I'm considering a career in the trades after high school. What types of jobs are available, and what kind of training or apprenticeship programs should I look into to get started?
The range of opportunities in the trades is wide and includes areas such as construction, transportation, manufacturing, utilities, and more. Here are some job paths you might consider:
1. Electrician: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems. To become an electrician, you would start by completing a technical school program, followed by an apprenticeship program.
2. Plumber: Plumbers install and repair pipes that carry water, steam, air, or other liquids or gases. Becoming a plumber typically involves a mix of technical education and on-the-job training.
3. HVAC Technician: Technicians in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) install, clean, and maintain HVAC systems. Technical school, community college programs, or apprenticeships can prepare you for this career.
4. Auto Mechanic: Auto mechanics maintain, repair, and inspect cars and light trucks. You would typically need to attend a vocational or post-secondary education program and continue with on-the-job training.
5. Welder: Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers use hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to perform welding tasks. It's possible to enter a welding position directly out of high school, but many welders attend technical schools or community colleges to receive more developed training.
As for training, apprenticeships are common in the trades. These typically involve several years of paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction. These can often be found through local trade unions, trade schools, or directly from employers.
Keep in mind, that it's important to find a path that genuinely interests you and will set you up for a fulfilling career. Consider shadowing professionals in different trades or trying out some basic projects yourself to get a feel for what you might enjoy most.
Last but not least, some states require tradesmen to be licensed. Please make sure to check the regulations in your state.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.