I've been trying to understand the employment statistics related to trade jobs. Can someone explain what kinds of trade jobs are listed in the US Census data or where I might find that information?
The U.S. Census Bureau categorizes trade jobs in several larger groups. Here are some examples:
1. "Construction and Extraction Occupations": This group includes jobs like brick masons, plumbers, electricians, and even supervisors of these jobs. These jobs often require specialized training and apprenticeships.
2. "Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations": This group includes general maintenance and repair workers, mechanics, and equipment installers. Again, many of these jobs require a foundational understanding of the job's skills, learned through trade schools or apprenticeships.
3. "Production Occupations": This group consists of jobs like bakers, butchers, machinists, and tailors. These positions often comprise the foundations of manufacturing industries.
So while there isn't a category explicitly titled "trade jobs," many of the jobs included in these occupational groups are traditionally considered trades.
You can find the U.S. Census Bureau's full "Occupational Classification System" on their website. The system provides a more detailed breakdown of each group, as well as definitions for each job listed under them. However, be aware that every occupation listed doesn't necessarily represent a trade job – some are more "professional" occupations that require a bachelor's degree or even a graduate degree. But you can certainly find plenty of examples of trade jobs within the system.
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