The skilled trades encompass many great and different career paths. They offer people from all walks of life a variety of opportunities. Many skilled trades are expected to stay in demand in coming years.
Whether you’re drawn to construction, electrical work, cosmetology, nursing, or automotive repair, there are many ways to break into the industry of your choosing. Of course, specific requirements may vary depending on the career itself. Let’s take a look at the most common ways people break into the trades.
Entering a Trade – School or an Apprenticeship
The usual path students take toward entering a skilled trade involves either enrolling in a trade or vocational school, or entering an apprenticeship to receive on-the-job training.
Both options will involve expanding your knowledge of the trade and your skill set. Take a look at the differences (and some similarities) between trade schools and apprenticeships.
Trade Schools and Vocational Schools
The extent of schooling you’ll need depends on the exact career you’re entering. Some careers that fall under the umbrella of skilled trades may require additional education beyond a certificate or associate degree. For example, in nursing, starting as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) through a vocational school is possible, but advancement to a Nurse Practitioner (NP) typically requires a master’s degree.
Students who enroll in trade or vocational schools experience a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. Most trade and vocational schools offer accelerated programs with specialized training. While exact course length varies depending on your program requirements, many trade school programs can be completed in as few as 6 to 18 months.
Not sure which trade school program is right for you? Explore the many programs available to students!
Once your program is completed, you will typically get a certificate, diploma, or degree. In many cases, you will also need an apprenticeship once you are hired to work at a company. Some of your schooling, however, usually counts toward an apprenticeship, reducing the time and experience needed as an apprentice.
You may also be required to take certain certification tests and exams after you graduate from your program, as well. Most certification requirements depend on your state’s requirements for your chosen career path.
Note: Many community colleges also offer programs geared toward skilled trade careers. The main difference between community colleges and trade/vocational schools is in the needed prerequisites. In community colleges, students are required to take prerequisite courses including basic math, English, social studies, history, sciences, etc.
Apprenticeships
Body copy. An apprenticeship is a paid position lasting anywhere between 3 to 5 years before you are officially qualified to undertake industry work without supervision. Typically, the guidance you receive in an apprenticeship is from a professional with years of industry experience — in many trades, these employees have the title of journeyman or master.
In an apprenticeship, you receive hands-on training and experience, while also learning the knowledge you’ll need to succeed in your industry. You may still have exams to take and materials to study in order to become certified in your field, but apprenticeships offer an alternative way to break into a trade and begin earning money.
Schooling or Apprenticeships Can Both Work
As you can see, both schooling and apprenticeships involve learning and hands-on training. Choosing between the two depends on what works best with your long-term goals, your budget, and your needs.
For instance, if you are someone who learns best with the background knowledge and guidance classrooms can provide, you might want to enroll in a trade school. Whereas if you learn better by working with your hands, an apprenticeship may be your preferred method of training.
Both options are the most common ways people enter the skilled trades. As we touched on earlier, upon completion of either, many people are required to take exams to earn necessary certifications.
Learn about getting financial assistance for trade school programs.
Testing, Certifications, and Continuing Education
Needed certifications and/or licensure requirements depend on the state you’ll be working in. Your career could also involve some continuing education courses, or licensure renewal.
Truck drivers, for example, must undergo a DOT physical exam. After CDL schooling, you must take a knowledge-based written test, along with the on-the-road portion of your CDL exam. You will also need to renew your CDL every few years depending on your state (many states require renewal every five years).
Some trades professionals also pursue other optional certifications. Not only can additional certifications demonstrate your proficiency in the field, but they can also contribute to career advancement opportunities, and help you stand out in a competitive job market.
Kick-Start Your Success: Find a Trade School Near You!
Numerous careers thrive in the skilled trades, with most offering abundant opportunities for career advancement. Whether you opt for trade school or an apprenticeship, you’ll be stepping into a field that has led to lifelong career satisfaction among many industry professionals.
Explore the many different programs encompassing the skilled trades. Or, find a school near you today!
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