Trade Jobs Needing People: Where to Start?

So I've been hearing a lot about trade jobs needing more people. How do I start looking for these opportunities? What skills do I need to develop to be a competitive candidate?

You're on the right track! Indeed, there's a growing demand across many trade jobs and they are a good avenue to consider, especially if you enjoy hands-on work. Here's some advice to get you started:

1. Identify Your Interest: Trade jobs encompass a variety of fields such as plumbing, electrical, carpentry, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) technicians, welders, and more. Begin by identifying which of these areas interest you. It might help to do some research about the nature of work in each of these fields, or even better, shadow a professional or take part in a workshop if you can find one.

2. Obtain Necessary Training: Once you have identified your interest, look for technical training programs. This can be vocational schools, community colleges, or apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships are particularly beneficial as they offer on-the-job training, allowing you to gain experience while learning.

3. Gain Certification: Many trade jobs require certification, which often involves passing an exam after your training program. These frequently recognized certifications ensure you are fully prepared and can legally conduct work in your chosen field.

4. Enhance Soft Skills: Apart from the technical skills which you will gain through your training, soft skills are equally important. These include problem-solving, critical thinking, and customer service. Your day-to-day tasks will often involve working with clients and solving their problems, so employers tend to value these skills.

5. Build Experience: Experience is key in any field, more so in trade jobs, where proficiency is crucial. Consider part-time jobs, internships, or even volunteering in relevant projects to build your experience.

6. Stay Updated: Technology advances are affecting trade jobs too. Be open to continuously learning and staying up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques in your field.

Remember, each trade job has their own specific processes for starting a career, so once you've chosen a specific field everything might look a bit different. Best of luck with your journey in the trades!