The role of a person in society is through their job position and career selections they may, such as skilled trade jobs. Anything which needs physical and mental effort is a job. Using that approach, a person can enjoy several jobs, such as a parent, student, worker, or homemaker. But careers are also developed as skilled trade jobs that offer payment for skills and work that help a business grow and earn profit.
From my automobile engineering experience I will discuss about the topic.
Several skilled trade careers include teaching and researching in different industries. They need varied levels of education and offer a diverse market for employability. Employment opportunities are flexible and largely depend on the needs of the business, market cultures, changing trends and worldwide scenarios. While some jobs require preliminary-level education, others require specific technical knowledge. Such careers contribute to a skilled trade.
Careers in skilled trades
A promising career path that offers stable employment and abundant opportunities lies in skilled trades. Occupations in skilled trades demand specific skills, abilities, and knowledge, which individuals acquire through specialized training in trade schools or technical institutes. As a result, a wide range of diverse career prospects exist within the skilled trades industry.
Skilled trades jobs provide a compelling alternative to traditional careers that require a college degree. These occupations equip individuals with industry-ready skills, offer competitive wages, and make them highly sought after by industries that continually seek skilled professionals in various trades. The availability of career opportunities in skilled trades varies across industries and depends on the marketable skills acquired through training from reputable trade schools.
Job opportunities in skilled trades
You have several job options available in the field of skilled trade, like healthcare, technology, production and manufacturing, construction and more.
- Service skilled trades: These trade jobs belong to the service sector. It includes therapists, technicians, nurses, therapists etc.
- Construction skilled trades: These trade jobs include insulators, gasfitters, carpenters, plumbers, and bricklayers.
- Industrial, skilled trades: These jobs include programmers, tool makers, mechanics, etc.
Guidelines for skilled trade careers
Regardless of the high rate of unemployment post covid, companies needing skilled trade workers are facing immense shortages. So, if you’re one of those talented people, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your career potential even in these challenging circumstances.
i) Safety is of immense importance
Always prioritize your safety on job sites by wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), adhering to proper safety protocols, and avoiding complacency. Safety incidents not only result in lost working time and income but can also have severe consequences. In the worst-case scenario, a safety incident can lead to fatalities or serious injuries that may render you or others unable to continue working in the trades. Maintaining a vigilant and responsible attitude toward safety is crucial to protect yourself and others from harm.
ii) Gain certifications and continue to add more as and when possible
Control technicians can enhance their expertise in commercial HVAC by obtaining manufacturer certifications. In contrast, mechanical technicians can pursue certifications specific to their work equipment or consider obtaining their NATE Certification. Similarly, apprentice electricians should strive to attain their Journeyman License by actively working towards meeting the requirements and gaining valuable experience. These certifications and licenses validate your skills and knowledge and open up new opportunities for career growth and advancement in your respective trades.
iii) Always be polite and professional on your worksite
Maintaining a polite and professional demeanor on a job site, even in challenging situations, is crucial. By consistently exhibiting professional behaviour, using appropriate language, and maintaining a positive attitude, you contribute to a harmonious and productive work environment. Your professionalism enhances your reputation and positively influences the attitudes and behaviors of those around you, fostering a culture of respect and collaboration on the job site.
iv) Keep your resume updated and ensure to add all training, certifications and experience you have gathered
It will help you gain better opportunities in the field of skilled trade jobs. It will further help you manage your job position expectedly and deal with unexpected situations at your job.
When considering leaving a field job for an office job, remember the transition takes time and effort. You need to rebuild your skillset to ease the transition and make it successful
Becoming proficient in a trade or office-based role typically requires significant time and effort, often spanning several years. Whether pursuing a skilled trade or transitioning to an office-based role, preparing for the learning curve is essential. Just like in any profession, acquiring the necessary knowledge and skills will require dedication and commitment. Embracing the journey and being willing to invest the time and effort will set you on the path to success in your chosen field.
v) Develop a healthy network in your industry
Building a solid reputation within your industry is invaluable. When major players in the industry know and appreciate your work, it can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your professional standing. Your reputation often precedes you as you navigate your chosen trade, which can significantly benefit you if it is positive. Conversely, a negative reputation can present significant hurdles. It is essential to network and establish connections within your industry, making an effort to leave a positive impression on others. By fostering relationships and maintaining a good reputation, you can position yourself for success and create a solid foundation for future collaborations and professional growth.
vi) Don’t be a job hopper
To advance in your current role or pursue opportunities with new companies, it is essential to demonstrate your value and worthiness of investment in training and development. Employers are more inclined to provide training resources when they perceive long-term benefits from their investment.
If you are considering a transition for instance to a textile job, it’s crucial to highlight transferable skills and show how your expertise aligns with the new field.
Frequent job changes can raise concerns among employers, as they may question the return on investment for training you if you have a history of quickly transitioning between positions. While switching to a similar job without extensive retraining may be possible, significant shifts that necessitate substantial retraining may present a financial risk to employers. To mitigate these concerns, it is essential to establish a track record of commitment and stability, showcasing your dedication to professional growth and the long-term value you can bring to an organization.
Conclusion
Considering the current textile job crisis, skilled trade careers are a great option to establish. If you want to make the most of your career in this field, use these tips and tricks and boost your career and fiscal success.
Monjurul Hasan, An On-Page SEO Expert on WordPress. Study in Automobile & Textile Engineering at Bangladesh Sweden Polytechnic Institute (BSPI). Having 3+ years of experience in Automobile and Technical Textile Products. Working at Upwork & Fiverr MarketPlace. Highly interested in technical product development and fashion forecasting.