Boilermakers are tradespeople who cut, shape, assemble and weld steel to construct and repair metal products and structures for boilers, ships, iron and steel structures and other vessels. They also test completed boilers and perform routine maintenance. Boilermakers are also often required to upgrade boilers to meet environmental standards and increase their efficiency.

Task and Duties

• Welding steel and bolting pieces together.
• Reading blueprints and carrying out the work accordingly.
• Casting pieces of metal and bending them into shape.

How to become a Boilermaker

• To become a boilermaker you first need to complete an apprenticeship, which will usually take between 3-4 years
• As part of your internship, you will complete Certificate III in Engineering - Fabrication Trade (MEM30319). This will provide you with both work experience and structured learning.
• You may also want to consider gaining other relevant licenses, such as a White Card which allows you to work at construction sites, or a forklift license which allows you to operate forklifts. 

For training information, visit this website.

To learn more about the local boilermaker union, visit this website.

Bricklayers are skilled trades people who build and repair structures with brick or concrete blocks. Their workload can include constructing, extending and repairing walls, fireplaces, chimneys, foundations, and other brickwork stuctures. Bricklayers use a variety of tools along with their own judgement to ensure that the structure meets the desired standards. Bricklayers are also known as brickmasons, blockmasons, or cement masons.

Tasks and Duties

• Calculating angles and determining both the vectical and horizontal alignment of courses.
• Laying bricks using mortar as a binder and a trowel to level.
• Fastening bricks with wire clamps or cement.
• Working safely on scaffolds or swing stages at various heights.

How to become a bricklayer

• Complete a bricklayer internship in which you will learn techniques for bricklaying and how to use different types of equipment.
• Look into available certifications for bricklayers, while many bricklayers find work right after their apprenticeship having a certification can benefit in the job application.

For training information, visit this website
To learn more about the local bricklayers union, visit this website

Carpentry is one of the oldest construction trades and it still remains in high demand today. Carpenters use natural materials such as timber/wood to install wooden fittings and fixtures. As a carpenter you could be installing doors, floors or furniture. They work in both new builds and in existing structures. Also known as joiner or woodworker.

Tasks and duties

• Follow blueprint and building plans.
• Install structures and fixtures such as windows and molding.
• Measure, cut, and shape wood, plastic, and other material.
• Construct and install building frameworks including walls, floors, and doorways

How to become a carpenter

• You can gain the qualifications and skills for being a carpenter by either doing college courses on carpentry or an apprenticeship.
• To work on construction sites you will also need a Construction Skills Certification Scheme or CSCS.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local carpenter union, visit this website.

Electricians offer a vital skill set that is necessary for modern life to function efficiently. Electricians are tradespeople that install, maintain, and repair electrical systems in buildings such as homes, businesses, factories, and more. They specialize in electrical wiring of buildings, transmission lines, stationary machines, and other related equipment. Electricians may be employed to work on the installation of new electrical components or matienance and repair on existing electrical infrastructure.

Tasks and duties

• Install and maintain wiring, control, and lighting systems.
• Inspect electrical components such as transformers and circuit breakers.
• Identify electrical issues using a variety of tools and testing equipment
• repair or replace wiring, equipment, or fixtures using tools.

How to Become an eletrician

• You need to complete an electrical technology or mechanical engineering apprenticeship program or graduate from either a qualified electrical engineering trade school or vocational school.
• Apply for an apprenticeship, this is required before you can become an electrician. You can get an apprenticeship through a trade school, a union, or other organizations.
• Get licensed or certified, the requirements for needing a license differ from state to state. In the state of New York, it depends, there is no statewide regulations for electrical licenses but some parts of the state require it and some do not. If your area requires a license you need to pass an electrical exam which will test you on your comprehension of the National Electric Code, safety protocols, electrical concepts, and building codes.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local electricians union, visit this website.

In nearly every building consisting of more than one floor has an elevator, elevators are necessary for traveling to higher or lower floors in a fast and easy manner. Elevator Constructors are those responsible for those elevators. Elevator Constructors are highly skilled craftspeople who install, maintain, operate, and repair not just elevators but also escalators, moving sidewalks, and other lifts. They work and both new and old construction and are responsible for the safety of the passengers.

Task and duties:

• Install, maintain, repair elevator doors, cables, motors, and control systems.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot issues with elevator construction.
• Conduct rountine and scheduled maintence of elevators and other transportation systems.
• Ensure all safety regulations and codes are up to date.

How to become an Elevator Constructor:

• In highschool take geomerty, physics and any trade related courses such as mechnical or electrical classes if offered.
• Complete an apprenticeship with a union, contractor, or other businesses/industry associations such as the National Elevator Industry Education Program. In your apprenticeship you will recieve technical instruction along with complete hands-on job training under the supervision of expirenced elevator mechanics. An elevator apprenticeship can last between 4-5 years.
• After you complete an apprenticeship you can choose to earn an additional certification. These can show an employer your mechancial knowledge along with your trade skills. Certifications inculde the Certified Elevator Technician (CET), Certified Accessibility and Private Residence Lift Technician (CAT), and the Qualified Elevator Inspector (QEI).
• After that you can apply for a elevator mechanic job.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Elevator Construction union, visit this website.

