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Your first steps into a trade

You don't need experience to start. Many electricians, plumbers and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) technicians begin in a paid job and earn their license as they go. Here's the path, one step at a time.

Pick a trade
Choose your way in
Check the basics
See your state's rules
Apply

Step 1

Pick a trade

Each trade has its own training and license. You can change your mind later, but the training is different for each one.

Electrician Wire homes and buildings: lights, outlets, panels and power. Training: Usually a 4- or 5-year paid apprenticeship, then a license exam. Median pay (May 2025): $63,190 per year Plumber Install and fix the pipes that carry water, waste and gas. Training: Usually a 4- or 5-year paid apprenticeship, then a license exam. Median pay (May 2025): $63,800 per year HVAC Technician Install and repair heating, air conditioning and refrigeration. Training: Usually 6 months to 2 years of trade school, then on-the-job learning; some do an apprenticeship. Median pay (May 2025): $61,010 per year General Contractor Run building projects and the crews that do the work. Training: Usually many years in a trade first, or a construction management degree. Median pay, construction managers (May 2025): $114,990 per year

Not sure yet? Compare pay and training across the trades, or look at carpentry and solar.

Step 2

Choose your way in

There are four common ways to start. Many people combine them, for example a helper job first and an apprenticeship after.

Apprenticeship Paid while you learn A paid job with classes attached. You apply to a union training committee, a contractor association or an employer, much like applying for a job. Helper job No experience needed Get hired to carry tools and materials and learn on the job. Some states make you register first. Pre-apprenticeship A few weeks to a few months A short course that gets you ready to apply for an apprenticeship. It can give you an edge, but it doesn't promise you a spot. School High school, trade school or college Trade programs in high school, trade schools and community colleges. Whether school hours count toward a license depends on your state.

Union or non-union? How they differ. Worried about cost? How to pay for training.

Step 3

Check the basics

The apprenticeship programs we checked commonly ask for these. Each program sets its own list.

Age 18 is common. Registered apprenticeships can start at 16. Minimum requirements
A high school diploma or GED (General Educational Development test). No diploma yet? Free adult education classes can help you catch up. What to do
Often a driver's license and a drug test.
Many add a math and reading test and an interview. What the test covers
Your papers: an official high school transcript or GED records, a driver's license, a birth certificate, and military discharge papers (DD-214) if you served. School records can take weeks, so start now. The full list

Step 4

See your state's rules

Every state sets its own license levels, hours, exams and fees. Your state's page shows them, and where to apply.

Step 5

Apply

Some programs take applications only at set times. Most then give a math and reading test, interview you and rank applicants on a waiting list. Apply to more than one.

Words you'll hearJourneyman, JATC, open shop and other words, explained. What's a journeyman?The fully trained level most apprentices work toward.Leaving an office job?How adults retrain into a licensed trade.