Skilled Trades: What Are They?
Skilled tradespeople are the unsung heroes of society. They construct and maintain our homes, roads, and bridges. They ensure our vehicles are running safely. They provide indispensable healthcare services and create the tech infrastructure that connects our world. With an aging population of skilled workers, there's a rising need for new tradespeople, resulting in an abundance of job opportunities.

Debunking Common Misconceptions About Skilled Trades:
Despite common misconceptions, trade jobs aren't the 'last resort' or exclusively for those uninterested in academia. Nor are they low-paying. Many trades offer competitive starting salaries that can exceed those of university graduates. They also require intellectual prowess, as they often demand comprehensive knowledge, strategic thinking, and a knack for problem-solving.

Advantages of a Career in Skilled Trades:
Trades offer a host of benefits, including job security due to high demand, potential for excellent wages, the satisfaction of creating tangible results, and the opportunity to build your own business. These professions can often offer a more direct and affordable path to a rewarding career compared to traditional university degrees, and allow a healthy balance of physical and mental engagement in your daily work.

Preparing Your Resume and Cover Letter: Highlight your specific skills, relevant certifications, and hands-on experience. Make sure to emphasize any machinery you're proficient in, or significant projects you've worked on.

Interviewing for Skilled Trades: Be prepared to discuss your skills, experience, and passion for your trade. Remember, interviews for trade jobs may also include practical tests or demonstrations of your skills.

Networking and Job Search Strategies: Networking is a powerful tool for finding job opportunities. Join professional organizations, attend trade shows, and use social media to connect with other professionals in your trade.

Using Online Job Platforms: Platforms like Indeed and Monster can help you find job opportunities in your area. These platforms allow you to filter jobs by title, location, and other factors to find the best fit for you.

The Importance of Labor Unions: Labor unions advocate for workers, helping to secure better wages, safer working conditions, and protecting the rights of workers. In the skilled trades, unions often also offer training programs and help set standards for the industry.

Exploration of Common Skilled Trades
Detailed descriptions of these skilled trade can be found on the  O*NET OnLine Database