When people think about a career in the trade industry they’re often considering things like electrical, plumbing, or welding. And most people assume that the career path for these roles is to work as a contractor for homeowners or working in a factory, but that’s not always the case. Trade careers have a lot of applications and are great for individuals who don’t want to get into a lot of college debt and like working with their hands. Here are some things you should know before getting into a trade career.
Start learning on your own.
If you think a trade career is right for you, consider learning what you can on your own. Buy a few books and read them. Try with hobbies that incorporate the skills like small scale soldering or electronics repair. These will give you an idea of whether or not you’ll like the field once you take the next steps.
Pursue training.
And the next step is training. In most cases, you can take courses at your local trade school or community college. You will need this foundation to build on throughout the course of your career, so don’t skip this kind of formal education. You can also continue to take certifications along the way.
Get an apprenticeship.
Once you have the education you need to get started, you’ll want to work with a local professional in an apprenticeship capacity. For skilled trades jobs, this is an essential learning tool that will help you gain the experience you need as well as allow you to make connections within the industry.
Specialize in a field.
Next, you will want to take up a specialization to make your more marketable. For instance, if you want to use your skills with welding, pipefitting, or electrical work in the shipyard industry, find a way to learn more about the field and gain some insight on what makes it different than other forms of trade skills jobs.
Find a job.
Lastly, you’ll need to find a job. Don’t worry too much about starting at exactly the level you think you should. Gaining entry-level experience in the marine industry will help you in the long run as you continue to hone your skills. The best way to get started is to partner with a recruiter that specializes in shipyard jobs.
Work with a leader in shipyard staffing.
Are you looking for a career in the trade industry? Contact Hutco today to see what we’re working on.
