The school year is almost over and many high school students may be debating on what career path to choose. Over the past 30 years students have been encouraged to just go to college and complete an expensive college degree. While this may be the correct career choice for some students, many students don’t complete their degree, end up in career’s that aren’t interesting and typically have significant debt from student loans. On the other hand, entering the skilled trades can be an excellent career choice for high school students that are interested in working with their hands, solving challenging problems, not being stuck working behind a desk all day and for those that take pride in seeing their completed work. For a high school student that is considering a skilled trades career, the following steps can help you successfully begin an interesting, challenging and rewarding skilled trades career.
- Research the various skilled trades occupations. There are many different skilled trades occupations to choose from such as HVAC Tech, electrician, plumber, iron worker, carpenter, and many other occupations. Explore each trade and discover what the job is about, what training or certifications are required and how to get started. A great way to begin a skilled trades career is through an apprenticeship program offered by a skilled trades union. Unlike a college degree program, apprenticeship programs don’t cost you any money and you get paid while you attend!
- Finish high school and get your diploma. Most skilled trades contractors and other employers want workers that have a high school diploma or GED. Furthermore, high school education is typically needed for acceptance into many apprenticeship programs. Many apprenticeship programs have a testing and selection process that applicants must pass in order to be selected for an apprenticeship.
- Math and Science classes are important. Most skilled trades occupations require a good understanding of math and science. Taking high school classes in geometry, algebra and physics can help you prepare for a skilled trades career.
- Explore the different pathways to enter the skilled trades. While completing an apprenticeship program is great way to get started in the skilled trades, there are many other pathways to getting the training, certification and experience necessary for a rewarding skilled trades career. Many skilled tradesmen may get started in a local trade school, working on the job with a trades contractor or while serving in the military.
- Get some experience working in the trades. Try to find ways to get experience working in various trades. For example, a local skilled trades contractor may hire a high school student that can work as a helper on a construction site or in a shop or complete projects around your home that requires working with tools. Also, some schools may offer a vocational program that you could attend to obtain some basic skills and knowledge in a particular trade.
- Work on improving your soft skills. While working in the skilled trades can be technical and hands on, good communication skills, problem solving, attention to detail, dependability and working well with others are also very important skills. Employers are always looking for workers with a good work ethic, the ability to learn new skills, good communication skills and those that work well with others.
In conclusion, pursuing a career in the skilled trades can be an excellent career path for high school students that enjoy working with their hands, traveling to various job sites, working outdoors and taking pride in finished projects. Currently, across America skilled trades and construction occupations are in demand. This is due to the growing economy and ageing skilled trades workforce. Therefore, many employers are urgently hiring skilled trades workers of various levels of experience to replace workers that retire and also add workers to keep up with the growing economy. It is a great time to Go Skilled Trades and begin a new interesting, challenging and rewarding skilled trades career! Visit our website GoSkilledTrades.com to learn more about the various skilled trades occupations in demand and how to get started. CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!
