Solidify Your Spot within the Trade Industry

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment in the trade, transportation, and utilities supersector will grow by 6 percent from 2006 to 2016.  In fact, this sector of the workforce has and will continue to have the fourth largest growth rate in the country, adding over 1.5 million professionals to its thriving workforce.  As the backbone of our nation, professionals such as builders, mechanics, and electricians need to constantly refine and improve their skills to strengthen our infrastructure and maintain our society's technical prowess.  As an aspiring professional in one of these fields, you, too, will be an important factor in satisfying the needs of public or private businesses, government agencies, and/or individuals.

Once you've achieved your goals of attaining a solid education and becoming a certified professional in a trade-specific career, it's time to sink your teeth in and start working.  In the workplace, however, you'll need to constantly search for ways to better your skills, improve your knowledge, and attain higher certifications, if possible.  As you climb your professional ladder, you will gain confidence, contribute more than you thought possible, and find fulfilling personal, financial and intellectual gains. 

There are many ways to solidify your career and strengthen your résumé, even while on the job.  As you get to know the ins and outs of your specialization-expectations, certificates, test requirements, etc-you will have more of an idea of what you can do to improve your professional status.  Depending on your chosen field, you can take continuing education courses, pass necessary exams, achieve higher certifications, and join various unions or groups. 

Following is a list of examples of ways you can strengthen your career in trade-specific vocations:

• Auto mechanics can pursue a higher certification to solidify their careers and bolster their résumés.  The ASE, or National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence certification, while not necessary in all locations, is a must if you're facing tough competition or seeking employment in large urban areas.
• Already a trained aviator mechanic but interested in more?  The FAA offers a training program that prepares students for certification as both an airframe and a powerplant mechanic.  For a combined A&P certificate, mechanics must acquire at least 30 months of experience working with both engines and airframes.  
• After completing a training program as a refrigerator repair specialist, repairers must pass an exam.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics states that all repairers who deal with refrigerants must pass an examination in proper handling as mandated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA authorizes trade schools, unions, and other related groups to administer exams to those seeking certification.
• The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) runs the National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC) program.  This program involves exams that evaluate certain abilities like problem solving and repairing and servicing large home appliances.  There are three areas of specialization where one can be tested: appliances related to laundry or dishwashers, refrigerators and air-conditioners, and cooking.  The NASTeC is a certification that never expires.
• Solidify your spot as a sheet metal worker by joining a union.  The Sheet Metal Worker's International Association (http://www.smwia.org/) represents 150,000 skilled workers and craftsmen in North America.

For a comprehensive list of links of unions or trade-specific career resources, visit our page that lists other helpful trade career sites. 

While you're in school building the fundamentals to become a prominent and competent professional, you'll most likely take challenging classroom or laboratory courses and go through stimulating apprenticeships.  Then, on the job, you'll often be supported in your efforts to continue your education.  After all, building and refining your skills, while strengthening your own position, will benefit your employer as well.  So take advantage of every opportunity!  Advance your career and you will find yourself enjoying your job more, reaping financial benefits, and building your confidence.