Skilled trades careers, also known as vocational or technical careers, are jobs that involve hands-on, practical skills and knowledge in a specific trade or industry. These careers often require specialized training or certification and can be found in a variety of fields, including construction, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, and more.
Some examples of skilled trades careers include:
- Electricians: Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They may work with wiring, lighting, and other electrical components, and may also be responsible for testing and troubleshooting issues.
- Plumbers: Plumbers install, maintain, and repair pipes, fixtures, and other plumbing systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They may work with a variety of materials, including copper, plastic, and steel, and may also be responsible for installing and maintaining water heaters, boilers, and other related equipment.
- HVAC technicians: HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. They may work with a variety of equipment, including furnaces, boilers, and air conditioning units, and may also be responsible for testing and troubleshooting issues.
- Welders: Welders use a variety of techniques to join metal pieces together, using heat, pressure, or a combination of the two. They may work in a variety of settings, including construction, manufacturing, and transportation, and may also be responsible for inspecting and testing welds to ensure they meet quality standards.
- Auto mechanics: Auto mechanics diagnose and repair problems with vehicles, including cars, trucks, and other types of transportation. They may work with a variety of systems, including engines, transmission, and electrical systems, and may also be responsible for performing routine maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and tire rotations.
Skilled trades careers can be rewarding and challenging, and often offer good pay and job security. Many of these careers also offer opportunities for advancement, as workers can gain additional training and certification to move into higher-level positions. If you have a passion for hands-on, practical work and enjoy working with your hands, a skilled trades career may be the right fit for you.
West Virginia Women Work’s Step Up for Women Construction Pre-Apprenticeship program will give you a look at several skilled trades paths by doing hands-on activities and projects and speaking with current tradesmen and tradeswomen. If you are interested in applying for the training visit https://westvirginiawomenwork.org/step-up-for-women-in-construction-pre-apprenticeship-application and fill out an application. One of our program coordinators will reach out for an interview shortly.
