These trades, including pipefitting, welding, HVACR, and shipbuilding,

allow workers to use their skills to design, create, and implement

systems that literally define civilization.

After young men and women

graduate from high school, they

are often expected to have an

idea ofwhat they want to do

professionally. Today fewer young

people are choosing to enter the

skilled trades, preferring instead

careers in business, engineering,

medicine, and entertainment.

However, of those who take skilled

trade vocational classes in high

school, an overwhelming 77%

would consider a career in the

skilled trades. This is nearly double

the rate of students who haven’t

taken those courses (39%). Aside

from enjoying the rewarding work,

students are also attracted by the

flexible hours, free job training

offered by some employers, and

good work benefits that often

accompany a career in the skilled

trades. These trades, including

pipefitting, welding, HVACR, and

shipbuilding, allow workers to use

their skills to design, create, and

implement systems that literally

define civilization.

Employers, however, may not see applicants without prior experience in the field as the best candidates to take on their line of work. Instead, one of the best ways to start on a path into the skilled trades is to enroll in a vocational training program.

What to ExpEct in thE SkillEd tradESWhile a career as a skilled tradesman can be very rewarding, it is also hard work. Work can take place indoors or outdoors depending on the project and you could be doing anything from crawling at the foot of a boiler to climbing up ladders or scaffolding to reach a target area. For these reasons, anyone considering work as a skilled technician should be able to tolerate extreme environments and work from uncomfortable positions. Physical

stamina is important, and you should be able to work on your feet for long periods of time. You will need good eyesight as well as excellent hand-eye coordination. Finally, you should expect to learn new skills over time. As the fields gradually evolve, technicians need to be able to expand their own knowledge base in order to remain competitive among other workers. Sometimes continued education is sponsored by companies you work for, but if you are self-employed or between jobs, you may have to keep yourself current without the outside directives.

Because working conditions may be dangerous, a working knowledge and consistent practice of safety procedures is essential. Manufacturing, construction, repair and maintenance, and wholesale trades are the primary industries for skilled trade technicians

to work in. Skilled trade technicians can work in an array of environments, including but not limited to, factories, businesses, and in-home visits. Seasonal challenges, which can strain pipes or heating and cooling systems, may force these technicians to work longer or more irregular hours during certain times of the year. Depending on your employer, you may be asked to regularly work on evening or weekend shifts. Emergency repairs are more common for self-employed technicians, particularly plumbers and HVACR technicians.

Currently, there is a generational gap in the skilled trades workforce. Fewer young people choose to enter technical careers as schools increasingly focus on college preparation. Many markets report demand for more skilled workers as older workers retire and fewer young recruits enter the field to take their place. Despite this demand, entry into the field can be competitive, and employers may prefer for applicants with previous training over newcomers who simply have a passion for the trade. For this reason, some employers recommend that individuals interested in working in a technical field start by taking classes at a technical or community college.

What You Would lEarn in a training programA technical training program will not only introduce you to the field but will give you a practical foundation of skills you can use immediately in entry-level positions.

WElding: Welding is the process of melting and fusing metal to create a permanent bond between two separate pieces. The practice is widely used across a number of industries, including shipbuilding, auto manufacturing, construction, and pipeline building. Over 100 different welding techniques have been invented. Technicians must be able to determine which welding techniques are necessary, based on the metals they are working with or the environmental conditions they are working in. It is important that welding technicians have knowledge in the following areas:

• Reading blueprints• Safety procedures• Tools & equipment maintenance• Calculations for welding• Plasma, Arc, MIG, TIG, Fluxcore, and pipeline welding

pipEfitting & StEamfitting: Although steamfitters and pipefitters are members of distinct trades, their skills and training often overlap. Technicians working in these areas also have the common goal of creating and installing systems that carry or control the flow of water, steam, gas, or other liquids. Pipefitters often work in industrial or commercial settings, such as at power plants, to install or repair pipe systems. Steamfitters work specifically with high-pressure or high-temperature pipe systems, which are generally used to generate heat or electricity. Pipefitters and steamfitters will generally have knowledge in the following areas:

• Basics of construction and pipefitting systems• Reading blueprints• Trade mathematics• Pipe fabrication and system installation• Pipefitting troubleshooting

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hVacr: HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technicians design, install, and maintain systems that control the climate of enclosed or indoor areas. They create comfortable living and working environments for building residents and visitors as well as establish the proper conditions for storing and transporting perishable items, such as food and medicine. Some technicians may specialize in certain areas over others or deal primarily with one type of equipment, such as solar panels, commercial refrigeration, etc. HVACR technicians generally have experience in the following:

• Mechanical and electrical principles• Residential and commercial wiring• Solar (photovoltaic) theory and installation• Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration installation and maintenance techniques

• HVACR system troubleshooting

tulSa WElding SchoolFor anyone considering entering a technical trade, Tulsa Welding School offers the training you need to get started. TWS has two campus locations in Tulsa, OK and Jacksonville, FL. In addition to offering programs for Professional Welder, Pipefitting, Electro-Mechanical Technologies (HVAC/R training), and Shipfitting and Steel Fabrication, TWS also allows students to benefit from a career services department. This specialized department helps students draw up resumes, search for employment, prepare for interviews, and pass employer required tests. To find out more about how Tulsa Welding School can benefit your future, request program information online or call us to answer questions about admissions, housing, curriculum, tuition or career placement.

tulSa WElding School JackSonVillE campuS- 888-765-77003500 SouthSidE BoulEVardJackSonVillE, fl 32216

tulSa WElding School tulSa campuS-888-765-5552545 E. 11th StrEEttulSa, ok 74104-3309

Accredited School, ACCSC. TWS-Jacksonville is a branch campus of Tulsa Welding School, located at 2545 E. 11th St., Tulsa, OK 74104. Tulsa, OK campus is licensed by OBPVS and ASBPCE. Jacksonville, FL campus is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2331. Accredited in Indiana by the SWIC (AC-0290) and licensed by the Mississippi Commission on Proprietary School and College Registration, License No. C-668.GI Bill Eligible (check with local campus for specific eligibility). For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete our programs, and other important information, please visit our website at: http://www.weldingschool.com/GEdisclosure.

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rESourcES: http://www.reliableplant.com/Read/15760/poll-skilled-trades-rank-low-in-teens’-career-optionshttp://www.coloradoconstructioncareerdays.com/resources/LongmontFYI_ConstructionCareersOutlook_2005.pdfhttp://www.chron.com/jobs/article/Skilled-trade-workers-can-build-strong-careers-4326395.php

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