Explore Trades
51 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 & Structural
Build the buildings — and everything that goes in them.
Explore this tradeElectrical
From the wiring in your house to the controls running a 200-acre data center — electrical work is everywhere, and the trade pays well at every level.
Explore this tradeHVAC & Refrigeration
Heating, cooling, refrigeration — the systems that keep buildings comfortable, food safe, and processes running.
Explore this tradePlumbing & Pipe
The trades that move water, gas, steam, and chemicals through homes, factories, hospitals, and power plants. Every building you walk into runs on this work.
Explore this tradeIndustrial & Manufacturing
The trades that build, install, and maintain the equipment that makes everything else.
Explore this tradeAutomotive & Diesel
Keep America moving. From corner garages to fleet maintenance shops to body-and-paint specialists, automotive trades are reliably hiring with clear cert-based…
Explore this tradeHeavy Equipment & Infrastructure
Operate the machines that move earth, lift steel, and string the wires that power the country.
Explore this tradeFacilities & Property Maintenance
Keep buildings running. Facilities and property maintenance trades cover the full stack of building systems — plumbing, electrical, HVAC, locks, appliances —…
Explore this tradeLandscaping & Grounds
Build and maintain the outdoor spaces that make properties valuable.
Explore this tradeEnergy & Utilities
Power the country. Energy and utilities trades sit at the intersection of construction, electrical, and industrial work — running the power plants, wind farms…
Explore this tradeEntry-Level & Support
The starting line. Entry-level and support roles are the fastest way into skilled trades — most workers come up through laborer or helper roles before specializing into a craft.
Explore this tradeTransportation
Move people, freight, and material across the four-state region.
Explore this tradePay ranges reflect Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, national data, May 2025 release. Individual earnings vary by employer, location, certifications, experience, and union status — see each trade's page for state-level wages.
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