Thinking of joining the construction trades, and wondering if you have what it takes to be successful?
Being a successful tradesperson requires much more skill than simply being able to swing a hammer or weld a pipe. A master tradesperson has unique talents and meticulously honed skills developed over many years of training and hard work.
Similar to any job, it’s not just the hard skills and know-how that matter in the building trades; the soft skills matter, too. In fact, soft skills might matter more! Many of the most successful tradespeople entered their careers with little to no prior knowledge or experience in their field, but their soft skills are what have made them successful. So, what are those qualities and skills?
What Makes a Good Tradesperson?
A good tradesperson is willing to learn. At the start of their careers, most tradespeople come in fresh with no experience or knowledge. They’ve never worked a day onsite, and especially not with the specialized technology and equipment required to get their jobs done. That’s what apprenticeships are for! But what separates a good tradesperson from a great tradesperson is an open mind, a willingness to learn, and a can-do attitude. And not just at the beginning of their careers but the whole way through. Building codes, processes, and technology change constantly, so successful tradespeople need to be willing to learn new skills to compete in an ever-changing industry. A good tradesperson is adaptable.
A good tradesperson is a hard worker. Nothing worth having ever comes without hard work. Yes, the building trades require a fair amount of physical labor, but that’s not the type of hard work we’re talking about here. We’re talking about dedication to the job, to the trade, to the craft, to the client, to growth, and any task that is presented. A good tradesperson isn’t afraid of putting in the work to further themselves, the team, the trade, and the industry.
A good tradesperson is committed to quality in everything that they do. They’re committed to deeply knowing and perfecting their craft. They won’t settle for “good enough” and won’t stop working until the job is done right. They’re resourceful problem-solvers with impeccable attention to detail. They see their work as true artistry and have high standards for their work and craftsmanship.
Most important of all, a good tradesperson is a team player. Being in the trades means being part of a proud tradition and a tightly knit community. No tradesperson does their work alone, and it’s their commitment to each other that makes them so capable. They know that many are better than one and that no good work will get done without a positive attitude, honesty, courtesy, and a little friendly banter. Perhaps most importantly, team members look out for each other and keep each other safe, whether atop a steel beam, inside an elevator shaft, or on the ground.
Does this sound like you? Are you a lifelong learner, hard worker, and team player who takes your work seriously? Come join us in the building trades! By starting your career through a registered apprenticeship, we’ll help you gain all the technical skills you need - no prior experience necessary. There are apprenticeship programs in all 50 states and Canada in all types of trades. Even better, apprentices start earning a paycheck on their first day. Learn more and get started today!
