You seek a meaningful career path that delivers a strong sense of satisfaction and a clear path to advancement. You also happen to find joy in hands-on tasks, especially when you can see the tangible results of your hard work. These are all goals and personality traits that translate well into success in the skilled trades.
Fields such as construction management and electrical technology have plenty to offer, but first, you’ll need to seek targeted training. Fortunately, with SJVC in your corner, pursuing a skilled trades career can be compelling. Read on to discover trade school benefits and begin planning your dream career.
Why Consider a Career in Skilled Trades?
The term “skilled trades” refers to many targeted roles that call for technical or hands-on competencies. These are distinguished primarily by their level of specialization: Skilled trade workers carry out clearly defined tasks, using precise tools and techniques to reach easily identifiable outcomes. There is often a physical element to this work, but the skilled trades increasingly incorporate high-tech strategies, ranging from advanced software to specialized machinery and beyond.[1]
The very qualities that distinguish the skilled trades from more generalized (or less hands-on roles) make these fields of particular interest to people who value practical problem-solving and tangible markers of achievement. Beyond these personal benefits, the skilled trades offer numerous professional advantages, particularly in response to emerging skill gaps and a necessity for these workers.[2]
The Benefits of Skilled Trades Careers
Skilled trade careers offer a unique blend of personal, professional and economic benefits — including many that can be difficult to capture in other fields. Top advantages include:
- Career-relevant skills. Equipped with the right skills and credentials, many trades professionals discover that they can land jobs they find compelling, with positions available for skilled trade workers across numerous sectors and specialties. Several factors influence this — such as large-scale trends in infrastructure investments and the housing market — not to mention retirement-related job openings and general skill gaps that have left employers struggling to find fully qualified workers.[3]
- Work-life balance. The physical nature of the skilled trades means that it is possible to leave work behind as you clock out. Many skilled trades professionals also find balance through roles that limit hours to strict 9-to-5 schedules and may offer paid time off or personal days. This varies between industries and depending on the nature of the work, of course, and some roles can be quite demanding. That being said, balance is certainly possible in the skilled trades.
- Satisfaction. Promising insights suggest that career satisfaction is high among skilled trade workers.[4] The reasons for this can be personal, but many people are quick to highlight the distinctive gratification of seeing their hard work make a visible difference every day. Others enjoy working directly in their community (often in local homes or businesses), where positive interactions with neighbors can be expected.
Types of Skilled Trades Careers
The skilled trades are diverse, with this term describing a range of roles and specializations that span several industries.[5] In general, however, these career paths fall into a few main categories:
- Construction. Strong demand in the housing market has fueled significant growth in the construction industry, including compelling opportunities for construction [6] and general contractors.[7] Many specialized roles are available, too, bringing safety and sustainability to the forefront while tackling a range of residential, commercial and industrial builds. [8]
- Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R). Helping to keep people safe and comfortable in their homes, workplaces or other settings, HVAC-R technicians install, maintain and repair complex systems. They prioritize not only high-functioning HVAC-R solutions but also efficiency and longevity.
- Electrical technology. Focused on the intricacies of electrical systems, electrical technology is an essential field in our tech-driven world. Electricians are responsible for installing, maintaining and repairing the diverse components that ensure consistent access to electrical power in a variety of buildings. This specialty calls for a thorough understanding of control systems and building codes.
- Industrial maintenance. Across industries, complex equipment requires maintenance and repairs from technicians who are well-versed in processes involving diagnostics and calibration. In addition, these maintenance technicians must thoroughly understand programmable logic controls, fluid power and industrial electricity.
How SJVC Helps You Build a Strong Foundation in Skilled Trades
Looking to make your mark in the skilled trades? Get ready for a journey that begins with training programs as fascinating as the fields they represent.
With certificate and degree programs designed to expand your practical skill set, SJVC can help provide a solid start. Through these diverse programs, you can explore compelling career opportunities and develop skills that you can quickly put to use.
Overview of SJVC’s Skilled Trades Programs
SJVC offers a range of certificate and degree programs meant to accommodate future skilled trade professionals. These trade school programs cover many fields and concepts but share a similar focus on experiential learning through real-world problem-solving. This blend of theoretical learning and practical application provides powerful preparation for hands-on roles ranging from electrician to HVAC-R technician — skilled trade jobs that call for targeted training.
Benefits of Studying at SJVC
Offering flexible programs and strong curricula, SJVC turns trade school into a rewarding journey. Advantages include:
- Experiential learning. Are you drawn to the skilled trades because of the hands-on work? Chances are, you’ll be just as enthusiastic about hands-on learning. This is a priority at SJVC, where trade school programs put technical skills into action. Yes, you will cover theoretical concepts, but you will apply these through projects, simulations and assignments. These learning opportunities help you gain not only tangible skills but also much-needed confidence.
- Passionate instructors. The right instructors can introduce you to a whole new world of possibilities. They bring complex concepts to life and can provide encouragement as you tackle various academic and professional challenges. SJVC’s instructors want you to reach your full potential and will support you every step of the way.