Insulation is critcal for a range of different industries including energy, industrial, medical and many more. Heat and Frost Insulators apply insulation materials to buildings, systems, and equipment in order to help control the temperture of the building and prevent/reduce the passenge of heat, cold, sound, and fire.

Task and duties:

• Apply insulating materials to pipes, ductwork, or other mechanical systems.
• Measuring and cutting insulating material using hand and power tools.
• Applying waterproofing cement over insulating materials to finish surfaces.
• Reading an interperting specifications to select the insulation required.

How to become a Heat and Frost Insulator:

• Enter an apprentice program or enroll in insulation training course. In a apprenticeship program you can recieve both in depth training and practical expirence installing insulation.
• After an apprenticeship you can obtain an certification. Being an certified insulator can increase your employability, boost your credability, and show your commitment to the trade.
• Gain expirence in insulation. The more you work on insulation the more proficient you become. Try to gain varying expirence, learn different insulations methods, and stay competive in the field to help become a successful insulator.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Heat and Frost Insulation union, visit this website.

An Ironworker is a trades person who works in the iron working industry. Ironworkers assemble structural framework and install metal support pieces. Historically Ironworkers mainly worked with wrought or cast iron, however today Ironworkers use many different types of materials such as glass, plastic, concrete, and composites.

Tasks and duties:

• Read and understand blueprints.
• Measure and cut metal to exact specifications.
• Replace or repair existing steel parts of building or other structures.
• Operate crane ball and other machinery to move metal pieces into place.

How to become an Ironworker:

• Become an Ironworker helper to learn more about what a Ironworker does. Being an Ironworker helper can introduce you the working conditons, physical requirements, and safety requirements. 
• After high schol you can apply for apprenticeship through an Ironworkers union and take a general knowledge exam. General knowledge exams test you on math and reading comprehension thats relevant in ironworking. During an apprenticeship you can learn about reinforcement and structural ironworking through a mix of classes and hands on work.
• Optionally you also take classes to earn your associate degree to help deeper your knowledge on ironworking. Earning an associate degree may also improve your ability to find a job after an apprenticeship. Some of the ironworking subjects you can take classes in include Hazardous Materials, Blueprint Reading, Types of Ironworking, and Construction Industry History.
• Earning certificates can increase your ability to work on job sites. Certificates you can earn include welding, crane signaling, and rigging.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Ironworker union, visit this website.

Typcially larbors work for construction companies or contractors to perform physical labor during the construction process. Some labors spend their time preparing and cleaning up constructionn sites, other labors may specialize in controlling traffic through construction. Laborers are an essential part of the construction process.

Tasks and duties:

• Clean and prepare construction sites by removing debris and hazards.
• Load and unload building materials for construction.
• Build or take apart bracing, scaffolding, and temporary structures.
• Dig trenches, backfill holes, or compact earth to prepare for construction.
• Operate power tools and hand tools such as jackhammer, saws, and drills.

How to become a laborer:

• Construction labors typically learn on the job. You may start out shadowing expirenced workers and observing what the do and performing tasks under their guidance. Some laborers complete apprenticeship programs which are usually sponsored by local unions or trade programs
• Many employers require laborers to have an complete safety certificate. Some laborers may also earn optionally certificate related such as rigging or scaffolding. Certificates can demostrate that the worker has the knowledge to preform more complex tasks.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Laborer union, visit this website.

Operating engineers cover a wide variey of job classifications in industries such as highway and building constructions, mining, tunnels, landscaping, power plants, refineries, railroads, and many more. They are highly skilled tradespeple who are found on any construction project using constrcution eqiupment. Some of the equipment utiliized by Operating Engineers include cranes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, rollers, backhoes, graders, dredges, hoists, drills, pumps, and many more.

Tasks and duties:

• Performing system updates.
• Documenting operation procedures.
• Identifing production errors.
• Analyzing results and quality assessments.

How to become a Operating Engineer:

• Being an Operating Engineer will typically require a bachlor’s degree in industrial engineering. College courses in industrial engineering majors include physics, chemistry, math, and engineering. These courses provide technical training and skills that operating engineers need in the workplace.
• Operating Engineers need practical expirence first. Internships, trade schools, and cerification courses provide the ability practice and develop technical skills needed. Being able to provide expirence on a resume can greatly help you find a job as an Operating Engineer.
• Some employers may require you to have a professional engineer license. After earning a bachlor’s degree you can take a exam to become an licensed professional engineer. These exams vary from state to state, to learn more about the requirements to have a professional engineer license in New York visit this website. Only licensed engineers can submit designs and plans, the licensing process ensures an individual understands and claims responsibility for the effects that their design can have.
• Many Operating Engineers enroll in masters or doctorate engineering programs to advance their high level skills and achieve a higher level engineer postions. Some roles may require you to continue education courses to keep you current on changing systems, equipement, and safety guidelines.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Operating Engineer union, visit this website.

