If you’ve always had a knack for tinkering with things, enjoyed being hands-on, loved creating things, or became inspired by the people in your life that had a deep understanding of the work that puts hair on your chest and meat on your bones, perhaps becoming a tradesman is for you. In our short list here, we’ll outline the four keys to becoming a tradesman, because it is a lot more than a hard hat and protective boots.
1. Graduate High School
First and foremost, before getting down and dirty, you will need a bit of book smarts before you dive into the tradesman line of work. You’ll have to graduate high school or earn a GED, as there are very few jobs that look for people without these qualifications, and that includes the trades. You would also be well advised to take the SAT or ACT, and do your best on them, as this will be an important aspect for applying for an apprenticeship. In particular, your math and science scores will be looked at, and while it may not break your chances, it could very well elevate you above the competition. If you live in a metropolitan area, where unions have lines out the door for apprenticeship applications, you bet you’re going to need a standout GPA and test scores to set you apart from the rest, so try not to slack off.
2. Get Formal Training
After you’ve finished high school, you’re more than likely going to have to attend another form of schooling for a year or two, typically at a community college or a technical school. Community college is essentially a watered down version of a liberal arts school, as you’ll be taking more credits and often enough the classes you take aren’t always directly related to your particular area of study, but instead give you a broader understanding of things.
Community college will also run up more of a bill for those extra courses. With a technical school, or vocational school, the training you receive is going to be dedicated entirely to your field of interest. The vocational school stint will also be shorter as a result, but you’re going to be earning a certificate rather than a degree.
Again, if you want to stand out or have a well-rounded education, it may be worthwhile to get that associates degree from a community college over the vocational certificate. The beginner courses you’ll be exposed to are going to give you a leg up in apprenticeships because you’ll be learning about the bread and butter of the field, hands-on. Overall, this additional classwork is highly recommended by your future employers and by unions, getting you better apprenticeships down the line.
3. Begin Apprenticeship
Probably the most important step here is the apprenticeship. This is something most likely run by a local union, though it may also be run by non-union contractors. The apprenticeship phase is 4 to 5 years of paid, on-the-job training, as well as some continued classroom work. Application begins as a written submission, as well as an aptitude test. Typically, you’ll be learning under a Master Tradesman, who will sign off on your hours, and allow you to grow into a tradesman of your very own. When it comes to payment for time done, expect to get paid roughly half of what you would make as a certified tradesman, with each year of training netting you just a bit more. Definitely a sweet deal considering you’re getting paid to become good at your craft.
4. Hone Your Craft and Start Your Business
By the end of a certain amount of completed hours, you can apply to become a Journeyman, meaning you’ve completed your apprenticeship, have passed the required tests, and no longer have to work under the tutelage of someone else and their license. You are then a certified tradesman, and need to spend anywhere between 3 to 6 years as Journeyman before working towards becoming a Master. This will require additional classroom training and a test.
Passing this test has a slew of benefits, but also more responsibility, as people will begin to work under you, you will have to secure permits, design blueprints etc. From here, you can don your eye-shield and protective boots with pride, as you are at your career’s peak, and working ever more towards complete mastery of your craft. You will have a successful business built upon your skill, your accomplishments, and your reputation. From here, you’re going to have to network, build a rapport with unions, related businesses, and individuals to secure work by your own initiative. Once people get an inkling for your handiwork, it is only a matter of time before contracts start coming to you instead, which is a huge draw and makes this field unlike so many others that exist.
With all that, you’re set to organize and arrange your future in a way that ensures a smooth transition from student to mentor and respected member of your community. We wish you the best of luck, and remember that there is never going to be a surplus of talented and willing people to put in work to a craft they love. You will always be “in style”.
