Want to get started with a rich and rewarding career in the building trades, but not sure which craft to pursue? It can be tough to decide and to know how to decide.
As with any big decision in life, it’s important to do your research and carefully weigh the options before making a commitment. While all of the trades are great career options, you need to figure out which one is right for you.
How to Determine Which Trade is the Right Fit for You
Here are a few important questions to ask yourself to help find the trade that best matches who you are as a person: your experiences, your likes, your dislikes, and the lifestyle you want:
What do you enjoy doing? What are your interests? Make a list of all the things you enjoy doing, the things that excite you. Maybe you enjoy taking things apart, figuring out how they work, and putting them back together. A career as an electrical worker could be great for you! Or maybe you enjoy working on detailed art projects. Carpentry or the finishing trades might be a perfect fit.
What natural talents do you have? While your apprenticeships will teach you everything you need to know about executing your chosen craft, the most successful and satisfying career will be the one where your interests and talents match up. Think about the skills and talents that you have. For example, are you more artistically or mechanically inclined? Are you detail-oriented? Good with numbers? Do you like big picture thinking and problem solving?
What types of work environments help you to do your best work? Just as we all have different talents and interests, we are more productive and operate best in different environments. Do you love working outside or prefer to work inside? Would you prefer to be on a team or do you like to work alone? Can you work in small spaces or high spaces? Environment really matters, especially in the trades!
What are your career goals and aspirations? How do those match up with the different trades? It’s always good to know the job outlook for a career before you enter it. Is your ideal trade in high demand? What is the projected demand in the future for the trade? The Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook is a great place to find this information. Also, consider where you’d like your career to take you in 5, 10, 20 years. For example, if moving into a leadership role is important to you, be sure to research the job progression and leadership opportunities in the crafts you’re considering.
Once you’ve answered these questions, start digging deeper. If you’ve narrowed your choice down to a few trades - or even just one - ask to schedule an informational interview with a master tradesperson in that craft. Ask them questions about their experience in the trade: Why did they choose that trade? What training did they get? What are their favorite parts of the job? Least favorite parts? What advice would they give to someone just starting out? You’ll find that tradespeople are passionate about their work and more than happy to answer questions and give advice.
So, which trade is right for you? We all have different passions, motivations, and talents. Where you’ll feel the most fulfilled in the trades is where those things align.
Are you ready to get started? Explore the apprenticeship programs available to you and be on your way toward a fulfilling and meaningful career.
