What does it mean
to work in a
"skilled trade"?
to work in a
"skilled trade"?
A skilled trade is a specialized occupation or profession requiring specific knowledge, expertise, and manual skills. They're typically hands-on and involve working with tools, machinery, or equipment to perform a specific task, or produce a tangible product. These trades often require a combination of technical training, apprenticeships, and experience to develop. Some examples include electricians, plumbers, carpenters, welders, machinists, automotive technicians, and HVAC technicians.
Skilled trades create the world around us. If it’s a building, the trades built it. Trades are part of infrastructure development, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and much more. Which means they offer stable and rewarding career opportunities. Skilled trade professionals are in high demand, and their expertise is valued for the specialized services they provide.
At Lee Company, we do everything from design, build, and maintain electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. If it’s between the walls, in the attics, or below the floor, we’ve got it covered. While most of our work goes unseen in the finished product, you’d know if the comforts we provided weren’t there. No heat in the winter? No air conditioning in the summer? No water? No electricity? These are comforts that no one wants to be without.
Who would you call to fix a broken pipe because it froze and burst? A person highly skilled in the plumbing trade!
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Why Should I Learn A Skilled Trade?
Learning a skilled trade has many advantages and can be a rewarding career choice. Here’s why:
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- Job Security: Skilled trades are often in high demand, and there is a shortage of qualified professionals in many industries. By learning a skilled trade, you can increase your employability and job security since these trades are less likely to be automated.
- Rewarding Career Opportunities: Skilled trades can provide excellent earning potential. Competitive wages are offered as you gain experience and expertise, and your earning potential tends to increase. And let’s not forget about overtime pay and bonuses!
- Practical and Hands-On Work: Do you like to work with your hands and perform tangible tasks? If so, a skilled trade could be your ideal career choice.
- Faster Entry into the Workforce: Traditional four-year degree programs are fantastic, but comparatively, learning a skilled trade often takes less time. Vocational schools, technical institutes, and apprenticeship programs provide focused training. That means, you enter the workforce sooner and to start earning your living. We offer free training both on-the-job and in the classroom through our accredited university, Lee Company University (LCU).
- Job Variety and Mobility: A wide range of career options? Yes, please! Whether you choose to become an electrician, plumber, welder, or HVAC technician, your opportunities to work in different industries and environments are endless.
- Job Satisfaction: Building structures, fixing problems, or creating something with your hands can be highly rewarding. Skilled trades provide a sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction, especially when you see the tangible results of your work.
- Continuous Learning and Growth: With new technologies, techniques, and regulations constantly emerging, the skilled trades are ever evolving. Learning a skilled trade is a lifelong journey and continuous skill development. That means endless possibilities to keep your work interesting and several opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Stable employment, financial security, job satisfaction, and a promising career path … say no more! The skilled trades provide a valuable alternative to traditional academic routes and are an excellent choice for individuals who enjoy practical work and want to make a tangible impact with their skills.
Connect with a Career Coach to learn more!
Still Not Convinced?
| Talk to one of our Career Coaches! With a background in the trades, they want to show the skilled trades to you. They’ll answer career questions, explain the differences in the skills required for working in homes, businesses, industrial facilities, and construction, and they’ll help walk you through the steps to get into the trades. |
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| Brian | Stephen |