What job options are there in the trades?

I'm curious about the different job options available if I choose to go into a trade after high school. Can anyone share some paths I might consider? I've heard about electricians and plumbers, but are there other interesting trades?

There are plenty of options in the trades! Let's talk about some of them.

Carpentry: This field requires skills in woodworking for structures ranging from houses to cabinets. This profession could lead to a specialized career in cabinet making or furniture construction.

Welding: These professionals use heat to fuse metal parts together, which is crucial in many fields like construction, car repair, and manufacturing. There are many different types of welding you might consider specializing in.

HVAC Technician: HVAC stands for Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning. Technicians in this industry install and service systems that control the temperature, humidity, and overall air quality in buildings.

Industrial Mechanic: These tradespeople repair and maintain machinery and equipment in industrial settings such as manufacturing plants and construction sites.

Automotive or Diesel Mechanic: These mechanics service and repair cars, trucks, and other vehicles. You might specialize in specific types of repairs or work on types of vehicles, and you could also consider getting an ASE certification.

Electric Lineman: These professionals work on electrical power systems, which could include anything from installing new lines to maintaining current ones and fixing outages.

Elevator Mechanic: They install, repair, and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, and similar equipment.

Pipefitting and Steamfitting: These tradespeople deal with installing and repairing piping systems, which is broader than plumbing because it includes industrial process systems.

There are many interesting careers within traditional trades that you might not immediately think of. Remember that many of these paths require a trade school education or apprenticeship, but these are typically less time-consuming and less expensive than a four-year degree. Furthermore, jobs in the trades often pay well, offer opportunities for advancement, and are in high demand.