Are the Trades Right for You?

Unfortunately, there is a lot of conflicting information about the trades. Many of it comes from stereotypes and assumptions by people outside the industry.

While some people may have encouraged you to pursue a career in the trades, others may have tried to paint it as a bad decision. Maybe they told you it’s only for high school dropouts with no other options. Or perhaps you were told that working in construction would destroy your body.

To counter the misconceptions, let’s look at what a career in the trades actually involves.

Construction Doesn’t Have to Ruin Your Body

It’s true that construction can be hard on your body. It’s physically demanding work that can really put you through your paces.

That doesn’t mean it’s unsafe, however. Construction workers are trained on how to take care of their bodies while at work. Before setting foot on the construction site, you’ll have a working knowledge of how to lift a load without hurting your back, how to avoid repetitive motion injuries, and when to take breaks to give your muscles a rest. 

Moreover, working in a trade is arguably healthier than sitting in an office all day. Desk work might seem harmless, but it keeps you sedentary for hours on end and hunching at a computer for an entire work shift can be an ergonomic nightmare. 

The Pay Is Good

If you browse the wage charts on this site, you’ll know that construction pays well. It pays even better once you reach journeyman status, which typically takes four years. 

Apprentices generally earn 40 to 50% of what a journeyman does. However, they also get guaranteed pay raises every six months until reaching journeyman level. 

That certainly beats many entry level positions, where employees have to work hard with no guarantee of earning a raise of being promoted. As an apprentice, you know that your pay will climb along with your experience and that it will jump even higher after your apprenticeship ends. 

It’s a Stable Career

Okay, so it pays well, but is it a good career choice?

I’d argue that it absolutely is. We’ve seen a lot of jobs become obsolete over the last two decades, but there’s one thing that hasn’t stopped: construction. 

New buildings, structures, and roads are still needed, along with the labor to build them. Existing ones will also need to be maintained and renovated. That means a steady demand for work that is difficult, if not impossible, to completely automate.

Despite this continuous need for skilled tradespeople, the construction industry keeps facing labor shortages in most trades. That’s a great opportunity with a lot of job security for the tradespeople who can fill that labor gap.

The Work Is Rewarding

Most trades are very diverse, which means tradespeople never stop learning. As an electrician, it doesn’t matter how long I’ve been in this line of work, I will never learn it all or see it all. That’s especially true when you consider the never-ending technological advances in electronics.

The trades let you work with your hands in diverse environments. You can see the fruits of your labor and know exactly how you’re making a difference. 

The work is tangible, the results are concrete, and you’ll end every workday knowing that you’ve helped to give people a safe and comfortable place to live and work.

Find Your Nearest Union Local and Apply

When you’re ready to apply, find out which union represents your trade and search for the nearest local. All it takes is a quick online search: “[Union] [Trade] [City].” For example, if you want to be an electrician in the San Diego area, you would simply search for “IBEW electrician San Diego” and look through the results. 

On your local’s website, find the “Join” or “Apply” section. In some cases, you’ll have to specifically look for their apprenticeship website, which could be different from the union’s main site.

Once you find the right section, follow the steps outlined to begin the application process. 

If you’re having trouble finding the application page or have any question about your application, pick up the phone and give them a call. The workers at the front desks of local offices are paid specifically to field calls from interested applicants, so don’t hesitate to reach out ot them. 

Get Ready for the Aptitude Test

Most locals and trades require an aptitude test to qualify for an apprenticeship. 

While each union takes a slightly different approach to these tests, they usually all test for the same two categories: math and reading comprehension.

You can look up the specific requirements for the apprenticeship you’re interested in, but generally speaking if you have taken an algebra class and finished high school or completed your GED, you qualify. If you haven’t taken algebra, there’s no need to worry – there are often online courses or other options offered to help you qualify.

Once you know what the test will cover, it’s time to study! If you need a refresher, the free, guided courses on Khan Academy are a great resource. 

Even if you feel familiar with the subject matter, it pays to study. The higher your score on the aptitude test, the higher you will be on the applicant list. You want to do well enough to secure an interview, so don’t leave it to chance. 

Prepare for the Interview

Once you’ve lined up an interview, update your resume and practice answering standard interview questions like “why do you want to join the trade?” and “what skills do you have that would make you valuable in this line of work?”

Consult the Tool List

If you’ve passed the aptitude test and the interview, then congratulations! You’re now an apprentice!

Before you start on the job, be sure to consult your local union’s tool list. This will let you know which tools you’ll be expected to bring with you on your first day.

The First Step in Your New Career

Working in a trade is rewarding, lucrative, and a reliable career option. Getting started might not require an advanced degree, but it does pay to prepare. Do your research, send out your applications, and if you have any questions at all, remember that your union local is there to help!

Next Article: College Vs. Apprenticeship