Trades & Careers

There’s a lot of pressure on young people to attend college, but not every success story begins with postsecondary education. What’s more, some people simply perform better in hands-on roles, such as those in the trades. While some roles in this category require a bachelor’s degree in trades, others do not. 

In this article, we’ve looked at the kind of education and on-the-job training programs that are available to students with an interest in trades and careers. We’ve also highlighted some options for courses of study, in addition to the kinds of roles you might expect to secure after completing your education.

What’s more, we’ve looked at the earning potential and job security and growth for these careers so that you know what kind of outlook you’ll have in a range of roles. Before that, here’s a list of our rankings you might be interested in checking out to get a better idea of your career focus. 

The Best Colleges for Degrees in Trades and Careers

While there aren’t a great deal of college programs intended for students who want a career in the trades, we’ve collected a list of some of the best colleges for the limited programs that do exist. Below, you’ll find a number of rankings that will help you choose the best college for certain subject areas. 

We’ll also continue to add to these lists over time, so check back regularly if you’re going to be applying soon.

Fire Services

• Best Online Fire Services Administration Degrees
• Best Online Fire Science Degrees

Construction Management

• Best Online Construction Management Degrees
• Most Affordable Online Construction Management Degrees
• Best Online Master’s in Construction Management

HVAC

What Degrees Are There in Trades and Careers?

Unlike many other disciplines, roles in the trades and careers don’t commonly require you to have a college-level education. Instead, many students opt to enter an apprenticeship after obtaining their high school diploma. However, we’ve provided an overview of the various levels of education available so that you can make an informed decision on which path to choose. 

Apprenticeships in Trades and Careers

An apprenticeship can be a viable alternative to going to college. These are commonly available in many trades, which include carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. You’ll take courses alongside your on-the-job training, which will involve working directly with a qualified professional as your supervisor. You’ll earn a wage while gaining essential experience in your trade. 

Certificates in Trades and Careers

If you’ve already set your sights on a career that doesn’t require a degree, then a certificate or diploma could be a good starting point. With some programs of this type, you can be ready to enter the workforce in as little as a year. Some diploma programs even incorporate licensure preparation into the curriculum, meaning you can apply for any necessary state licensure upon finishing your program. 

However, these types of qualifications can also be a good choice for those who already possess a degree. If you’re looking to make a career change or pick up new skills in your field, look at one of the highly specialized certificates that focus on key areas. For example, many colleges offer electrician’s certificates that only require a GED or high school diploma with a minimum GPA of 2.0. 

Associate’s Degrees in Trades and Careers

Your typical associate’s degree in the trades and careers will blend together classroom instruction and real-world field experience, alongside a foundation in general education. You’ll usually take around two years to complete such a program, with many of your courses centering around skills that are important to employers, including literacy and communications. 

Some associate’s degree programs focus more greatly on practical experience than others. For many professions in the trades and careers, you’ll need to learn highly technical, hands-on skills, so you’ll likely spend a large portion of your time putting these skills into practice. 

Bachelor’s Degrees in Trades and Careers

For most trades and careers professions, you won’t need a bachelor’s degree; however, higher levels of education can translate to higher earning potential. In some cases, employers also prefer candidates who have been to college and earned a degree. You might also choose to enrol in a bachelor’s degree program if you’ve set your sights on a senior management position; courses in business and leadership would help to prepare you for such a role. 

Bachelor’s degrees in trades and careers are most beneficial to prospective students who want to enter more technical roles. For example, construction managers typically hold a degree in construction management; the same applies to engineers, who can specialize in one of many areas, including civil engineering or mechanical engineering. 

Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Trades and Careers

Most people working in trades and careers don’t pursue a master’s or doctoral degree, given that entry requirements for these types of roles are commonly two or fewer years’ worth of post-high school education. Still, if you’re aiming for a senior role, work in a highly technical field like engineering, or want to switch to a different field, a higher level of education could help. 

A master’s degree program based around business, leadership, or management can be beneficial for students looking to reach the upper echelons of management within a large corporation. This might include construction or project managers or engineering majors, for example. It’s highly uncommon for trades and careers professions to pursue education to a doctoral level. 

Trade School Programs in Trades and Careers

In this section, we’d typically look at the best degree disciplines that exist within a particular field. However, if you’re interested in trades and careers, then your time could be better spent attending a trade school or apprenticeship. So, since we’ve already covered the various types of degrees available above, in this section we will look at the fields in which you could work after learning through trade schools, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training.      

