Learn about different types of skilled trade career training.
In the old days, people would learn their craft by completing an apprenticeship. Today, people interested in such fields only need to enroll in a skilled trade certificate program.
Skilled trade workers work well with their hands and are trained to perform a specific function, usually involving machinery of some sort.
There are three main types of skilled trade: mechanic and repair, construction and precision production trades.
Mechanic Certificates
Every machine needs repairing at some point in its lifespan.
Mechanics can learn a broad trade such as electronics maintenance and repair, which teaches them to repair a variety of electronic equipment. They may also specialize in a more specific function such as automobile repair by earning an automobile mechanics technician certificate or an autobody repair certificate.
An auto mechanic who is looking for a career change can benefit from earning an aircraft maintenance certificate, allowing them to work on larger machines in a different working environment.
While the weather outside is unpredictable, there are some people who devote their life’s work to indoor climate control. A heating, air conditioning, ventilation and refrigeration (HVAC) mechanic installs, maintains and repairs climate control systems. A HVAC certificate lets employers know that you have been trained in the proper equipment and techniques.
Construction Certificates
Construction certificates prepare students to become licensed in their field, which is typically required by employers and professional organizations.
If you are not sure what type of construction you want to enter, a general construction certificate will provide you with the basic knowledge needed to work on a construction site.
Clean, well structures pipes are essential to a functioning building. When you enroll in a plumbing certificate program, you learn about plumbing blueprints, drainage, waste and a few core subjects such as mathematics and chemistry.
Every construction site needs a manager to help guide the workers and ensure that blueprints and regulations are being followed. A background in construction and administrative duties is essential. Earn a building/construction site management certificate in order to advance in your construction career.
A building/property maintenance and manager certificate prepares students to manage and repair buildings for business and residential purposes. Administrative and technical skills are required to excel in this position.
Precision Production Trade Certificates
Precision production involves creating goods using skilled labor. This category of trade careers is less focused on the construction of large projects and more on crafts that can be used in everyday life.
Although there is so much mass produced furniture and clothes, a hand-made item still holds value in the marketplace. Getting a furniture design and manufacturing certificate can allow you to live out your passion of creating unique and functional artwork.
A welder uses technology to cut and join together metal. Welders perform work that cannot be replicated by a machine and are thus invaluable to modern construction. Earn a welding certificate and learn to weld a variety of items such as watches or furniture.
Top Certificate Programs
- Medical/Clinical Assistant Schools
- Health/Medical Assisting Services Schools
- Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurse Training (LPN, LVN, Cert, Dipl, AAS) Schools
- Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder Schools
- General Studies Schools
- Cosmetology/Cosmetologist Schools
- Pharmacy Technician/Assistant Schools
- Medical Insurance/Biller Schools
- Ultrasound Technician Schools
- Massage Therapy Schools