Trades

What is a Skilled Trade?

A skilled trade is an occupation requiring specialized skills, knowledge, and training, often gained through an apprenticeship or technical school instead of a four-year college degree

Pathways to the Trades:

• Private Apprenticeship (unregistered)

• Registered Apprenticeship (union/non-union)

• Technical and Community Colleges

  • • Hennepin Technical College

    • Dunwoody College of Technology

    • Dakota County Technical College

    • Anoka Technical College

• State Recognized Certifications

• Military

• Short Term Training Program

Example Trades:

Construction & Building Trades

• Carpenter

• Electrician

• Plumber

• Pipefitter

• Steamfitter

• Sheet Metal Worker

• HVAC Technician (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning)

• Mason (Bricklayer, Stonemason, Cement Mason)

• Drywall Installer / Finisher

• Roofer

• Glazier (Glass Installer)

• Insulators

• Painter / Decorator

• Insulation Installer

• Concrete Finisher

• Heavy Equipment Operator

• Ironworker

• Structural Steel Worker

• Elevator Installer / Repairer

• Tile Setter

• Cabinetmaker

• Flooring Installer

• Boilermaker

• Scaffolder

• Construction Equipment Mechanic

• Building Inspector

Manufacturing and Industrial Trades

• Machinist

• CNC Operator / Programmer

• Tool and Die Maker

• Millwright

• Industrial Mechanic

• Industrial Electrician

• Welder

• Metal Fabricator

• Foundry Worker

• Production Technician

• Assembler

• Quality Control Technician

• Sheet Metal Fabricator

• Injection Molding Technician

• Maintenance Technician

• Boiler Operator

• Robotics Technician

Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Trades

• Heavy Equipment Operator (Logging / Forestry)

• Arborist (Tree Climber / Tree Trimmer)

• Landscaper / Groundskeeper

• Irrigation Technician

• Horticulturist

• Farm Equipment Mechanic

• Agricultural Technician

• Greenhouse Technician

• Environmental Technician

• Geology/Hydrologic Technician

Public Safety and Municipal Trades

• Firefighter (with technical rescue / hazmat specialization)

• Police Vehicle Technician

• Emergency Vehicle Technician

• Facilities Maintenance Technician

• Public Works Operator

• Water Utility Technician

• Sewer and Drain Technician

Health and Technical Services Trades

• Dental Technician

• Medical Equipment Repair Technician

• Pharmacy Technician

• Veterinary Technician

• Laboratory Technician (Applied Technical Roles)

• Behavioral Health/Psychiatric  Technician

Automotive, Transportation, and Heavy Equipment Trades

• Automotive Service Technician / Mechanic

• Diesel Mechanic

• Auto Body Repair Technician

• Auto Painter

• Small Engine Mechanic

• Heavy Equipment Mechanic

• Locomotive Pilot

• Barge Captain

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aviation Mechanic)

• Marine Mechanic

• Motorcycle Mechanic

• Transmission Specialist

• Brake / Suspension Technician

• Tire Technician

• Fleet Maintenance Technician

• Forklift Driver/Material Handler

• Truck Driver (Commercial / CDL Operator)

• Farrier

Electrical, Power, and Utility Trades

• Lineman (Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer)

• Power Plant Operator

• Wind Turbine Technician

• Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Installer

• Oil Rigger

• Field Technician

• Substation Technician

• Control Systems Technician

• Instrumentation Technician

• Electrical Systems Installer

• Telecommunications Technician

• Cable Installer / Fiber Optic Technician

Welding, Fabrication, and Metal Work Trades

• Structural Welder

• Pipe Welder

• TIG / MIG Welder

• Underwater Welder

• Fabrication Specialist

• Metal Sculptor / Artisan Welder

• Blacksmith

• Sheet Metal Worker

Specialized Building Systems and Finishing Trades

• Low Voltage Technician (Security / Alarms / Audio Systems)

• Building Automation Systems Technician

• Smart Home Installer

• Locksmith

• Sign Maker / Installer

• Lighting Technician

• Sound Tech

• Stage / Set Construction Technician

• Window and Door Installer

Culinary, Hospitality, and Personal Service Trades

• Chef / Cook

• Baker / Pastry Chef

• Butcher

• Caterer

• Bartender

• Hairstylist / Barber

• Preschool Teacher

• Paraprofessional

• Cosmetologist

• Nail Technician

• Esthetician / Skin Care Specialist

• Massage Therapist

• Hotel Maintenance Engineer

• Acupuncturist

• Nanny

• Childcare assistant

• Interpreter/Translator

Specialty Craft Trades

• Cabinetmaker

• Furniture Maker

• Wood Finisher

• Patternmaker

• Woodturner

• Instrument Maker (Luthier)

• Model (miniature) Maker

• Glass blower

• Blacksmith

• Curator

• Florist

• Jeweler

• Watchmaker

• Upholsterer

• Tailor

• Lapidary

• Potter

• Shoemaker