Aerospace

With a degree or trade school program in aerospace, you could find work as an aircraft mechanic, for example. Many qualified aircraft mechanics attend schools approved by the FFA, while others find on-the-job training opportunities. Such opportunities tend to last around 18 months to two years, which is why some students opt for an associate’s degree in aerospace or similar, as this takes roughly the same amount of time to complete and can give you a greater understanding of the underpinning theory. 

Architecture

Architects undertake a rigorous course of study that includes a bachelor’s degree and often, a master’s-level program, too. However, you can still find work in this field without following the same intensive academic route. Architectural and civil drafters produce intricate drawings of new buildings, maps, or other critical pieces of infrastructure, using an architect’s designs. To qualify for such a role, you won’t need to find an apprenticeship. Instead, you’ll usually enrol in a program at a community college or trade school; these programs can include associate’s degrees, though there are usually less costly diploma or certificate programs available, too. 

Carpentry

Carpenters work primarily with wood, creating or repairing both internal and external structures. While you’ll be a carpenter by trade, your role will include lots of other responsibilities, including creating your own designs and managing the delivery of a project. Carpenters need a high school diploma and will typically gain their skills via an apprenticeship; however, unlike electricians, there are no stringent requirements or licenses required. 

Construction

This is a broad field that includes many roles. Construction management is one of the highest-paying disciplines within this field, though these professionals typically need a degree (you can read more about our example roles in the table below). However, working in this industry could involve operating heavy machinery, which requires no college degree. Instead, you’ll complete apprenticeships lasting around 3 to 4 years, during which time you’ll learn how to operate a range of equipment safely. You may, however, need to have a CDL license for certain machines. 

Electrician

Becoming an electrician can be slightly more time-consuming than getting qualified for other roles within the trades. In most U.S. states, you will need to have accrued at least 8,000 hours of on-the-job training through an apprenticeship, in addition to completing basic general education courses. You’ll also normally require licensure to work alone, which will require an understanding of building codes and theory. 

Some community colleges and four-year institutions offer related degrees in areas such as electrical technology, though it’s worth bearing in mind that having such a degree or diploma will not replace the need to accrue the above hours in a practical role. If you need help locating suitable apprenticeships, you can check out the U.S. Department of Labor’s website. 

Fire Services

Degrees in fire sciences are available, even to those who already work as firefighters. Perhaps you’re looking to be promoted or maybe you want to break into the field; you’ll gain essential communication and critical thinking skills, and learn how to be a leader. However, a degree is not a necessity, as you can gain entry to the necessary fire academy training with a high school diploma. You will also need to pass intensive physical tests and written tests, plus have an emergency medical technician (EMT) certificate. 

Masonry

Qualified masons work with raw building materials, such as bricks or concrete. They work on the new build of structures that may include homes, walkways, walls, and so on. You’ll need a foundational knowledge of subjects that include construction and math, which may come from your high school education—if specialized enough—or general education courses as part of a trade school program. 

Some colleges also offer associate-level degrees in masonry. For example, Williamson College of the Trades offers an associate’s degree in “Construction Technology – Masonry Emphasis.” This will give you some of the essential skills needed by masons, including mathematics, the ability to understand complex technical and safety documentation, and communication skills. 

Plumbing

As a plumber, you’ll work on the installation and maintenance of systems that ferry water and gases to residential and commercial properties. The typical route into this profession is via an apprenticeship; you’ll need to accrue around 2,000 hours of experience and training to become fully qualified, in addition to taking courses on the subject area. These courses will include topics such as safety, regulations, and how to understand blueprints. 

In most states, you’ll need to pass an examination to gain relevant licensure that will allow you to work unsupervised. If you’d prefer to enrol in a college program, there are options available. For example, Northern Maine Community College offers a plumbing and heating program that will give you a foundational understanding of the industry. You’ll learn how to install and repair plumbing fixtures, while gaining practical, hands-on experience. 

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Degree in Trades and Careers?

Most roles within trades and careers won’t require you to go to college. Some apprenticeships are available straight out of high school, while others might require one to two years’ worth of post-high school education. To satisfy these requirements, students often enrol in a certificate program or diploma. In most cases, you’ll be able to secure a place on such a program with a minimum GPA of 2.0, which is far below the usual expectations set by college admissions offices. 

