Skilled Trades Pathway
Skilled Trades Career Pathway
Is this the right pathway for me?
- Do you enjoy working with your hands and solving practical problems?
- Are you interested in learning a specific trade and gaining hands-on experience?
- Do you feel satisfaction seeing the physical results of your work?
What is the Skilled Trades Pathway?
Career Pathways in the Skilled Trades are about using skills in design, planning and management to work in careers building and maintaining structures such as buildings, homes, bridges, or machinery. Work opportunities include developing new structures, restorations, additions, alterations, and repairs.
What sort of work would I do?
In skilled trades, students can do a wide variety of hands-on jobs that call for specific skills, knowledge, and training. For example, as a carpenter, you build and fix structures and furniture. Electricians work on electrical systems, plumbers fix plumbing, and welders join metal pieces. Mechanics repair vehicles, HVAC technicians work on heating and cooling systems, and masons build with bricks or stones. Painters add color to surfaces, cabinetmakers create wooden furniture, and auto body repair technicians fix damaged vehicles. These jobs let you use your hands, work with tools, and see the results of your work. It’s a practical and skilled field with lots of different jobs to choose from
Leads to these Careers
- Elevator Installation and Repair
- Commercial Diver
- Electrician
- Plumber
- HVAC Technician
- Construction Manager
- Pipefitter
- Heavy Equipment Operator
- Welder
- Power Plant Operator
In-Demand Occupations
Typical Education Required | Career Title | Average Annual Salary | Job Outlook in WA State (2020-2030) |
---|---|---|---|
High School Diploma | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $59,562 | 7% increase |
Associate Degree (or Certificate) | Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic | $68,932 | 19% increase |
High School Diploma | Automotive Service Technician | $54,945 | 12% increase |
What Courses can I take now?
Check with your school counselor and administrators to find out which classes are available at your school.
Clubs and Activities at SPS
Interested in learning more about the Skilled Trades? SPS students have the opportunity to deepen and expand their knowledge alongside theirs and teachers through Skills USA and other equivalent clubs. Skills USA and these other clubs and help students prepare for career and college. Find clubs at your school here!
What training do I need after high school?
Below are examples of training and education pathways for students interested in Skilled Trades after high school.
Seattle Central College – Wood Technology Center
- Programs: Certificate and Associate Degrees in Carpentry, Cabinet Making, and Marine Carpentry
- Features: Hands-on training with a focus on sustainable building practices
- Duration: 1-2 years depending on the program
- Career Paths: Residential carpenter, cabinet maker, shipwright
South Seattle College – Automotive Technology
- Program: Automotive Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Partnerships: Ford ASSET, MOPAR CAP, Toyota T-TEN for specialized training
- Duration: 2 years
- Outcome: Prepared for careers in automotive repair and service
Apprenticeships and Union Trade Programs
- Options: Various local unions and organizations offer apprenticeships in trades like construction, electrical, plumbing, and ironworking
- Format: Paid on-the-job training combined with classroom instruction
- Duration: Typically 3-5 years
- Benefits: Earn while you learn, gain hands-on experience, and secure employment post-training
Explore the right fit post-secondary pathway for you using the SuperMatch college feature on Naviance!
Questions or concerns? Contact specialist Harvey Wright at cte@xlqx.net