Career
I want to start working immediately
Click here if you want to go straight into working after high school.
I want to get career-specific training
Click here if you are interested in learning how to enter carpentry, welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, or another building trade. This link will also connect you with programs that will train you to enter careers focused on technology (e.g., computer programming, computer network management, etc.).
How to start your career?
Framing = Entering your career right after high school graduation can be exciting and the right move for you, but it requires a plan.
Key things to know if you want to enter a building trade:
- Get your training first! Spend a few months getting specialized training for your chosen field. This way, you’ll enter ahead of others who do not have that training.
- Get as many certifications as you can! These credentials will mean you can start working sooner than others, and you will likely earn more than them.
- Join a union! Though it isn’t required to enter a building trade, membership in a union will get you more protections from unethical employers, higher pay, and more benefits. It can also mean you get jobs before other, non-unionized workers.
