Where can I find a list of skilled trade jobs?

I'm thinking about attending trade school and would love to see a comprehensive list of skilled trade jobs. I want to weigh my options before committing to a specific path. Any resources or suggestions?

You can explore various skilled trades across multiple sectors, which vary in terms of required training and potential output. Let's divide them into four big sectors:

1. Construction Trades: Some jobs in this sector include plumbers, carpenters, electricians, masons, and HVAC technicians. These trades usually require manual skills as well as an understanding of scientific principles.

2. Transportation Trades: This would cover positions like automotive service technicians, diesel service technicians, aircraft mechanics, and marine mechanics. People in these jobs typically work on specific types of vehicles or machinery.

3. Healthcare Trades: In the healthcare sector, positions could include licensed vocational nurses, dental hygienists, physical therapy assistants, and occupational therapy assistants. Though these aren't typically thought of as "trades", they do require specialized skill sets and vocational training.

4. Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Trades: These could include jobs like locksmiths, telecommunications equipment installers, home appliance repairers, and watch repairers.

You can find detailed information through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. It provides comprehensive information about the nature of the work, necessary training and education, job growth outlook, and typical salary ranges for hundreds of different types of jobs. Each job listing in the handbook also defines the skills, creative abilities, physical abilities, and tasks relevant to the job.

Remember, it's important to identify your interests and strengths so that you can pick a trade that suits you best. And of course, always ensure to check the credibility of the trade schools you are considering!