How to get into a trade with no experience

To get into a trade with no experience, use this guide:

• Graduate from high school. Most trade positions require at least a high school diploma or its equivalent.

  In high school you also have the ability to get exposure to certain kinds of trades you may like. For example, woodshop class is a great precursor to the trade of carpentry. Some high schools also have classes on things like automotive mechanics, which is perfect if you want to become a mechanic.

  Different high schools have varying classes to choose from. If you are still in high school, see if your school has any classes that are relevant to a trade you are interested in.

• Determine what trade you want to pursue. There are many different trades to choose from.

  This decision comes down to your personal preference, and any skills, or inherent talents you possess. There are many trades in construction and most involve working with your hands. If this is something that is appealing to you, you will have many options.

  Some construction trades include painter, electrician, mason, welder, plumber, landscaper, heavy equipment operator, and many others.

  Similarly, there are many industrial trades that are also labor intensive, like ironworker, or metal fabricator.

  If your skills or talents line up more with dealing with people, consider medical trades, like respiratory therapist, phlebotomist, paramedic, medical assistant, or dental assistant.

  If you are looking for a more creative trade, you also have plenty of options. The culinary and cosmetology industries have many creative trades within them. Some culinary trades are chef, baker, and pastry artist.

  Cosmetology trade options include hairstylist, beautician, make-up artist, and esthetician.

  Do your proper research and find the trade that is most appealing and fit for you personally.

• Attend an educational program on your trade. This is not a requirement for all trades, but it can certainly help you obtain the necessary knowledge and skills to launch your career.

  There are many technical schools you can attend to gain an education on a specific trade. Many community colleges also offer courses and certification classes for certain trades.

  Even though not all trades require this, it is a good way for you to gain a competitive advantage over other candidates in crowded trade fields.

  Many trades also accept certificates instead of an associate's or higher degree. Getting certified in a specific trade is a process that typically takes two years or less.

  Consider if you need to take this step by researching the specific trade you want to go into. You can look at job postings to find out what the requirements for the trade position are.

• Get an apprenticeship. Apprentices are excellent and novel opportunities, because they give you the chance to be mentored by professionals and get paid in the process.

  People who complete apprenticeships rarely have difficulty finding well-paid trade work. Many people who complete apprenticeships choose to stay on with the company they did the apprenticeship with as well.

  Depending on the trade, apprenticeships can take one to six years to complete. These are also great opportunities to begin to build a professional network within your trade.

  Not every kind of trade has apprenticeship programs, however, if the trade you choose does, definitely consider it.

• Obtain a license. Getting a license is another great way to advance your career in a specific trade. This is not necessary for all trades, but is an option for many of them.

  To qualify you may have to complete a certain number of classroom or training hours, and then pass the licensing exam.

  Some trades you can get a license in include electrician, HVAC technician, plumber, paramedic, make-up artist, as well as many others.

• Consider becoming a journeyman. If you complete an apprenticeship, you might want to consider this next step. This is only offered in certain trades, mostly in the construction and industrial industries.

  When you become a journeyman it means that you have completed the proper exams, and have put in enough on-the-job training in your trade. In turn, you have the ability to practice your trade independently, under your own license, rather than practicing it under the license of a company or more experienced tradesperson.

  If you go this route, you can eventually become a master tradesperson, which is a status that will grant you higher pay in your trade. Depending on the trade, becoming a master tradesperson can take anywhere from one to five years.