There are terms and acronyms for nearly every industry. Some cross industries and some are specific to just one. Skilled trades is one used in several, including our work at Cascade Die Casting Group, Inc. But some people may not know exactly what it means – so we’re here to clear it up.
Skilled trades jobs require specialized skills, knowledge and training in a particular craft. Think of them as jobs that require practical experience and/or an apprenticeship (we’ll explain this in a bit) and/or advanced training, but not a college degree. Different types of trades are typically found in construction, manufacturing, automotive repair, plumbing, electrical, welding, carpentry, HVAC (heating, ventilation, air conditioning) and more.
Necessary skills for these types of jobs can be built by completing a vocational or non-degree program at a community college, or through employer-sponsored training. For example, CNC manufacturers may study related topics – programming, robotics – through a program offered at their job, while carpenters or electricians tend to participate in formal apprenticeship programs that teach the necessary skills through a mix of classroom instruction and performing on-the-job tasks.
There are three levels of a skilled tradesperson: apprentice, journeyman and master. As expected, each level requires a higher level of knowledge and skills before you can attain them.
According to ziprecruiter.com, certain characteristics will help you be a successful and sought-after skilled tradesperson. These include:
If you would like to learn a trade or craft, like working with your hands and solving problems, a skilled trades job may be for you.
Cascade Die Casting Group, Inc. offers a variety of skilled trades jobs in maintenance, tool and die, and machining at our three locations in Michigan and North Carolina. We are a premier die caster that makes quality and reliable products for the medical, furniture, consumer electronics, appliances, automotive, off-road sport vehicles industries. You’ve probably come across one of our products on everyday items including Kitchen Aid mixers, John Deere tractors, Whirlpool dryers and vehicles made by Ford, GM, Stellantis, Nissan and Toyota.
For information on Cascade’s trade careers, check out our careers page.