Becoming a skilled tradesman is one of the best ways of setting a reliable career path. With a skilled trade career, you can work as a freelance contractor or seek employment in a company. The careers are highly marketable and their pay continues to increase as time goes by. Skilled trade courses are widely available and can be taken as the first step towards a rewarding tradesman career path.
There are many skilled trades available and this may make it hard for you to choose the best one to pursue. Fortunately, because there is such a demand there is no need for layoffs or the worry of losing your job. The following is a review of the best skilled trades. You can use it as a guide when starting a career in skilled trades.
- Electrician
Electricity is now continuing to be used everywhere around the world. Installations, repairs and maintenance services are regularly required at all the places that are connected to the grid. This raises the demand for electricians. The career path is amongst the most excelling skilled trades and can be a good option for anyone who loves technology.
Certifications and licenses are important to an electrician. To earn a certificate, a person has to undergo the required training at a vocational or technical institution. Apprenticeship programs are normally available and can offer training to both fresh beginners and certified electricians. The programs are good because they at times provide payments to the trainees.
- Air Conditioning Repair (HVAC Technician)
Air conditioning repair specialists are normally referred to as the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) Technicians. They are responsible in the installation, repair and maintenance of air conditioning systems and refrigeration systems. The increasing application of these systems is making the career more demanding. HVAC technicians are now needed everywhere.
Licenses are important to the HVAC technicians and are awarded through the successful completion of varying tests. There are various trade schools, community colleges and vocational institutions offering the necessary training. After completing the training, students can gain experience through joining apprenticeship programs.
- Plumber
Plumbing career is another promising skilled trade that is required at many places. Water, sewerage and gas pipes and fixtures are normally installed, repaired and maintained by skilled plumbers. Some of the skills the plumbers should possess include pipe laying, pipe fitting and steam fitting. The skills can be learnt through various programs.
Aspiring plumbers can join technical schools, community colleges or vocational institutions for training. They can also choose to attend an apprenticeship program for the training. Apprenticeship programs are recommended because they normally give the trainees a chance to learn from professional plumbers. The programs may take a period of 4 to 5 years.
- Construction Manager
A construction manager is a highly awarding career. The post requires advanced construction management skills and an aspiring student may have to seek certification from a recognized college or university. Some of the construction manager’s responsibilities include planning, handling and overseeing the whole process of constructing or maintaining a building project.
There are various colleges offering construction management training programs. Students can join the programs or undergo training through the available construction industry associations. Those who would wish to take an advanced training can take any of the related university programs that lead to the award of a bachelor’s degree.