What skills should I focus on for a programming trade job?

I'm a junior interested in pursuing a trade job in programming after high school. What specific skills or courses should I focus on to prepare myself for this field? Any certifications I should consider getting?

There are quite a few skills that can help you when pursuing a trade job in programming. Here are some areas on which you may want to focus:

1. Coding languages: Knowing various programming languages is essential. Beginner-friendly languages like Python and JavaScript are a great place to start. As you advance, consider studying more complex languages such as Java, C++, SQL, depending on your field of interest.

2. Problem-solving skills: This is crucial in programming. You'll often need to find and fix bugs in a code, optimize a script, or figure out a way to make the code work for a specific scenario. You can cultivate this skill while learning algorithms and data structures.

3. Project Management and Collaboration: Having an understanding of project management methodologies, like Agile or Scrum, can be quite beneficial, especially as most programming jobs work on a project basis. Learning to use version control systems like Git could also be advantageous as it's often used for collaborative coding.

4. Web Development: Familiarize yourself with key concepts in web development if that's the area you're interested in. This could involve learning HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript, as well as how to use frameworks like React or AngularJS.

In terms of courses, you could take classes in computer science if offered at your school, join coding clubs, or self-study using free online resources like Codecademy or Khan Academy. In addition, consider taking AP Computer Science A or AP Computer Science Principles if your high school offers them - they are excellent introductions to programming and can give you a good base to build upon.

Regarding certifications, while they are not mandatory, they could be beneficial and make your resume stand out. Certifications like the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA), Oracle Certified Associate Java Programmer, CompTIA A+ can be beneficial. Keep in mind these certifications are not free and, in most cases, require passing an exam to earn.

Finally, remember the most important aspect: practice. The more you code, the better you'll get. Try to participate in coding contests, work on personal projects, or contribute to open-source projects. It's a field where hands-on experience is highly valued.

Good luck! The world of programming is vast and exciting, and it's great to see you are considering it as a future trade.