NEW TO THE TRADES
LEARN A NEW TRADE FOR A FULFILLING CAREER
Explore The Trades is here to guide you every step of the way toward a successful and rewarding career.
TURNING CURIOSITY INTO A CAREER
The skilled trades are essential to everyday life—powering homes, maintaining critical systems, and building the communities we depend on. Careers in plumbing, HVAC, and electrical offer hands-on work, strong earning potential, and opportunities to grow without the need for a traditional four-year degree. You’re here, which means you’re either curious about the industry or ready to dive in. Keep reading to learn more about the trades and discover a path that fits your future.
WHAT TYPES OF TRADES ARE THERE?
The skilled trades offer a wide range of career paths, including:
- Plumbing
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)
- Electrical
- Construction and Carpentry
- Welding and Fabrication
- Automotive Technology
- Heavy Equipment Operation
- Facilities Maintenance
Not sure which trade is the right fit? Take our quiz to discover which trade matches your interests and strengths.
WHAT MAKES A GREAT TRADESPERSON?
If you enjoy working with your hands, solving problems, and seeing the results of your work at the end of the day, a career in the trades could be a great fit. Skills like communication, attention to detail, and an interest in how things work—whether it’s technology, systems, or tools—can set you up for success as a plumber, electrician, or HVAC technician.
Explore the top 10 traits of a successful trades technician to see how your strengths align.
TRADE INDUSTRIES: SEE WHERE PLUMBING, HVAC, AND ELECTRICAL MAKE AN IMPACT
RESIDENTIAL
Working directly with a homeowner to service, install, or enhance plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical systems in their home.
COMMERCIAL
Plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical work performed on the premises of businesses such as shopping malls, hospitals, and schools.
INDUSTRIAL
Plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical work performed on the premises of any business that manufactures goods. For example, factories, power plants, and warehouses.
AGRICULTURAL
Plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical work performed on the premises of any business that is involved in activities related to cultivating crops, raising livestock, and harvesting natural resources from the land.
WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU START A TRADES CAREER
Working for a plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical service company offers many career opportunities and valuable benefits.
Learn more about what a tradesperson’s day-to-day looks like.
A TYPICAL DAY AS A TECHNICIAN INCLUDES:
SERVING YOUR COMMUNITY
Technicians travel to different homes and buildings and meet new clients every day. You’ll play an important role in your community by fixing plumbing, heating, cooling, or electrical problems and helping keep homeowners safe.
A SENSE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
You’ll find a sense of accomplishment in seeing your skills put into action to solve problems for your clients.
A MOBILE OFFICE
Your work truck is your own space. It’s a mobile office and warehouse. Keeping it clean, fully stocked, and organized not only makes your job easier, but also gives you a sense of pride.
USING SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY
New technologies in the trades, like AI, are always advancing. As a technician, you’ll provide customers with energy-efficient devices that help reduce utility costs and protect the environment.
LEADERSHIP GROWTH
Looking for a career with leadership growth? The trades offer opportunities to build your skills and advance into roles like service manager, general manager, or even business owner.
EARNING POTENTIAL (& HARDLY ANY STUDENT LOAN DEBT)
From the start, people are earning while they’re learning. Apprenticeships provide extensive on-the-job training and education, allowing you to earn a wage while developing technical, highly sought-after skills. You’ll be on your way to a six-figure salary, not six-figure student loan debt.
HOW DO I GET INTO THE TRADES?
An apprenticeship is one of the most common and effective ways to get started in the trades, combining hands-on experience with real-world training.
WHAT IS AN APPRENTICESHIP?
An apprenticeship is a structured training program that combines classroom instruction with paid, on-the-job experience. You’ll build practical skills, gain industry knowledge, and earn while you learn.
Requirements can vary by state, but many skilled trades careers include a mix of technical education and apprenticeship training, either completed at the same time or one after the other.
Watch our video to learn more about apprenticeships.
TRADE SCHOOLS & LICENSING
Taking vocational classes at a trade school, technical, or community college is another great way to enter the workforce. Trade schools offer on-the-job training and allow students to learn the specific skills they need for a successful career in the trades.
REAL STORIES FROM EXPERTS IN THE TRADES
Hear directly from professional tradespeople as they share what inspired them to pursue a career in the trades.
LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREERS IN PLUMBING, HVAC, AND ELECTRICAL
At Explore The Trades, we’re passionate about helping people discover rewarding careers in the skilled trades. Read our latest insights or reach out to learn more. We’re here to help you take the next step with confidence!
PARTNERS BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF TRADESPEOPLE
Our partners are essential to the success of Explore The Trades’ efforts to bridge the technical talent gap in the plumbing, heating, cooling, and electrical trades. Support from industry-leading companies and residential service businesses makes accomplishing our mission possible and is leading the way in growing the skilled trades industry.