These are careers associated with skilled trades, manufacturing and the construction of commercial or residential buildings. You’ll find these men and women collaborating on every construction site across the country. Training for these careers is relatively quick and can be done without taking on a lot of debt. Find mechanic and transportation careers here.
Welder
Welding is one of the most popular skilled trade careers, and you can become a welder through apprenticeship or a welding program.
Welders fuse metal together using specialized processes. It’s a very hands-on job that may include heavy lifting and standing for long periods of time. Technical skills, attention to detail, and hand-eye coordination are very important—you’ll be reading diagrams and using precision equipment.
You’ll find work on construction sites and in metal shops. Or as a robotic welder, you’ll find jobs in manufacturing settings.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians service and install all types of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning units. HVAC technicians are needed to repair, replace, or install the components that supply the heating, cooling, and air purification to buildings.
It takes between six months to one year to complete a trade school HVAC training program. A career in HVAC has good growth potential and a solid employment outlook.
Electrician
As an electrician you’ll install and maintain wiring and other electrical components in homes and businesses. You’ll need to problem solve electrical issues and bring them up to local code. Being trained to read blueprints and technical diagrams is also necessary.
You can become an electrician through apprenticeship or through an electrical training program.
Metalworker
Metalworkers work at construction sites, manufacturing plants, and metal shops. They read blueprints, measure and mark out lines, bend sheets, and drill holes for fasteners. While fabricating products, a metalworker may use his or her hands or specialized equipment. All steps must be accurate and instructions must be followed meticulously during assembly.
Sheet metal workers also train for their career through apprenticeship or at a trade school. If metalworking is interesting, you may want to look into precision production too.
Plumber
Plumbers install and repair water, gas, and other piping systems. They work in a variety of settings from designing piping plans for new construction, to unclogging stopped up drains in existing buildings.
If you want to become a plumber you should start as an apprentice or at a trade school.
Electrical Systems Technician
Electronics systems technicians do updates, repairs, or installations of electrical and electronic equipment on construction sites, in residential settings, in factories, or other industrial locations.
Find electrical technician training now.
Carpenter
Some carpenters construct the frameworks of structures. They may use wood or steel frames and many types of fasteners. Other carpenters are “woodworkers,” and they may make custom cabinetry, furniture, or decorative pieces.
Many people learn carpentry as apprentices, but schooling is highly regarded by employers, especially those hiring workers for commercial construction.
Wind/Solar Energy Technician
Does maintaining, fixing, and even installing wind turbines or solar panels sound fun? Then you should consider a career as a solar photovoltaic installer or wind turbine technician. They’re a couple of the fastest growing careers in any industry. A wind turbine technician currently makes a little more than a solar energy tech but both careers pay well.
Find an energy technician program now.
Construction Manager
A career as a construction site manager on large projects requires a bachelor’s degree in construction management, architecture, or engineering. An associate degree plus some experience could have you managing smaller-scale builds.
Both types of construction management programs will teach you to manage costs, read plans, synchronize multiple trades, and write contracts.
There are other careers in construction that only require an apprenticeship or on the job training such as roofer, painter, and insulator. The ones we’ve listed above are the ones where students commonly attend school for training. Find a local trade school now.