The Skills Necessary to Secure an Entry Level Trade Job

Are you looking to get into the trades but aren’t sure what it takes to land entry level trade jobs?

From carpenters to plumbers, each trade comes with specific skills and jobs you’ll need to succeed. But, not all skill sets relate to all jobs or trade schools.

That’s where we come in. Below, we’ve broken down what you need to know about landing your first job in the trades industry.

Let’s get started.

Technical Skills

In any trade job, you need to know how to do things. Whether you want to be an electrician, a carpenter, or a plumber, you need a strong foundation in the skills and understanding your trade requires. For example, if you want to be an electrician, you need to know how complicated electrical systems are, how to wire things correctly, and how to stay safe around electricity.

Not only do you need these skills to do your job well, but you also need them to keep yourself and others safe on the job site. Employers want to hire people who are good at their chosen trade, so the best way to get an entry-level trade job is to improve your professional skills through education, training, and hands-on experience.

Safety Awareness

Safety is very important in trade jobs, where you’ll face dangers and situations that could be dangerous every day. Whether you work with heavy machinery in a building or electrical systems as an electrician, you must know the safety rules and follow them carefully.

Employers look for people who put safety first to reduce the number of crashes and injuries at work. Your ability to spot possible dangers, use personal protective equipment (PPE) properly, and follow safety rules shows that you care about keeping your workplace safe. So, not only does it protect your health, but it also makes you more marketable in the competitive world of trade jobs.

Mathematics

Math is a very important part of trade jobs. Basic math skills are important whether you are measuring materials for a building job or figuring out the electrical load for wiring. To ensure the quality and accuracy of your work, you need to measure and calculate things correctly.

If you are good at math, you can easily translate blueprints, schematics, and technical images into real-world results. You have more credibility as a skilled trade worker if you work well with numbers. This makes you a valuable asset to potential employers.

Hand-Eye Coordination

Hand-eye coordination is a skill that comes naturally to people who work with tools and equipment as part of their job. Whether using a welding torch, plumbing tools, or making things out of wood as a carpenter, you need good hand-eye coordination to get the job done.

It lets you handle tools and materials precisely, leading to high-quality work. Employers like this skill because it ensures that tasks are done quickly and correctly, which is especially important in trades where accuracy is important.

Problem-Solving

When it comes to trading work, solving problems is very important. You’ll often be surprised by problems that need to be solved immediately. For example, as an HVAC technician, you might have to figure out what’s wrong with a broken system and fix it with little knowledge.

Being good at finding problems, figuring out what causes them, and coming up with good answers helps you finish tasks on time and cuts down on costly delays and extra work.

Employers want to hire people who can think critically and artistically when faced with a problem. If you want to know how bad is the skilled labor shortage affecting various trade industries, check this article for valuable insights into the current situation and its implications for the job market.

Communication Skills

Effective communication is a skill that can be used in any job, including trade work. Communication with coworkers, supervisors, and sometimes clients must be clear and concise for a work setting to be peaceful and productive. When working as a team, sharing ideas, instructions, and worries ensures that everyone is on the same page and working toward the same goals.

Also, in some jobs where you work directly with clients, good communication skills help you build trust and confidence, making them more likely to hire you for future projects. Communication skills that can help you do well in an entry-level trade job include being a good listener, asking clarifying questions, and being able to say what you want to say clearly.

Physical Fitness

Being physically fit is a useful skill that can’t be overlooked in trade jobs. Many jobs require stamina, strength, and the ability to move quickly. Whether you work in construction lifting heavy things, as a plumber crawling through small spaces, or as a welder working in high temperatures, you must be in good shape to do your job safely and well.

Keeping your body in good shape makes you less likely to get hurt and helps you work faster and better at your job. Employers often choose physically fit people because they know they can handle the job’s physical demands without getting too tired or stressed.

Time Management

Time management is a skill that helps you stay on top of things and finish projects on time. Schedules are common in trades, and being good at managing your time can help you finish skills-based jobs on time.

Effective time management includes making good use of your time, setting goals, and not putting things off. This skill not only makes you more productive, but it also shows companies that you can be trusted. Meeting deadlines and being good with your time show that you care about your work. Moving up in your trade career can lead to more job chances and more responsibility.

Mastering Entry Level Trade Jobs

Overall, gaining entry level trade jobs requires organization, hard work, patience, technical skills, and handling stressful situations. It’s important to remember that although the demand for trade skills is growing, becoming an expert may take time and dedication.

If you want to develop your skills and knowledge, consider taking a course or workshop to help get you started on the road to success.

Did you learn something new from this article? If so, be sure to check out our blog for more educational content.