Are you ready for a career change? Whether you hate your job or just have always thought you’d be a better fit to a hands-on career, the transition to a trades career may be easier than you think. Pick a path, find a training program, enroll, and follow through. With the right education and attitude, you can prepare yourself for a new career in the trades in as few as 10 months. Here are a few tips to get you ready:

Switching Careers? Choose a Skilled Trade That’s Right for You

The skills trades offer many rewarding career paths, so you can choose one that aligns well with your abilities and interests. Consider the kind of work environment you prefer and the skills you already possess that might fit well with a new career. And remember the trades aren’t just plumbers and HVAC Techs. Healthcare has a prominent spot in the trades. So, whether you want to be an HVAC hero coming to the rescue to restore someone’s heat in the middle of a winter power outage or stand at the bedside of an ailing patient as a Medical Assistant, there is probably a position for you.

Research Skilled Trades Training Programs

Once you’ve decided on a trade you want to pursue, find a training program that best fits your timeline. As you compare programs, there are a few factors to consider:

• Program Length—If you want to get to work quickly, choose a certificate program that can be completed in under a year.
• Instruction Style—For skilled trades, look for hands-on training where you can apply what you learn in the classroom on real projects and in real-world settings.
• Instructors—Choose a program taught by instructors who have experience in the field. They can offer plenty of not-from-the-textbook lessons that can prove invaluable once you’re on the job.
• Facilities—Look for up-to-date facilities with the latest tools and equipment. Practicing with the right tools in the right spaces can make you more competitive in the job market.
• Accreditation—Make sure the school you choose is accredited. This means that the curriculum meets industry standards and allows the school to offer financial aid.

Create a Schedule to Balance Career School and Life

Even if you don’t currently have a full-time job, you probably have plenty of other responsibilities. Adding classes into the mix may feel overwhelming, but with some organization and determination, you can balance it all. Make a plan and stick to it. Use a paper calendar or an app to create a weekly schedule that shows your work hours, class times, personal appointments, and family obligations. Work in some study time or lab hours around those blocks to ensure you remain successful in your program. Build in time for breaks—and give yourself a pat on the back when you do well.

Gain Hands-On Trades Experience

Take any opportunity you can to hone your developing skills. That may mean staying after class for more time in shops, labs, or on simulators. Don’t be afraid to ask your instructors how you’re doing and where you can improve. And then do it! But you can also gain experience outside the classroom. For example, in HVAC school, you learn a lot about system maintenance. Why not take care of your own? Or is there a safe place you can practice your soldering? If it’s a healthcare trade you intend to pursue, then volunteer at a local hospital or clinic. Even just a few hours a week gets you exposure to the setting, the people, and the patients you’ll soon be around in your career.

Stay in Good Physical Shape

Many skilled trades careers are physically demanding, so taking care of your body can help you succeed and stay comfortable on the job long-term. Depending on the field, you may spend your day lifting equipment, climbing ladders, working in tight spaces, or standing for long periods of time. Healthcare careers can also be physically active, especially when helping move or support patients throughout the day. Building strength, flexibility, and endurance through regular exercise can help prepare you for these demands. Staying hydrated, getting enough rest, and practicing proper lifting techniques are also important habits that can support your health and energy on the job.

Build a Network of Skilled Trades Workers

A professional network can help you keep up with industry trends, gain different perspectives in the field, and even find a job in your new career. You can build those connections by attending trade fairs, certification workshops, or seminars, or by participating in industry organization meetings and conferences. Your classmates and instructors from your training program are also a part of your network, as well as the local contractors that may partner with your school. And be sure to create a LinkedIn account to connect with other workers in your trade who may be able to offer advice and help you with the job hunt. Keep in touch with the people in your network to find out about available jobs or opportunities.

Prepare Your New Career Toolbox

Many trades careers require you to have your own set of tools and supplies. In skilled trades such as HVAC or welding, employers may provide larger specialty equipment, but you bring your own basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, pliers, tape measures, and levels. In healthcare-focused trades careers, your “toolbox” may look different and include items such as scrubs, supportive shoes, stethoscopes, or other professional supplies used during training and clinical work. Starting to build your toolkit early can help you spread costs and feel more prepared as you begin your new career path.

Adopt the 30-60-90 Day New Career Plan

When you land that first trades job, set up a 30-60-90-day plan to help you set success goals for yourself. Within the first 30 days, you may want to master safety protocol, familiarize yourself with the equipment, and find a mentor. In the next 30 days, you can take the feedback from the first 30 days and build off your progress. You might find small tasks that you can take ownership of, or try to find ways to speed up and improve workflow. In the next 30 days, you can set the goal to work independently with minimal supervision and take ownership of projects from start to finish.

Are you ready to switch to a trades career? �鶹���� offers a variety of programs for the trades and you can complete many of them in less than a year. Call 888-200-9942 or fill out the form to learn more.