- Networking opportunities. SJVC’s trade school programs can introduce you to the l professionals in your field of choice. This begins as you connect with your instructors and advisors, who can point you in the right direction as you expand your networking efforts. Classes expand on this, helping you connect with like-minded students who share similar goals and passions. s.
Real-Life Success Stories: SJVC Alumni in Skilled Trades
One of the best ways to learn about trade school programs? Uncover firsthand insights from successful alumni. Representing many skilled trades career paths, these alums credit SJVC with setting them on a positive path with the skills learned.
We’re proud of the accomplished community of SJVC alums and eager to share their stories. They show how hard work can pay dividends, especially when student support is readily available.
Testimonials From Successful Graduates
Numerous encouraging testimonials reveal how SJVC supports students with big ambitions in the skilled trades. Our inspiring graduates are excited to share their stories and workplace successes as well as show gratitude for the hands-on training they received through SJVC.
- Matt Watson. SJVC’s programs can make career transitions feel less intimidating. Electrical Technology grad Matt Watson can speak to this. After decades working as a meat supervisor, he decided to try something new: becoming a handyman. The only problem? He lacked training in electrical technology. SJVC helped him bridge this gap, with instructors “[breaking] down complex concepts into manageable pieces.” This included an in-depth overview of relevant math concepts, which, although initially difficult, became easier to understand with help from instructors and fellow students.
- Joshua Donahue.In addition to promoting career transitions, the education gained at SJVC may help current skilled trade workers advance into higher or more compelling roles. SJVC alum Joshua Donahue offers the ultimate proof that such possibilities are well within reach. He believes that SJVC’s deep dive into programmable logic controllers made an especially significant impact, helping him thrive in his dream job: upkeeping the electrical systems for the most iconic rides at Disneyland. He explains that his job involves maintaining “stage lighting and projectors — anything electrical — that create special effects: animatronics, steam blasters and fog machines.”
- Juan Rivera. A proud graduate of SJVC’s Heating Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration program, Juan Rivera always knew he wanted a hands-on career and, thanks to SJVC, discovered how he could make this dream a reality. He credits his instructors with helping him gain “experience, interest, and confidence.” Now employed by Rowland Air, he truly enjoys his work, as he “get[s] to help people” every day.
- Darci Elsenraat. A simple Google search helped SJVC alum Darci Elsenraat uncover her true calling in the HVAC-R field. She had always been “a little bit interested in fixing stuff,” but SJVC helped her gain the confidence needed to break barriers as a woman in HVAC-R. She loves her work and especially enjoys spending time outside, explaining, “It feels like freedom to me.”
How SJVC’s Career Services Make a Difference
Feeling inspired? It’s time to take the next step: enrolling in a trade school program. Earning a certificate or degree can be a solid first step on the path to success in the skilled trades, but this is only the beginning. You also need to know how to craft a compelling resume, ace an interview and find the best job opportunities.
SJVC’s Career Services can assist with all this and more. Including externships and career fairs, too, which draw on the collective enthusiasm of SJVC’s many employer partners.
Why Now Is the Best Time to Start Your Skilled Trades Journey
How SJVC Can Help You Take the First Step
Multiple pathways can lead to success in the skilled trades — but SJVC can help you get started with quality training and access to great resources. Our admissions advisors will be happy to get you on the right path, helping you determine which programs fit your goals, interests and lifestyle. We can also help you navigate the application process. Meanwhile, our Financial Services Advisors will offer insight into opportunities such as loans, grants and scholarships.
Your Career in Skilled Trades Starts Here
Ready to start your journey in skilled trades? Explore SJVC’s hands-on programs and how we can help you build a successful and rewarding career. Visit our website or schedule a campus tour today to take the first step!
Sources:
[1] Monster. “What Are Skilled Trades? Building a Career as a Tradesperson.” https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/break-into-the-trades-skilled
[2] ZipRecruiter. “Skilled Trades Jobs – What Are They and How to Get One.” https://www.ziprecruiter.com/career/Skilled-Trades/What-Is-How-to-Become
[3] Greenberg, E., et al. “Tradespeople wanted: The need for critical trade skills in the US.” McKinsey & Company. https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/people-and-organizational-performance/our-insights/tradespeople-wanted-the-need-for-critical-trade-skills-in-the-us
[4] Angi. “Angi’s Skilled Trades Report 2024.” https://research.angi.com/research/__skilledtrades/
[5] Indeed. “Types of Skilled Trades and Technical Training (With Examples).” https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/skilled-trades-and-technical-training
[6] U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. “Construction Managers.” https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/construction-managers.htm#tab-6
[7] Design-Build Institute of America. “Construction Industry Remains Strong Amid Slowing Job Market.” https://dbia.org/blog/construction-industry-remains-strong-amid-slowing-job-market/
[8] O*NET OnLine. “47-2061.00 – Construction Laborers.” https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/47-2061.00
