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GETTING STARTED IN SKILLED TRADES


Tips for getting started in Skilled Trades careers


So, you want to work with your hands! You can’t imagine being another drone in a cubical. Even some of the better white-collar positions have you a little gun shy to apply because sitting still and staring at the same screen for 40+ hours a week is not your cup of tea. But how do you get started building a strong and rewarding career in the skilled trades? Where do you start to set the right foundation for such a life? If this is you, we hope our answers below will prove helpful! If you’re ready to take the leap, we have positions available and would be happy to help you get started!


#1 | CONSIDER YOUR INTERESTS – NARROW TO 3

Passion and job satisfaction are high priorities for many today! But as discussed in our article Why Consider A Career in Skilled Trades, Four Fallacies and The Truth, passion is not just found but rather developed by learning skills around your interests and finding mastery in them. Pursuing mastery in your skillset is the key but the discipline to do so will be much more difficult when it’s a skillset you’re not very interested in learning in the first place.


You want a career you’ll feel fulfilled by and be wildly successful in? Start by making a list of a few things you’re interested in or curious about and if you can, go as far as to even try them out.


#2 | RESEARCH CAREER OPTIONS + JOB OPPERTUNITIES AROUND THOSE INTERESTS

Once you have your list, research the career paths and job opportunities that may be related. While you can find a lot of information on the internet, be sure to talk to real people too. Their insights, experiences and connections can be very helpful in getting an inside look at some of these opportunities.


#3 | GET YOUR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA

While a high school diploma may not be required for all positions, it is highly beneficial. It’s not just a matter of what you’ve learned, however. It also shows you finish what you start. You put in the hard work all the way through. Not having a diploma may narrow your options but some career paths will be open to you either way, as long as you’re willing to learn and work hard on the job!


#4 | FIND APPRENTICESHIP OR ENTRY LEVEL POSITIONS

With the demand for workers in the skilled trades constantly increasing, a lot of shops are all-hands-on-deck! Those with the skills already are in especially high demand as more and more of our skilled workers retire but there is a vast amount of opportunity for those willing to learn.


Take a look at Apprenticeship.gov for information on finding an apprenticeship in an industry you’re interested in. If it’s the body shop industry or another industry where apprenticeships are less common, keep an eye out for entry level positions – for example our sandblasting position – where you can get started right away with little to no experience, making good money and be here in the shop, with the pros, learning as you go!


#5 | BECOME CERTIFIED

Local technical colleges can provide you with ample opportunities for certifications in all different industries. You can also talk to your employer about keeping you in the loop on opportunities to become certified as they often times keep a pulse on the goings-on in their specific industry such as courses and seminars that may be beneficial.


#6 | WORK YOUR WAY UP – COMPANY LOYALTY HIGHLY VALUED!

Once you’ve taken steps towards mastery in your chosen skillset, it’s only a matter of time and gumption. Because of the important role experience plays in these positions, companies often times promote from within. Make yourself an asset to the team by being a loyal team player and you will find yourself well on your way to building a rewarding career in the skilled trades!


Ready to get started? We look forward to working with you!

Visit www.RichfieldTrailerInc.com/Careers for details on positions available right here and now!

Yorumlar


the body shop blog, answers to our most frequently asked questions regarding body work in the commercial vehicle industry
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