Skilled trades offer fast, affordable paths to reliable, well-paying careers. Whether you're just starting out or ready for a career change, SkillUp can help you discover trade jobs, get training, and find work—all for free.
Skilled trades are hands-on jobs in industries like construction, repair, energy, and protective services. These roles are often in high demand, offer stable income, and don’t require a college degree to get started.
Most careers start with short-term training, a certification, or an apprenticeship program. You can browse our career paths, explore training options, and use our free tools to stay on track.
At SkillUp, our team has done the research for you. Our site only displays recommended careers that:
Popular skilled trades include:
Build and install structures made of wood and other materials.
Assemble and repair piping systems
Fabricate and install products made from thin metal sheets.
Maintain and repair aircraft systems.
Operate automated cutting and drilling machines.
Repair complex electronics in commercial or industrial settings.
Install and fix heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems.
Keep factory equipment running smoothly.
Lubricate machinery, change parts, or perform other routine machinery maintenance.
Control machines that mix or process chemicals.
Assist engineers in designing and testing equipment.
Improve production efficiency and workflows.
Operate tools to create precision metal parts.
Respond to emergencies and protect people and property from fires.
Enforce laws and ensure public safety.
Set up and repair power lines and cables.
Install and maintain solar panel systems.
Set up and fix communication systems.
Check products for quality before they reach consumers.
Skilled trades are hands-on careers that require specialized training but typically not a college degree. These jobs are found in industries like construction, manufacturing, utilities, and public safety. Common skilled trades include electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, and mechanics.
Yes. Many skilled trades pay well above minimum wage, especially as you gain experience. It's common for trade professionals to earn $50,000–$70,000 per year, and some roles go much higher, depending on the location, industry, and certifications.
No. That’s one of the biggest benefits of skilled trades. Most careers in this field require a high school diploma or GED, plus short-term training or an apprenticeship. You can start earning in months, not years. Start looking through low-cost, short term certifications for skilled trades on our website.
It depends on the job, but many training programs take less than 12 months. Some are as short as a few weeks. Apprenticeships may take longer, but they let you earn money while you learn. The programs recommended on SkillUp’s website are those that take less than 12 months.
Very much so. Skilled workers are retiring faster than they’re being replaced, creating strong demand for new talent across industries. This means more job openings, job security, and career growth potential.
Some of the top opportunities include:
These roles offer good pay, job stability, and opportunities to grow.
Absolutely. While skilled trades have traditionally been male-dominated, more women are entering these fields every year. There are growing efforts to support gender diversity in trades through training, mentorship, and hiring initiatives.
Not exactly. Trade school is classroom-based training, while apprenticeships combine on-the-job experience with some classroom learning. Apprenticeships typically pay you to learn and are a great way to enter the workforce. In fact, many of the apprenticeships listed on SkillUp are for trade skills. Take a look at all apprenticeships here, and another category we call Earn and Learn jobs where you start earning a wage immediately and are trained during the first few weeks.
Yes. Many people change careers in their 30s, 40s, or beyond and find success in the trades. With short training timelines and lots of job options, it’s a practical choice for career changers.
We make it simple:
We’ve already vetted the best options, so you don’t have to start from scratch.
Truist Foundation makes strategic investments in nonprofit organizations to help ensure the communities it serves have more opportunities for a better quality of life. Truist Foundation's grants and activities focus on building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses.
