Navigating the military skilled trades job board as a high school student

As someone interested in skilled trades, I'm curious about the military skilled trades job board. How does it work and what should I focus on as a high school student thinking about future trade opportunities in the military?

The military skilled trades job board is a great place to explore opportunities and see what qualifications are required for different kinds of work. It showcases various skilled trades roles across different branches of the military, providing a snapshot of the type of work you could potentially do after enlisting.

Roles are categorized in a variety of ways, often with the type of skill (for example, electrical, mechanical, etc.) and pay-grade. Each listing typically gives a description of the job, requirements, and sometimes the type of training you'll need to complete. It's a good idea to focus on understanding these roles and their requirements while in high school.

Keep in mind that the military offers numerous training and educational opportunities for enlisted personnel, often providing comprehensive training in a specific field that aligns with the job. This training is designed to prepare you for the specific technical tasks you'll be responsible for, and often includes classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Skills learned are often transferrable to civilian careers after your service.

While you won't apply directly for these jobs via the job board itself, the information contained there can help you narrow down your areas of interest and guide your conversation with a recruiter once you decide to enlist.

I would recommend focusing on subjects in school that align with the trades you're interested in - for example, take more math and science classes if you're interested in engineering roles, or classes that provide hands-on skills like drafting or woodworking if you're leaning towards a physical trade. This can bolster your qualifications and make you a more competitive candidate when you enlist.

Finally, talk to a military recruiter. They can provide detailed information about the enlistment process, job opportunities and benefits. Just remember to come prepared with questions and do your own research beforehand.