OTAN News

A Basic Guide to the Skilled Trades

The primary charge for adult education in California in 2019 is to prepare adults for postsecondary education and workforce opportunities. In the workforce realm, one of the great resources of adult education is the range of short-term training programs available that can quickly transition students into work or combine education and job training. But does the average adult school teacher know what preparation is needed for a student who expresses an interest in one of the skilled trades?

The demand for jobs in the trades is strong and getting stronger, and it is still a solid pathway into the middle class for those who do not attend college or those with some college but no bachelor’s degree, or those who do not want to or cannot take on student debt without a clear end goal in sight. Popular Mechanics has put together a handy guide to what it takes to work in the following trades, including how to get started in the field and a good basic resource or two for those who want to learn more:

• Welding
• Masonry
• Electrical
• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Auto Mechanics

There is also discussion of joining the military to get on-the-job training and how to find the right school and tap into financial aid.

If you’re looking to increase your understanding of potential job opportunities for our adult education students, please take a few minutes to read the Popular Mechanics article!

Article: How to Become a Skilled Tradesperson from Popular Mechanics