Skilled Trades Systems Pathway
Skilled trades systems careers demand hands-on skills, technical expertise, and craftsmanship for construction, maintenance, and repair services.
Focus Areas
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Equipment Mechanics: This area focuses on the repair, maintenance, and operation of farm machinery and equipment, such as tractors, combines, and irrigation systems, ensuring they run efficiently and reliably in agricultural settings.
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Construction and Metal Fabrication: This involves constructing agricultural structures like barns, silos, and greenhouses, as well as fabricating custom metal parts and equipment used in farming operations, ensuring durability and functionality in harsh agricultural environments.
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Systems Design and Maintenance: This area focuses on the installation, maintenance, and repair of electrical, irrigation, plumbing, and other systems necessary to agricultural operations.
Skilled trade careers are essential for maintaining and advancing infrastructure, driving economic growth, and ensuring the efficient functioning of various industries while providing individuals with fulfilling and stable job opportunities.
Education Requirements
Skilled trades typically require specialized training through apprenticeships, vocational schools, or technical programs, rather than traditional four-year college degrees. Many trades also involve obtaining certifications or licenses to demonstrate proficiency and meet industry standards.
How to Get Started
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Job shadow: Participate in job shadowing or internships to explore different trades, gain insights, and determine which trade aligns to your interests and skills.
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Get hands-on experience: Find opportunities to build things. Use wood or metal to build a structure. Learn how to wire a light or complete a simple plumbing project.
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Take a related class: Take a variety of skill-based CTE classes offered at your high school.
Example Jobs
Welder
A career as a welder involves using specialized tools to join or cut metal parts in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive. Welders must have technical skills and attention to detail and often require certification or training to meet industry standards and ensure safety.
How did Richard get his start in welding?
Commercial Driver
A career as a commercial driver involves operating large vehicles such as trucks or buses to transport goods or passengers over long distances. Commercial drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL), follow safety regulations, and often work varying hours, requiring focus and time management skills.
What are some of the requirements to get a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
Butcher or Meat Cutter
A career as a butcher involves cutting, trimming, and preparing meats for sale in grocery stores, butcher shops, or processing plants. Butchers must have knowledge of meat quality, handling, and safety standards, as well as precision skills for cutting and portioning various types of meat.
What are some of the physical demands of working as a butcher?
Agriculture Equipment Technician
A career as a hydraulic technician in an agricultural setting involves maintaining, repairing, and installing hydraulic systems used in farm machinery and equipment. Hydraulic technicians must have expertise in fluid mechanics, diagnostics, and mechanical systems to ensure the reliable operation of essential agricultural equipment like tractors and harvesters.
What training did Lee receive to start his career?
Related Resources
- Like Your Food? Thank a Trucker | Dirt to Dinner
- Trucks provide the common element across the entire food chain, providing the connective glue that brings food from dirt to dinner.