Getting a trade job typically starts with choosing a specific skilled trade, then completing training through an apprenticeship, trade school, or a combination of both. Most trades don’t require a four-year degree, and many let you earn money while you learn. The path from zero experience to a full-time trade career can take anywhere from several months to a few years depending on the trade and training route you pick.
Pick a Trade That Fits Your Interests and Goals
Skilled trades span a wide range of industries: construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, welding, automotive repair, carpentry, pipefitting, masonry, and more. Some trades are growing faster than others. Wind turbine service technicians top the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ fastest-growing list with 50% projected job growth from 2024 to 2034 and a median pay of $62,580. Solar photovoltaic installers follow at 42% projected growth with median pay of $51,860. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians consistently rank among the most in-demand trades as well.
Think about what kind of work appeals to you. Do you want to be outdoors or inside buildings? Do you prefer working with electrical systems, mechanical equipment, or your hands on raw materials? Are you comfortable with heights, confined spaces, or heavy lifting? Every trade has different physical demands and working conditions, so spending time researching what a typical day looks like in two or three trades that interest you will save you from switching paths later.
Understand Your Two Main Training Paths
You have two primary routes into a trade: apprenticeships and trade schools. They aren’t mutually exclusive, and many people combine elements of both.
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is paid, on-the-job training under a skilled professional. You work full time (or close to it), earn a wage from day one, and attend classroom instruction on a set schedule. As you develop more skills, your pay increases in steps throughout the program. Apprenticeships last anywhere from one to six years depending on the trade. Electrician and plumber apprenticeships typically run four to five years. Some construction and HVAC programs are shorter.
The financial advantage is significant. Apprenticeships are often the most affordable training option because your main out-of-pocket costs are tools and work gear. You’re earning income the entire time rather than paying tuition. When you complete a registered apprenticeship, you receive a nationally recognized credential that’s portable across employers and states.
Trade Schools
Trade schools (also called vocational or technical schools) offer focused programs that typically take one to two years to complete. You’ll get hands-on training in labs and workshops alongside classroom instruction. The average cost is around $17,600 per year, which is less than a four-year university but still a real investment. Financial aid, Pell Grants, and scholarships are available at many accredited programs.
Trade school works well if you want a structured educational setting, if apprenticeship openings in your area are competitive, or if you want a credential before applying for jobs. Many employers view a trade school certificate as a strong starting point, and some apprenticeship programs give credit for prior trade school coursework, shortening your apprenticeship timeline.
How to Find and Apply for Apprenticeships
The federal government maintains Apprenticeship.gov, which has a job finder tool where you can search for registered apprenticeship openings by trade and location. You apply directly with the employer or program sponsor listed in each posting. If you need guidance navigating the process, American Job Centers (located in every state) offer free help finding apprenticeship opportunities and preparing your application.
Beyond the federal portal, two main types of apprenticeship programs exist. Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATCs) are union-sponsored programs run through organizations like the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) or the United Association for plumbers and pipefitters. These programs are well-structured but competitive, with application windows that open at specific times of the year. Non-union apprenticeships are offered directly by contractors and employers, and they may have more flexible entry timelines.
To find openings, check local union halls for JATC programs, search job boards for “apprentice” plus your trade, contact contractors in your area directly, and ask at community colleges that have trade programs. Many employers hire helpers or laborers as entry-level positions that can lead into formal apprenticeships once you prove yourself on the job.
Entry Requirements and Aptitude Tests
Most trade programs require you to be at least 18 years old (some accept 17-year-olds with parental consent), have a high school diploma or GED, and pass a drug screening. A valid driver’s license is required for nearly every trade since you’ll be traveling to job sites.
Many apprenticeship programs, especially in electrical trades, require you to pass an aptitude test before you can apply. The NJATC aptitude test, widely used for electrical apprenticeships, covers two areas: reading comprehension and algebra. The math section is based on Algebra 1 concepts, so you don’t need advanced math skills, but you do need to be comfortable with equations and functions. If you don’t score high enough on your first attempt, you can retake the test after 91 days. Some programs accept alternative tests like the ACT WorkKeys exam, which covers applied math, workplace documents, and graphic literacy.
Physical fitness matters in most trades. You should be able to lift 50 pounds or more, stand for long periods, and work in varying weather conditions. Some trades require comfort working at heights or in tight spaces. Programs may ask for a physical exam or simply state the physical requirements upfront so you can self-assess.
Build a Competitive Application
Apprenticeship programs, particularly union-sponsored ones, can be selective. Here’s what strengthens your application:
- Relevant coursework: High school or community college classes in math, physics, shop, or drafting signal that you have foundational knowledge.
- Pre-apprenticeship programs: Many community colleges and workforce development agencies offer short pre-apprenticeship courses (often free) that teach basic trade skills and safety certifications like OSHA 10.
- Any hands-on experience: Even informal experience, like helping with construction projects, doing automotive work, or volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, shows genuine interest.
- A clean driving record: Employers check this because you’ll likely be driving company vehicles or traveling between sites.
- References: Letters from employers, teachers, or anyone who can speak to your work ethic and reliability carry weight.
If you’re applying to a competitive JATC program and don’t get in on your first try, ask what you can improve. Many applicants get accepted on their second attempt after gaining a few months of related work experience or improving their aptitude test scores.
Get Certified and Licensed
Completing an apprenticeship or trade school program is the starting point. Most trades also require or strongly benefit from professional certification or licensure. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians need state or local licenses in most areas, which involve passing a trade-specific exam after accumulating enough supervised work hours. The journeyman credential you earn through a registered apprenticeship satisfies the experience requirement in many cases.
Additional certifications can boost your earning potential. An EPA Section 608 certification is required for HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants. Welders can earn certifications from the American Welding Society for specific welding processes. These credentials are concrete proof of your skill level and make you more attractive to employers.
Where to Look for Trade Jobs
Once you have training or credentials, finding work is straightforward because demand for skilled tradespeople is strong across the country. Start with these channels:
- Union hiring halls: If you completed a union apprenticeship, your local hall dispatches members to jobs with signatory contractors.
- Job boards: Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and trade-specific boards regularly list openings for journeymen and experienced apprentices.
- Direct contractor outreach: Many smaller contractors don’t post online. Call or visit local shops, especially during busy seasons (spring and summer for construction trades).
- Staffing agencies: Trade-focused staffing firms place workers on short-term and permanent projects and can be a fast way to get working while you look for a long-term employer.
- Networking: People you trained with, instructors, and supervisors from your apprenticeship are often your best leads. The trades are a relationship-driven industry.
Starting wages vary by trade and location, but skilled tradespeople with a journeyman credential or equivalent training typically earn well above minimum wage from their first day on the job, with steady increases as they gain experience and additional certifications. Many tradespeople eventually start their own businesses, which is one of the most accessible paths to self-employment available without a college degree.