A career in trade can be a great path for many people. These workers offer vital services to their community. What is more, they are always in demand, so most tradespeople make good money!
If you are considering trade jobs, you might be confused about where to begin. The short answer is that trades usually start with a technical training program followed by an apprenticeship. This can vary in terms and time depending on the career path. In this comprehensive guide, we provide a list of trades and examples of apprenticeships they use.
Here are some of the top trade jobs that require apprenticeships to practice:Â
- Boilermaking
- Elevator Installation and Repair
- Carpentry
- Glaziery
- Electrical Repair
- Plumbing
- Insulation work
- Ironwork
- HVAC Repair
Boilermaking
A boilermaker is a type of construction worker who aids in the manufacture of boilers. These are large containers made to hold special materials, usually very hot liquids, gases, or chemicals.
To become a boilermaker, you will need to complete high school, then get your welding certification. The process usually involves one to three semesters of formal study, followed by an apprenticeship that provides on-the-job training. This process usually takes about four years.
Elevator Installation And Repair
Becoming an elevator mechanic requires several years of formal study, including an apprenticeship, ensuring that you understand the technical demands of the job as well as safety standards. However, it is one of the best trade jobs that you can consider.
The apprenticeship is generally four years long, usually requiring a specific number of hours of instruction and on-the-job training, followed by formal certification. Trade unions frequently sponsor elevator mechanic apprenticeships.
Carpentry
You can become a carpenter through an apprenticeship, vocational school, or technical study. These methods will provide you with the formal instruction that you need. No matter how you begin your education, you will need to complete a three- to four-year apprenticeship to gain hands-on training and knowledge.
Glaziery
Glaziers typically become certified through a four-year apprenticeship. This may either be a formal program or simply through hands-on training with a certified glazier or glaziery company.
Electrical Repair
Working as an electrician can take many forms, with certain specialties across the industry. All these specialties begin with a basic apprenticeship. This takes between two and four years and helps you earn your level 3 qualification in electrotechnical services. Once you earn this qualification and find a specialty job in electric repair, you will get further on-the-job training to focus your knowledge.
Plumbing
Like most other tradesmen and -women, plumbers need a high school diploma or GED. Formal training follows in the form of an apprenticeship or technical program. Depending on where you live, this will involve between two and five years of professional, on-the-job training. Most states also require you to earn your plumber’s license, which involves a written exam concerning plumbing techniques and local safety codes.
Insulation Work
Unlike some trades, insulation workers frequently learn how to perform their job through hands-on experience. However, formal apprenticeships do exist as well and may be required in many states. Training usually takes two to five years and involves a certain number of hours of on-the-job experience. Many formal apprenticeships are sponsored by unions or local contractors.
Ironwork
Apprenticeships to become an ironworker usually last between three and four years. This requires both formal study and on-the-job experience. It is helpful to have a background in welding, such as from high school vocational classes. However, this is not strictly necessary and you will learn all the skills you need during your apprenticeship.
HVAC Repair
An official apprenticeship is not necessarily a requirement for a career in HVAC, but it can provide you with specialized knowledge and training. You can find many paid HVAC apprenticeships, which provide training for two to five years. Most of these are sponsored by companies that hire trainees after the completion of their apprenticeships.
Conclusion
There are many more trades than the ones listed here. Not all require formal training or apprenticeships; others may require an official apprenticeship, technical college degree, or certification. Much of this depends on the specialty you study and the state in which you hope to work.
These apprenticeships will provide you with highly specialized knowledge in your career field. To learn more about an official list of trades and how to get started, visit our website.
