Gone are the days when the only way to find success was through earning a four-year college degree. According to a 2024 report from The Burning Glass Institute, “One of the biggest risks students face is that their degree will not provide access to a college-level job. Today, only about half of bachelor’s degree graduates secure employment in a college-level job within a year of graduation.”1 This is where trade school can benefit professionals of all kinds—from high school graduates to professionals switching careers from another field.
Trade school jobs rely on hands-on experience and skills that employers actively need. “Construction and manufacturing, specifically, may experience strong competition for entry-level skilled-trades talent, “according to McKinsey & Company in 2024.2 If you’re looking to fill one of these proposed skill gaps, you may consider pursuing a trade. Trade jobs include hands-on roles like truck driver, plumber, and electrician. Many folks who enroll in trade school versus a four-year degree typically find a quicker pathway to a successful career—as trade school is designed to align you with clear career pathways.
Whether you’re drawn to mechanical trades, transportation, healthcare support, or technical roles, the right program can help you step confidently into a stable career with room to grow. This guide breaks down trade careers you can pursue that might match your strengths and long-term goals.
Key Takeaways
- Trade school provides a faster, more affordable path into stable careers that rely on real-world, hands-on experience.
- Career paths range widely—from HVAC and electrical work to medical assisting, welding, diesel technology, and CDL driving.
- Most trades offer clear advancement opportunities, whether through specialized training, certifications, or apprenticeships.
- Training timelines vary, but many programs take less than a year, helping students begin earning sooner.
- Choosing the right trade depends on your interests, preferred work environment, and required licensing or certification.
Trade School Careers to Explore
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems in homes and commercial buildings.3 Through this type of work, you’ll be combining mechanical, electrical, and refrigeration skills to help diagnose issues, replace components, and help customers understand how to operate their systems safely.
In order to become an HVAC technician, you’ll need to complete hands-on training through a trade school program. Coursework typically focuses on the refrigeration cycle, electrical systems, and diagnostic procedures. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2025, under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, “technicians who maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere must be certified.”4 They must do this through earning the EPA 608 Certification.
This trade job may be aligned with your career goals if you excel at mechanical problem-solving, prefer varied indoor and outdoor work environments, and enjoy making sure customers remain safe and healthy in their homes.
Electrician
As of 2025, the job outlook for electricians remains solid. Electricians remain in high demand due to ongoing construction, renewable energy projects, and a retiring workforce. In 2024, McKinsey & Company noted, “Critical to both the construction and manufacturing industries, an estimated 30 percent of union electricians are expected to reach retirement age in the next decade.”2
Electricians are responsible for installing wiring, troubleshooting power issues, maintaining electrical systems, and ensuring buildings meet safety codes.5 Their work is typically seen in residential, commercial, and industrial environments—handling everything from new construction and renovations to routine building inspections.
Training to become an electrician may start with completing a trade school program; however, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2024, most electricians learn their trade through a four- or five-year apprenticeship opportunity.6 Apprenticeships are a low- or no-cost learning option that combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Note that, although it varies, most states require electricians to obtain a license after gaining supervised experience and passing an exam.
If you’re detail-oriented individuals who enjoy working with their hands, solving technical problems, and staying current with safety regulations, becoming an electrician may be a great career path for you.
Plumber / Pipefitter
Plumbers and pipefitters are tasked with installing and repairing piping that carries water, gas, and waste in homes and commercial properties.7 They work with piping systems, fixtures, valves, and blueprints to ensure systems operate safely and meet local codes.
According to the BLS as of 2024, similar to electricians, some start with a trade school to gain foundational knowledge, but most plumbers complete a paid apprenticeship program—training under experienced professionals to earn industry-specific skills.8 Licensing requirements vary by state but typically include classroom hours, supervised work experience, and passing a certification exam.
This career is well-suited for those who like hands-on physical work, problem-solving, and a job where no two days look the same. Sound like you? Consider this career path.
Truck Driver
Truck drivers who earn their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) are responsible for transporting goods and materials across local, regional, or long-haul routes. They operate commercial vehicles ranging from delivery trucks to full tractor-trailers, ensuring shipments arrive safely and on time. A typical day can involve vehicle inspections, route planning, and communication with dispatchers.
If you’re genuinely interested in pursuing a professional career in transportation, you’ll need to earn practical skills taught through CDL training programs. Your CDL vocational school must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration (FMCSA)—preparing you for the Entry-Level Driver Training Theory (ELDT) exam and providing you with behind-the-wheel instruction from industry professionals.9 Training length depends on whether you’re pursuing a Class A or Class B CDL, but typically lasts a few months.
This would be a fulfilling career if you enjoy mechanics, travel, and working independently.
Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanics repair and maintain commercial diesel engines used in trucks, buses, heavy equipment, and generators.10 Their work ranges from routine oil changes to full engine rebuilds and electrical diagnostics. These mechanics can specialize in fleet maintenance, heavy equipment, or diagnostics.
