Explore Trades
47 skilled trade career paths. Real BLS wages, real apprenticeships, real next steps — for students, veterans, second-chance workers, and anyone exploring a hands-on career.
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Explore Skilled Trades
Not sure which trade is right for you? Learn about different career paths, certifications, pay ranges, and which trades are most second-chance friendly.
🔨 Construction
Build and renovate structures including homes, commercial buildings, roads, and bridges. Work includes framing, concrete, masonry, roofing, and finishing.
- Entry-level: No experience required
- OSHA 10/30, forklift, scaffold certs
- Average pay: $38K-$75K+
- Highly second-chance friendly
⚡ Electrical
Install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in homes, businesses, and industrial settings. Work with wiring, circuit breakers, transformers, and control systems.
- Start as apprentice (4-5 years)
- Journeyman/Master licenses required
- Average pay: $50K-$110K+
- Some second-chance opportunities
🔧 Plumbing / Pipefitting
Install and repair pipes that carry water, gas, and waste in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
- Start as plumber's helper
- Journeyman/Master licenses
- Average pay: $48K-$80K+
- Second-chance friendly apprenticeships
❄️ HVAC
Install, maintain, and repair heating and cooling systems. Work includes troubleshooting, refrigerant handling, and system design.
- 6-month to 2-year training
- EPA 608 cert required (refrigerants)
- Average pay: $45K-$75K+
- Growing field, second-chance friendly
🏭 Industrial & Manufacturing
Work in manufacturing, construction, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Includes welding, CNC machining, equipment maintenance, and mechanical assembly.
- 6-month to 2-year programs
- AWS welding, NIMS machining certs
- Average pay: $40K-$70K+
- High demand, skills-focused hiring
🚜 Heavy Equipment Operation
Operate large machinery like bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and graders on construction sites and industrial facilities.
- 3-6 month training programs
- CDL often required, NCCCO crane cert
- Average pay: $40K-$75K+
- Second-chance friendly
🚗 Automotive & Diesel
Diagnose and repair vehicles, engines, brake systems, and hydraulic systems. Work on cars, trucks, diesel equipment, and collision repair.
- Tech school or on-the-job training
- ASE certifications highly valued
- Average pay: $40K-$70K+
- Skills-focused hiring
🏠 Facilities & Property Maintenance
General building maintenance, repairs, and upkeep of residential and commercial properties. Includes appliance repair and locksmith services.
- Entry-level positions available
- On-the-job training common
- Average pay: $35K-$60K+
- Second-chance friendly
🌱 Landscaping & Grounds
Outdoor property maintenance including mowing, trimming, planting, hardscaping, irrigation systems, and tree care.
- No experience required to start
- Pesticide, irrigation, ISA certs
- Average pay: $30K-$48K
- Second-chance friendly
⚡ Energy & Utilities
Work with solar, wind, and power generation systems. Install renewable energy equipment, maintain power plants, and support grid infrastructure.
- Technical training programs
- NABCEP solar, safety harness certs
- Average pay: $45K-$105K+
- Fast-growing green energy field
🚛 Transportation
Commercial driving, delivery, and logistics roles. Includes long-haul trucking, local delivery, bus driving, forklift operation, and fleet services.
- CDL training (3-6 weeks)
- CDL Class A/B, hazmat, passenger
- Average pay: $40K-$70K+
- High demand, second-chance friendly
🧰 Entry-Level & Support
Support skilled tradespeople by handling materials, cleaning job sites, preparing equipment, and learning trade basics. Great starting point for anyone new to the trades.
- No experience required
- OSHA 10, forklift, first aid certs
- Average pay: $28K-$45K+
- Highly second-chance friendly
Wage ranges reflect Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Virginia state data, May 2024. Individual earnings vary by employer, location, certifications, experience, and union status.
OSHA & Safety Training
Essential safety certifications required by most construction and trade employers. OSHA training is often a prerequisite for job sites.
OSHA 10-Hour Construction
Entry-level safety training for construction workers covering common hazards and safety practices.
- Recognized nationwide
- Online or in-person options
- Valid OSHA card upon completion
- Usually required for most job sites
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
Advanced safety training for supervisors and workers with safety responsibilities.
- In-depth hazard recognition
- Supervisory-level content
- Career advancement credential
- Higher pay opportunities
First Aid & CPR Certification
American Red Cross or AHA certification for workplace first aid and CPR.
- 2-year certification
- Required on many job sites
- Online + skills session
- Increases employability
Trade-Specific Certifications
Industry-recognized credentials that demonstrate expertise in your specific trade and can lead to higher wages.
NCCER Certifications
National Center for Construction Education and Research - portable credentials recognized industry-wide.
- Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding
- Stackable credentials (Core to Master)
- Electronic credential registry
- Accepted nationwide
EPA Section 608 Certification
Required for HVAC technicians who work with refrigerants.
- Type I, II, III, or Universal
- Legally required for HVAC work
- Online testing available
- Lifetime certification
AWS Welding Certifications
American Welding Society certifications for various welding processes and positions.
- Multiple welding processes
- Industry standard for welders
- Hands-on testing required
- High-demand credentials
Forklift Operator Certification
OSHA-compliant forklift training and certification for warehouse and construction sites.
- Required by OSHA regulations
- 3-year renewal cycle
- Classroom + practical exam
- Increases job opportunities
Apprenticeship Programs
Earn while you learn through registered apprenticeship programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeships
Find registered apprenticeship programs in your area across all skilled trades.
- Searchable database by trade/location
- Earn while you learn
- No tuition costs
- Nationally recognized credentials
Union Apprenticeships
Trade union apprenticeship programs with strong placement rates and benefits.
- Electricians, plumbers, ironworkers
- Health benefits during training
- Guaranteed wage progression
- Job placement assistance
ABC Apprenticeship
Associated Builders and Contractors merit shop apprenticeship programs.
- 18+ trade programs
- Flexible training schedules
- Industry-backed curriculum
- Career advancement pathways
Skills Development & Online Learning
Expand your knowledge with online courses, video tutorials, and self-paced learning resources.
YouTube Construction Channels
Free video tutorials from experienced tradespeople covering techniques and best practices.
- Essential Craftsman
- This Old House
- SkillsUSA
- Hundreds of how-to videos
LinkedIn Learning for Trades
Professional development courses for construction management, safety, and technical skills.
- Project management
- Blueprint reading
- Business skills
- Certificates of completion
CareerOneStop Training Finder
U.S. Department of Labor tool to find training programs and financial aid.
- Search by occupation
- Find scholarships/grants
- Compare programs
- Local training options
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Get help paying for training and certifications through grants, scholarships, and financial assistance programs — including federal Pell Grants, which now cover short-term trade certificates.
Workforce Pell Grants (FAFSA)
Federal Pell Grants now cover short-term trade training (as short as 8 weeks). Grant money — never repaid. Up to $7,395/year. No criminal history disqualification.
- Up to $7,395/year (prorated for shorter programs)
- Grant money — never repaid
- No criminal history disqualification
- Covers short-term trade certificates
Second-Chance Pell Eligibility
The ban on Pell Grants for incarcerated individuals was lifted in 2023. Formerly incarcerated individuals have always been eligible. No drug conviction disqualification.
- No criminal history barrier
- Drug conviction ban removed
- Can start training while incarcerated
- Community orgs can help with FAFSA
Virginia FastForward + Pell
State-funded program covering up to 2/3 of short-term credential costs at any Virginia community college. Stacks with Pell Grants for potentially zero out-of-pocket training.
- State pays up to 2/3 of tuition
- All VCCS colleges (incl. NOVA)
- Combine with Pell for $0 cost
- Welding, HVAC, electrical, CDL, auto
UDC Community College
Pell-eligible trade programs in construction, electrical, HVAC, and automotive technology. DC DOES can help with FAFSA completion.
- Title IV eligible (Pell accepted)
- Construction, electrical, HVAC, auto
- Located in Washington, D.C.
- DC DOES can help with FAFSA
Prince George's & Montgomery College
Pell-eligible trade certificates in construction, electrical, HVAC, welding, and automotive. Multiple campuses across the Maryland suburbs of D.C.
- Title IV eligible (Pell accepted)
- Construction, electrical, HVAC, welding
- Close to D.C. metro area
- Evening/weekend scheduling
Fayetteville Technical CC
Pell-eligible trade certificates in welding, HVAC, electrical, construction, CDL, and machining. Near Fort Liberty — great for veterans transitioning to civilian trades.
- Title IV eligible (Pell accepted)
- Welding, HVAC, electrical, CDL, CNC
- Near Fort Liberty (veterans welcome)
- NCWorks partner for job placement
Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA)
Federal program providing training funding for eligible workers.
- Free job training
- Career counseling
- Support services
- Available at local workforce centers
Trade Association Scholarships
Many trade associations offer scholarships for training and certification.
- ABC Educational Foundation
- PHCC Educational Foundation
- AGC Education Foundation
- Application-based awards
GI Bill for Veterans
Veterans can use education benefits for apprenticeships and trade training.
- Monthly housing allowance
- Apprenticeship programs eligible
- On-the-job training covered
- No tuition costs