Trades 101: Chapter 2

The Big 6 + Future Paths

1/5
Section 1 of 5

The Big 6 Trades

When people say "the trades," they usually mean a handful of core disciplines. But within each one, there are specializations that can take your career in wildly different directions. Let's break down the Big 6 — the trades with the highest demand, best pay, and most career flexibility.

Key Takeaways

  • 1Electrician — The tech-savvy problem solver
  • 2Millwright — The mechanical genius
  • 3Welder — The metal artist
  • 4Plumber/Pipefitter — The essential infrastructure builder
  • 5Heavy Equipment Operator — The big machine commander
  • 6Carpenter — The structural backbone