Gain in-the-Field Work Experience in Your Trade

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, home appliance repair professionals may need up to 3 years of on-the-job training in order to become skilled in all aspects of repair.  Electricians learn their trade through apprenticeship programs that "combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction."  As for home inspectors, the Bureau states that they often work with an experienced inspector where "they learn about inspection techniques; codes, ordinances, and regulations; contract specifications; and recordkeeping and reporting duties."

Many aspiring tradesmen and women work with and learn from professionals in the field as part of their schooling.  Depending on the degree or certificate you seek, you may only need to take a few courses while laboring in a two or three-year long apprenticeship.  On the other hand, you could be required to take a full curriculum of classroom courses and add on a small amount of real-world experience.  Regardless of your program requisites, it is important for you to gain knowledge, understanding, and expertise directly in the shop, at the job-site, or on the tarmac.  Acquiring on-the-job experience will only benefit you as a future employee:  you will gain confidence, strengthen your résumé, and demonstrate your passion in the industry.

Because most vocational careers require hands-on skills and are dedicated to building and maintaining our society's infrastructures, aspiring mechanics, plumbers, electricians, and carpenters can choose from a bountiful array of apprenticeships.  Following is a list of just some of the possible apprenticeships required or available for those seeking trade or vocational careers:

• At Penn Foster, a program emphasizing workforce development, students can choose to complete the Welder Apprentice Training Program. This program, while offering basic courses, requires students to work in the field to earn the gas and arc welding certificate. Find out more at http://www.workforcedevelopment.com/machinery/welder.html.
• Some community colleges offer apprenticeships as the main thrust of their certificate programs. Lane Community College in Eugene, Oregon provides apprenticeship options for carpenters, plumbers, electricians, millwrights, and sheet metal workers. Visit http://www.lanecc.edu/apprenticeship/index.htm for more information.
• At the New England School of Court Reporting (http://www.nescr.com/curriculum.htm), one of the program's five classes includes a legal, medical, and conference court reporting apprenticeship.
• With union Amicus, the Electrical Contractors' Association formed JLT, a leading training provider in vocational fields. At http://194.70.173.1/youngpeople/plumbing.php, find out how to open exciting new doors by beginning a rewarding plumbing apprenticeship.

The above examples represent only a small tip of a substantially large iceberg loaded with limitless internship and apprenticeship possibilities.  You now know that in-the-field experience is the most important aspect of a vocational or skill-specific education.  As you take that first step into a trade-related program, learn all you can about the real-world work opportunities you have to choose from and start building that résumé.  You're already on your way!