What a Career in the Trades is Like: From an Experienced Electrician

EXPLORE THE TRADES | February 10, 2025 | Blog

The trades offer a unique career path filled with opportunity, growth, and hands-on experiences that “traditional” office jobs often can’t provide. Whether you’re considering trade school, wondering if a career in the trades is right for you, or exploring alternatives to a college degree, this guide will provide valuable insights and advice from someone who’s built a successful career in the field.

First Things First: What is a “Trade Job?”

A trade job refers to a career that requires specialized training and skills, typically gained through hands-on experience or trade school programs. Unlike roles that require a traditional college degree, trade jobs often lead to faster entry into the workforce.

Trade Job Examples

Skilled trade workers are the backbone of industries like construction, manufacturing, and maintenance. These positions include:

Plumbers
Carpenters
HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) technicians
Welders
Mechanics
Electricians

Skilled trades also offer diverse specialties. For example, electricians can work in commercial, residential, or industrial settings, each with unique challenges and rewards. This versatility makes trade jobs appealing to those seeking a dynamic career path.

Thinking About a Career in the Trades? This is What an Electrician Has to Say.

For younger generations exploring alternatives to traditional college, trade school provides a practical and affordable option. Not only do skilled trades offer competitive salaries but they also fill critical roles in our economy. By promoting the skilled trades to young people, we can ensure these essential industries continue to thrive. We sat down with Sam—a leadman electrical machine builder—to hear his perspective on life as an electrician and how trade school set him up for success. From mastering specialized skills to navigating challenges, Sam’s journey highlights the exciting opportunities available in the skilled trades.

The Day-to-Day of an Experienced Electrician

Sam’s typical day is structured yet dynamic. His shop focuses on specialized rail equipment, working on everything from control and computer systems to standard 120-480V systems on used rail cars. The average hours of an electrician vary. However, this is what Sam’s day looks like:

He starts his day early and is on the shop floor by 6:00 AM for the daily safety update and morning briefing.
By 6:15, he is organizing his team, ensuring they have clear direction and all the supplies needed to complete their tasks.
Once his team is set, Sam dives into his first work order of the day, balancing responsibilities that include assembling, troubleshooting, and testing completed systems.

His eight-to-10 hour shift is filled with variety, focusing on complex electrical systems that go beyond the scope of traditional electrical work. His day is engaging and challenging, which Sam finds to be one of the most rewarding aspects of his job.

Challenges in the Skilled Trades: Overcoming the “Cons” of Being an Electrician

Like any job, a career as an electrician comes with its share of challenges. For Sam, many of these obstacles provide opportunities for problem solving and growth, including:

The Supply Chain continues to recover post-pandemic. While the situation has improved, delays in sourcing parts and materials can slow down progress on critical projects. These logistical hurdles require creative solutions to keep the team productive while waiting for shipments to arrive.
Schematic Print Issues. Although rare, discrepancies can range from minor errors, like a hole drilled to the wrong diameter, to major problems, such as schematic diagrams being reversed from the physical components. This challenge demands quick thinking and adaptability.

When faced with an issue, Sam relies on two primary approaches:

On-the-Spot Fixes. For smaller discrepancies, Sam makes quick adjustments to ensure the project stays on track without significant delays.
Reworks. If the issue requires more time—typically an hour or more to resolve—Sam orders a rework so his team can continue with other tasks while the problem is addressed.

While these challenges might be considered cons of being an electrician, Sam embraces them as opportunities to strengthen his leadership skills and help his team grow.

An Opportunity for Reward & Growth: Is Being an Electrician Worth It?

For Sam, the answer is a resounding yes! He finds satisfaction in his work, not only because of the technical challenges and opportunities for growth, but also due to the rewarding nature of his job.

Pros of Being an Electrician

According to Sam, being an electrician comes with a plethora of benefits, including:

The Schedule. The early start time allows him to work overtime when needed while still having time to enjoy his evenings. This balance provides a fulfilling work-life structure.
The Nature of His Work. His specialized focus on electrical is both challenging and engaging. It offers opportunities to tackle unique problems and work with complex systems, which keeps his career exciting and intellectually stimulating.
The Team Collaboration. As the lead, he values the communication and collaboration that keeps everyone focused and productive, even when challenges arise. This shared respect and commitment to problem-solving create an environment where everyone can learn and improve.
The Shared Respect. The most important lesson Sam has learned is that respect opens doors. Respecting your colleagues, being honest about your limitations, and always being willing to learn are key to a successful career in the trades. For Sam, these qualities have not only earned him the trust of his team but have also created a fulfilling and sustainable career.

Start Your Career: Should I Go Into a Trade?

If you’re inspired by Sam’s story and intrigued by the opportunities a career in the trades offers, now is the perfect time to take the first step. Whether you’re a recent high school graduate exploring alternatives to traditional college or someone considering a career change, the skilled trades provide job security and a rewarding future. At Explore The Trades, we offer valuable resources to help you learn more about trade school options and what it’s really like to work as a skilled trade professional. From gaining a deeper understanding of trade school benefits to navigating your first job as an electrician, we’re here to help every step of the way. Contact Explore The Trades for more information and take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding career.