when it comes time to find a job. Most trade jobs are said to be found through the relationships that people have, so the more you network the better!
If you are interested in becoming an apprentice, there are many programs available throughout the United States. To find a program near you, visit the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/. Local trade unions are also a resource for finding paid apprenticeships.
4. Complete On-the-Job Training
On-the-job training is an important aspect of any trade career.
It can help you learn new techniques, improve your skills, and grow your knowledge base. While in an apprenticeship you will work under a more skilled tradesperson, in on-the-job training you will work in part on your own, and sometimes with a mentor.
In many cases, on-the-job training is provided by your employer.
This means that you can learn while you’re working, and get hands-on experience with the tools and techniques of your trade. If you’re lucky, your employer may also provide tuition reimbursement for related training courses.
There are also many off-the-job training options available for tradespeople. Community colleges and other post-secondary institutions often offer trade programs that include on-the-job training components.
These programs can provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to start a successful career in the trades while still attending a vocational school.
5. Acquire Recommended Licenses & Certifications
There are many different trades in the United States that require licenses or certifications in order to do the job.
For example, many people do not know that you need a license to become a barber or cosmetologist. To get your license, you need to complete a state-approved training program and pass an examination.
There are also many jobs in the construction industry that require licenses or certifications, like contractors and electricians.
In order to get a license or certification, you typically need to complete training programs and pass examinations. The requirements for getting a license or certification vary from state to state, so it is important to check with your state licensing board to find out what the requirements are.
Licenses and certifications can help you stand out from the competition and may increase your chances of getting a job. They can also help you earn a higher salary. So if you are interested in a career that requires a license or certification, be sure to research the requirements and make sure you are prepared before you apply for jobs in that field.
Many careers offer a “journeyman” level as well which can bring a much bigger salary. Journeymen will typically have their own license to do work on their own and not have to work under another master tradesman anymore.
We cannot recommend the trade career path enough. Stable jobs, growth, good wages, and unique opportunities round out some of the best reasons to consider trade career sectors. Of course, there are some downsides too like dealing with weather, injuries, and the toll some jobs can take on the body.
But, with good care and work-life balance, you can find trade work to be a really good way to build a stable life.
One more thing to think about!
Attending a trade or vocational school will cost several thousand dollars depending on the program you attend and if you will reside on or off campus. If this is a little scary, you can feel good knowing there are plenty of financial aid opportunities or you can also take private loans as well.
Most trade jobs will pay for themselves in just a few years, and it is a whole lot cheaper than going for a four-year college degree. Check out our trade school vs college article to get some insight into the differences between these two options.