What Can I Do with a Degree in Trades and Careers?

A role in trades and careers is a fairly stable career in the long-term; there’s always a demand for skilled laborers in every field, particularly when it comes to disciplines such as carpentry, electrical work, or plumbing. Depending on your career aspirations, you might not need to go to college, so you should think carefully about your intended career path, as a college-level education is very expensive and may not make a large difference in your role. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the most common roles in trades and careers and their entry requirements. 

Architects

While many roles within trades and careers don’t require a postsecondary education, this role is one of the few exceptions. To become an architect in any state, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in a related field is typically the first step. Some graduates choose to pursue a master’s degree, too. Once qualified, you’ll be involved in the design and planning of new structures, including homes, offices, and commercial properties. You’ll provide costs and specifications for new projects, prepare scale drawings using complex computer software, and in some cases you’ll manage construction contracts. 

Carpenters

Carpenters do not require a degree; most carpenters have a high school diploma and gain on-the-job training, or opt for an apprenticeship. However, some trade schools offer associate-level degrees in this field. As a carpenter, you’ll work to specifications to create new structures or building frameworks, or work on the repair of existing structures. You might be supervising a group of other laborers and construction assistants. 

Construction Managers

Construction managers will typically hold a bachelor’s degree in a related field, before gaining an entry-level role to start building their experience and skills. Some larger companies require you to have a minimum amount of experience, too. A bachelor’s degree should be your first choice if you want to remain competitive when looking for work. Once qualified and sufficiently experienced, you’ll be responsible for construction projects and all related responsibilities, including setting and managing a budget, reporting on work progress, working with architects and engineers, and complying with all regulations relating to new structural buildings. 

Electricians

Many electricians complete an apprenticeship to gain experience in the field, though some students take a course at a technical school; this can be a good option as it will teach you a range of essential skills, including best practices and safety, and an overview of electrical circuits. In most states, you will also be expected to hold licensure. Once qualified, you’ll be involved in the installation or maintenance of wiring, lighting, and other electrical systems. 

FBI Agents, Police, and Detectives

Education requirements in law enforcement vary from one role to the next. To become a police officer, you’ll need a high school diploma, but you’ll also need to complete a training academy before gaining on-the-job experience. You’ll also need a high level of fitness. For more senior roles in agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), you’ll normally be expected to hold a bachelor’s degree. For police officers, after gaining significant experience in the role, you may get the opportunity to move up to the detective level for higher earning potential and responsibility. 

Heating, Air conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

While you’re not expected to have postsecondary education, some employers prefer candidates that do, owing to the highly complex nature of modern HVACR systems. Depending on your locality, you might need licensure, too. As a mechanic in this field, you could be installing new systems or making repairs, performing tests on existing systems, and discussing malfunctions with property owners. You’ll need to have a strong understanding of the complex workings of these machines. 

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

Most professionals working in these fields have learned their trades by completing apprenticeships. However, some attend technical schools to complete a certificate or diploma in their specialization. This can be a good option as you will gain experience using specialist equipment that could help boost your employability. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include fitting or repairing pipework and water systems. You might be installing a new system to a specification or repairing faulty pipework within somebody’s home. 

Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers

You can become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer by completing your high school diploma and gaining on-the-job training. However, specific courses could help you to find work, including physics, chemistry, and shop mathematics. Depending on your specific role, you’ll be using a range of hand-held machinery to shape metal components or structures, which could include cutting, welding together, or filling imperfections within metal products. 

How Much Can I Earn with a Degree in Trades and Careers?

Some of the higher-paying roles available in these fields are reserved for those who have been to college. For example, construction managers and architects are some of the highest earners within the below roles that we’ve looked at. However, in most cases, professionals working in trades and careers earn above the U.S. national average for all other occupations combined, which falls slightly short of $40,000, according to 2019 data published by the BLS. 

Can I Get an Online Degree in Trades and Careers?

Online study is less common among students studying or training in a trades and careers field. Apprenticeships are common in these areas; these require you to work alongside your studies.

If you’ve enrolled in a program such as construction management, it may be possible to study remotely, though you’ll also want to find a way to gain experience in the field; this will help you find a role more easily after graduation.