Which skilled trade is right for me

In this article, we help you answer, "What trade is right for me? A trade job is a profession that requires advanced training and skills. Rather than preparing for your career through a bachelor's degree, you typically attend a trade or technical school. Every trade has a different set of requirements for you to be qualified to do it.

For instance, some trade jobs require you to complete an apprenticeship through an employer. Many of these occupations combine classroom learning with on-the-job training.

One benefit of a trade job is that you can make a living off of your interests. For instance, if you enjoy working with your hands, you could become a woodworker.

If you are fascinated by automobiles, then you could become a mechanic. Take a moment to think about what kind of things are interesting to you.

Then, start to do some research to find a trade that aligns with these interests. Many trade jobs require you to be highly skilled in one area. Although you can develop many of these skills during your education and job training, you might want to go into a career you're already good at.

For instance, if you happen to be a great cook, you could try to become a chef. You can take the talents you already have and continue to develop and improve them. If you are a high school student, meet with your school counselor to discuss your career options. If you are making a career change later on in life, see if you can schedule an appointment with an advisor at your local technical school.

During this meeting, they can help you go over your career options. Try to learn all about their different program requirements and what you need to do to be qualified for this occupation. Various schools offer pre-apprenticeship programs where you can learn about a variety of trades before committing to a program. Go into this opportunity open-minded and willing to learn about trades you may never have considered before.

When getting a firsthand look at a variety of career paths, you may discover one that stands out to you. A career quiz asks you a series of questions to help you determine the right career path for you. There are also plenty of personality tests that can help you determine which jobs best align with your personality. For instance, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test asks you a series of questions to match you with one of 16 unique personalities. You can then use this information to see what kind of career you might thrive in.

Skilled trade experts make a good living. According to U. A master tradesperson is able to demand even better pay. Salaries vary between state, company size, experience, industry, and level of education. Yet, skilled trade careers consistently make a good living.

A huge need for master tradespeople exists. With the baby boomer generation retiring, a huge opportunity awaits millennials and Generation Z to earn positions in trade careers. Aside from mass job openings, there's always a need for metal fabricators, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and more. Because trades are always in demand, there's ample opportunity and strong job security.

A lot of college graduates leave with a degree in one field but end up working in a different field. With a trade skill, you have the necessary education and training. They also fill holes, indentations, or seams in metal products. They work in a variety of industries, from car racing to manufacturing. There are over different process a welder can use and they type of weld is determined by the metals joining and the conditions under which the process is happening, which is ultimately determined by the industry the welder is a part of.

For each of these skilled trades, or any that you choose to enter, the next step requires formal or on-the-job training. We place a strong importance on training our employees with a combination of in-house classroom training and on-the-job experience. More to come on that conversation. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. Your email address will not be published. June 4, Working out. Working in the garage. Yeah, I have had my moments.

I still am. No, that stuff is lame. Forever ago I was. I am pretty macho. I am totally macho. I am macho as all get out.

I don't like that much. I don't care really. It's fine if it's part of the job. I guess I do. No way, I don't think like that. And I am. No, I struggle with that. Very much so. I am when it counts. No, but I get things done anyway. Van Halen. Public Enemy.

Around noon. I am terrified of it. I try not to think about it. No, not at all.