Going into the trades can be lucrative, as there are many industries where demand is up. In addition, a trade is not a just job, but it is a career. In this article, we will discuss 10 ways you can get on track to becoming a tradesman.
Do Your Research
Depending on where you live, there is an undersupply of skilled workers who are able to perform certain kinds of work. Do some research to identify the fields that are in demand. Examples of some good fields to look into are construction, plumbing, and electrical engineering. Find out what jobs offer steady work and what skills they require. In addition, you’ll need to know if these employment opportunities are long term, or whether they frequently lay people off or if they only provide work on a seasonal basis.
Assess What You Are Good At
After finding out what jobs need a steady influx of workers, you will need to see how your skills match up with those careers. For example, if you wanted to be a construction worker, you would need to be able to lift at least 50 to 80 pounds, and you would need to be able to work an 8 hour shift on your feet.
Develop Your Skills
For each type of trade, there is a specialised set of skills. Knowing this, you will want to acquaint yourself with the tools that are used to carry out the work in question. For example, this means you should be familiar with using pliers, snippers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, and wrenches if you are interested in becoming an electrician.
Get the Right Insurance
Depending on the trade you are working in, there are certain liabilities that you will face. Some of these include the possibility that your tools will be stolen, that you will face a lawsuit based on accidents that injure third parties, or that you will face legal action due to problems that occur with your product or services. Getting the right tradesman insurance is essential to keeping you protected.
Get the Right Education
The education and training that you get will be dependent on the requirement of your trade. For some, this may mean technical or vocational school, and for others, this will mean a college education. You will want to have the appropriate credentials and certifications to ensure your eligibility for the job you are looking for.
Purchase the Right Tools
If you are going to become, for example, an auto mechanic, you will need a basic mechanic’s tool set. In addition, you will need to purchase certain specialised tools, like torque wrenches and breaker bars. You don’t want to buy cheap tools, because this is going to be your livelihood for a long period of time. Buy from a reputable dealer, and make sure to store your tools properly. Keep your things in a safe place to protect them from thieves.
Make Sure You Stock Your Closet
Different jobs operate under a variety of conditions, and you will want to make sure that you have the appropriate clothing. This would include a good pair of steel-toed work boots and a durable pair of leather work gloves. Thick socks and a good work coat are a must, as with many trades, you will be outside during the colder months.
Research Employers
Many employers will offer programs to help you get the certification that you need, and some will offer internships and opportunities to give you experience before you have finished your certification process. Additionally, there are employers who will also offer compensation to help you pay for any training you might need to become a skilled tradesman.
Build Your Portfolio
Be sure to collect data about the work that you’ve done for various internships and jobs, noting what responsibilities you had and what skill set you developed as a result of that experience. Your resume should be concise, well-written and should contain descriptive information that will help a potential employer or client know exactly why he or she should hire you for their next project.
Network
Going into the trades requires you to have a strong network with other people who are involved in the line of work you are interested in. It can help you to belong to a local trade association, and you will want to develop strong references that you can use when you go out looking for work.
Are you ready to get started in your career as a tradesman? Ensure you take on board the above steps and you’ll be well on your way to a successful business!
