What are some jobs in skilled trades?

I'm exploring career options in skilled trades and would love to know more about the types of jobs that are considered skilled trades. What kind of work can you do within this field after high school?

Skilled trades represent a wide array of employment opportunities that focus on hands-on, specialized work, typically requiring vocational education, on-the-job training, or apprenticeships rather than a traditional four-year degree. Here are some examples:

1. Electrician: Experienced in the installation, operation, repair, and maintenance of electrical systems in homes, businesses, and factories.

2. Plumber: Responsible for installing, repairing, and maintaining pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing equipment used for water distribution and waste disposal.

3. HVAC Technician: Specialized in installing, maintaining, and repairing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems.

4. Automobile Mechanic/Technician: Specializes in repairing cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

5. Welder: Uses various types of welding equipment to fuse metal parts together, often for construction or manufacturing purposes.

6. Carpenter: Skill in various types of woodwork, from construction framing and finishing to crafting furniture.

7. Mason: Works with brick, concrete, and stone to build structures, including walls, walkways, and other elements.

8. Construction Equipment Operator: Operates machinery such as bulldozers, graders, and backhoes on construction sites.

9. Painter: Not only involved in painting walls, but also choosing the correct type of paint and overseeing larger painting projects.

10. Plasterer and Drywall Installer: Knowledgeable about a variety of wall and ceiling materials, including drywall, plaster, and stucco.

11. Pipefitter: Specializes in the installation and repair of industrial piping systems.

Some careers, like electricians and plumbers, require licensing in addition to training. Regardless of the trade, hands-on training is a critical component of learning these skills, often through an apprenticeship. In an apprenticeship program, you'll learn from an experienced professional while earning a wage, which can be a great alternative to traditional college paths. Each skilled trade also has different physical demands and safety requirements, so you'll want to consider these factors as well when exploring your options.