A trade career is a type of job that focuses on practical, hands-on skills rather than academic or office-based work. These careers usually involve learning a specific craft or technical skill and often require training through apprenticeships, vocational schools, or certifications instead of a traditional 4-year college degree.

Examples of trade careers include:

• Electrician

• Plumber

• Carpenter

• Welder

• HVAC technician (heating and cooling systems)

• Auto mechanic

• Construction worker

• Hairstylist or barber

People in trade careers:

• Work with tools, machines, or physical materials

• Often learn by doing (on-the-job training)

• Can earn good pay without taking on large student debt

• May start working sooner than someone in a university path