Can You Get a Trade Job Without Trade School?

I'm considering skipping trade school and jumping straight into the workforce. Is it possible to land a decent trade job without formal schooling? If anyone has tips or stories about getting hired this way, I'd appreciate it!

Certainly, it's possible in certain industries to skip trade school and enter the workforce directly. However, the process and opportunities may vary considerably based on the trade you're interested in.

Taking the example of electricians, most states require licensure, which requires some formal schooling or apprenticeship. On the other hand, in trades like construction, hands-on experience is sometimes more valuable, and you could likely start as a laborer and learn skills on the job.

One common path to enter the trades is through apprenticeships. These provide hands-on training while getting paid. They typically last a few years and most will require a high school diploma or equivalent. After completing an apprenticeship, you might need to take a licensure or certification exam, depending on the trade and jurisdiction.

In some cases, unions or professional organizations within the trade offer pre-apprenticeship training programs to give you the basic skills you need before starting an apprenticeship. These can be a great path if you're looking to skip formal trade school.

Keep in mind that jumping straight into the workforce will require a strong willingness to learn and adapt. Most employers will expect you to pick up the necessary skills and knowledge as quickly as possible, so being proactive is essential.

In any case, you should do thorough research on the requirements for entering the trade you're interested in, as these can vary significantly based on the trade and the location.