The Skilled Trades

As the baby boomers near retirement age, there is a growing need to fill jobs in the skilled trades. If you like hands-on work and a traditional college is not the best option for you, consider a career in the skilled trades.

Skilled trades encompass career paths that require manual or hands-on work. Skilled tradespeople frequently use mental problem-solving in to complete projects. These jobs are in demand for fields like healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive. To be able to legally and successfully practice a trade you must have real training and certifications. Continuing education is important as technology advances and local codes and safety regulations change.

How to become a Skilled Tradesperson

  1. Earn your high school diploma

  2. Decide on a trade you'd like to pursue

  3. Apply for an apprenticeship at your local union or enroll in a trade school

    1. List of Illinois Skilled Trade Unions

  4. Attend classes and begin on-the-job training

  5. Obtain all the necessary certifications and/or licenses to work independently

Popular Skilled Trades:

  • Auto Mechanic

  • Building Contractor

  • Cabinet Maker

  • Carpenter

  • Chef

  • Cosmetologist

  • Electrician

  • Heavy equipment operator

  • HVAC Technician

  • Landscape Architect

  • Mass transit operator

  • Painter

  • Pipe layers, plumbers and pipe fitters

  • Welder

Build Your Future

Build Your Future aims to be the catalyst for recruiting the next generation of craft professionals. We provide a collaborative grassroots approach to construction workforce forecasting and development that includes recruitment, training, placement, retention and image enhancement strategies.