What is Classified as a Skilled Trade?

A skilled trade is any occupation that requires a particular skill set, knowledge, or ability. It is usually a hands-on job, but skilled trades are found in every career cluster. When it comes to finding a career that is right for you, everyone’s path is different. In high school, we are sometimes told that higher education provides the best chance for us to live a happy and financially stable life. While some take this to mean that they need to pursue a career in academics or something that would result in an office setting, there are many other options that can lead to a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Pursuing an education to aid in a skilled trades career continues to increase as a popular option for those interested in bettering their employment prospects. Skilled trades often involve the ability to work with your hands, making every day a unique challenge and experience. If a desk job sounds unappealing, and you’re more interested in working with your hands, a skilled trade may be for you.

What Are Trade Skills?

There are several different fields of employment that fall under the classification of a skilled trade. This can include electricians, welders, plumbers, carpenters, and more. Trade skills commonly require specialized training from technical or trade schools. This training often involves a combination of participating in traditional classroom settings and performing hands-on tasks that directly correlate to your field of interest.

Skilled Trades vs. Other Career Options

Skilled trades are an important part  of our way of life. Without skilled workers, we wouldn’t have paved roads, public buildings, homes, automobiles, and other things we deem important  to thrive as a society. Skilled workers are crucial to our economy, yet there has been a decline in skilled workers in our workforce, which in part is due to the false assumption that a certain degree is the only chance at life-long success. Due to these trends, now is a great time to pursue a career in the skilled trades. Skilled trades can offer financial security, room to grow, and the ability to have better control of your schedule, location, and workload.

Career Opportunities in Skilled Trades

Skilled workers are crucial due to the nature of the various career opportunities. From home services to construction, automotive, and beyond, skilled trades can provide sustainable employment and career-advancing opportunities. Since these jobs require special skills, training, and knowledge, there is a wide variety of career options, such as:

• Industrial employment opportunities. These can include job opportunities such as welding, mechanics, programming, machinists, and other hands-on career options in the industrial industry. For many of these employment opportunities, there is an ongoing ability to further improve skills and, with experience gained over time, excel to higher levels of opportunities. For many of these careers, the more specialized skills you learn, the more in-demand specific services can become.
• Service industry employment opportunities. The service industry is full of potential opportunities for those interested in pursuing a career in the skilled trades, including service technicians, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, orderlies, and more.
• Construction employment opportunities. Careers in this field include plumbers, electricians, gasfitters, insulators, carpenters, concrete workers, bricklayers, and more. The more specialized a person can become in this field, the better opportunities they have for upward mobility and higher financial gain.

Skilled trades offer a unique possibility to pursue a hands-on career that is reliable and provides financial security. These fields continue to seek young, eager-to-learn individuals who want a career opportunity that allows for continuous growth and development. These career opportunities can take you anywhere, allowing for greater freedom of mobility and exploration.

Education Requirements

When it comes to securing a skilled trade position, you should participate in specialized programs tailored to the education and specific skill set you will need for your intended career. For many of these skilled trades, this includes some type of formal classroom training and hands-on experience. Most individuals seeking a career in these fields will require certification or an associate’s degree. Many even decide to further pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree. The specifics of what you need will vary depending on the program and industry of your choice.