A high school diploma is typically a standard requirement across the board; however, according to the BLS as of 2024, “Some employers prefer to hire workers with postsecondary education in diesel engine repair. Many community colleges and trade and vocational schools offer certificate or degree programs in diesel engine repair.”11 If you’re looking to save money, some employers provide paid, on-the-job training in return for future employment loyalty—like Love’s,TLG, or Titan Machinery.12,13,14
This career suits problem-solvers who enjoy hands-on mechanical work.
Medical Assistant (MA)
Medical assistants support doctors and nurses in clinics, hospitals, and outpatient centers. Their duties include taking patient histories, checking vital signs, scheduling appointments, managing records, and assisting with basic clinical procedures.
Most medical assistants complete postsecondary education in roughly one to two years, either through trade school or community college, according to the BLS as of 2024.15 Certification requirements vary by state. Some important qualities to perform this specific job successfully include having strong analytical skills, impeccable communication skills, and being incredibly detail-oriented.
This role may suit you if you enjoy working with patients directly, balancing administrative and clinical tasks, and contributing to a healthcare team.
Dental Assistant
Dental assistants prepare exam rooms, sterilize tools, take X-rays (with proper certification), and support patient communication. They may also assist dentists chairside during procedures, along with helping to keep daily operations on schedule. According to the BLS as of 2024, demand for dental assistants remains steady, with a projected six percent employment growth through 2034.16
If you’re pursuing this particular field of work, you can take a few routes to get there. In 2024, the BLS noted that, “some states require assistants to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. In other states, there are no formal educational requirements, and dental assistants learn through on-the-job training.”17 If you’re thinking about a dental assistant program or an associate’s degree, this could take up to two years to complete.
This job may be ideal if you’re someone who enjoys helping patients feel comfortable and wants an in-demand healthcare support role.
Fastest-Growing Careers after Trade School
Many trade careers continue to grow quickly as industries expand, infrastructure ages, technology evolves, and the current workforce slowly begins to retire. The previously mentioned 2024 McKinsey & Company article highlights the critical need for trade skills in the U.S.—especially for companies with operations in manufacturing and construction.2 The fastest-growing careers after trade school fall into what they call “critical trade categories,” or in-demand jobs that will see a massive decline in skilled workers unless something big changes.
Among the top critical trade jobs are:
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- Carpenters
- Electricians
- HVAC technicians and installers
- Material-moving machine operators
- Plumbers
- Welders
- Construction laborers
What ties these skilled trade jobs together is their combination of specialized skills and lower barriers to entry. For trade school students looking for a clear path into the workforce, these trades may represent reliable options that are less susceptible to AI automation.
How to Choose the Right Career After Trade School
Choosing the right trade career for you starts with understanding what your strengths are and what type of work environment you enjoy. Some roles, like welding and plumbing, involve physically demanding tasks, while others, such as medical assisting or dental assisting, focus more on communication, customer service, and technical skills. It helps to consider whether you enjoy solving mechanical problems, working with tools, or interacting directly with clients and patients.
Licensing and certification requirements also vary across trades, so it’s important to understand what each path involves before enrolling in a program. Make sure you research state licensing rules, apprenticeship requirements, and any certifications needed for career advancement. Job shadowing, informational interviews, or talking to professionals in the field can provide helpful insight into day-to-day responsibilities.
By aligning your interests and strengths with the right trade, you can choose a career that offers long-term satisfaction and growth opportunities.
Next Steps
Trade school can offer a fast, often low-cost entry point into high-demand trade careers. Whether you’re interested in hands-on work, healthcare support, or transportation, the right trade can lead to strong job opportunities and a meaningful career you’ll be proud of.
If you’re exploring careers after trade school, take time to compare programs, understand the credentials needed, and choose a path that aligns with your strengths and long-term goals. Trade school careers can provide a practical route to a secure future—and the sooner you begin your training, the sooner you can start building the skills employers need.
Careers After Trade School FAQs
Can you make good money after trade school?
Many trade careers offer competitive wages and opportunities to increase earnings through hands-on experience, additional certifications, and advanced skill specialization.
Are trade jobs stable long term?
Trade jobs tend to be stable because they involve hands-on skills that are difficult for AI to automate and are essential to the fields that help sustain the economy—like construction, logistics, transportation, and healthcare.
Which trade is easiest to learn?
The easiest trade depends on your individual strengths. Some people find medical assisting straightforward, while others prefer hands-on roles like HVAC or automotive technology.
Do trade careers require licensing?
Some trades—such as electricians, plumbers, and truck drivers—require licensing. Others, like diesel mechanics or welding, may require certifications instead of formal licenses.
Sources:
4 https://www.epa.gov/section608/section-608-technician-certification-requirements#requirements
5 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm
6 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-4
7 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm
8 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/plumbers-pipefitters-and-steamfitters.htm#tab-4
12 https://www.loves.com/loves-truck-care-and-speedco/truck-care-academy
13 https://www.tlgtrucks.com/tlg-service-apprenticeship-program
15 https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm#tab-4
16https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-1
17https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/dental-assistants.htm#tab-4