Every building needs painted walls and surfaces. Painters can work in industrial, commerical, and residential settings. They apply paints, varnishes, and stain to surfaces, they may also hang wallpaper, matching patterns, and trimming edges. Good for those with an interest in building, construction, and public safety.

Tasks and duties:

• Protect furnishing and building materials before and during every paint job.
• Preparing surfaces for painting by cleaning surfaces, repairing holes and cracks, and removing chipped paint.
• Matching paint samples for touch ups.
• Choosing and purchasing paint, brushes, and other supplies.

How to become a painter:

• The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, requires all painting contractors in the US to get a certification to work with lead based paints. This program teaches you safety procedures and risks associated with working in older buildings that may contain lead based paint.
• Many painters learn specifc skills related to their job through either apprenticeships or on the job training. You can get apprenticeships through local unions. On the job training included shadowing expirenced workers performing duties under supervison until your comfortable enough to work under self-supervison. Some jobs prefer you to have completed a painters apprenticeship while others prefer minimum level of on the job training, it depends on the employer and job.
• Earning a certificates can show your skills and qualification to employers. Some states require painters to be licensed or certified. New York state does not require painters to be license however this may differ local government to local governement. Sme certifications for painters include State Liceneses or Certifications, Lead Safety Certification, and Professional Certification.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Painters union, visit this website.

Glaziers are tradespeople who primarily work with glass, installing it into various structures such as windows, doors, and skylights. Types of glass may include insulated glass which retains heat inside buildings and tempered glass which is less prone to breaking. They refer to blueprints to determine the size, cut, and location of glass in a building. 

Tasks and duties:

• Cut and remove any existing glass before installing new glass.
• Decide what materials are needed to complete each job.
• Install pre-assembled wood and metal frameworks for doors or windows so they can install the glass.
• Reading and interpreting blueprints to determine the size, shape, color, thickness of the glass.
• Lifting and securing glass in place using bolts, putty, screws, and cement.

How to become a glazier:

• While a college degree is not required to become a glazier having one can make it easier to get accepted into various programs. It also may help your resume stand out to potentional employers.
• One of the most important steps to becoming a glazier to do an apprenticeship. An apprenticeship will allow you to get practical expirence by working with expirenced glaziers and professionals. You can get an apprenticeship through local unions, contractors, or technical schools. They usually last 4 years and will help you become a better glazier.
• While a license is not required, in most states, with the expection of Florida and Connecticut, having one can get better, higher paying jobs in the future. Anouther option is earning a certification which provides apprentices with the necessary credentials for entry level positions.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Glaziers union, visit this website.

Tapers, also called drywall finishers, prepare the drywall for being covered in paint and wallpaper. They play a signifigant role in the construction process ensuring that walls and ceilings have a smooth surface for final decorative finishes. Some Taper use hand tools to complete their craft while others use power tools.

Tasks and duties:

• Spread sealing compound between boards and panels.
• Press paper tape over joints to embed tape into sealing compounds and to seal joints.
• Spread smooth cementing material over tape using trowels or floating machines to blend joints into the surface of the wall.
• Mix sealing compounds by hand or with portable eletric mixers,
• Install metal molding at wall corners to secure wall board.

How to become a Taper:

• Typcial tapers learn their craft from either going to vocational school or through an apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are offerered through local unions for the specfic trade. Most employers prefer 3-4 years of work expirence through an apprenticeship or hands on job training where you learn drywall taping and finishing.
• While it isnt always required, having an certificate can increase both your skills and ability to get an job in that craft. These is also a way to help refine your skills in measurement, cutting, and applying drywall tape and mud.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Tapers union, visit this website.

A plumber is a trades person who specializes in the installation, repair, and matience of plumbing systems. The plumbing systems consist of pipes, fixtures, and appliances that help distribution of water, gas, and waste disposal. Plumbers work in commercial, industrial, and residental setting. They are responsible for ensuring the proper functioning and efficiency of these systems which allow for clean water supplys, drainage, and the health and safety of occupants.

Tasks and duties:

• Read blueprints and follow building codes for the state and local area.
• Determine the materials and equipment needed for the job.
• Install pipes and fixtures.
• Inspect and test installed pipe systems and pipelines.
• Trouble shoot malfunctioning systems.
• Maintain and repair plumbing systems.

How to become a plumber:

• In highschool if possible you should take classes including subjects such as science, technology, computers, and math to help you further develop skills in the future. 
• Many plumbers will complete highly specific vocational training for skills, to do this you will need to enroll in a trade school or a techincal school that offers plumbing classes. In these classes you can become certified in drainage systems, water, and how to use piping equipment. These skills are highly usefull in being a plumber.
• After the vocational training you will apply for an apprenticeship. Apprenticeships are necessary are majority of the trades, you can apply for them at a local union of that trade. They will last anywhere between 4 and 5 years. During an plumbing apprenticeship you have on the job training, learn about plumbing codes, plumbing procedures, and skills in plumbing.
• Many states require plumbers to be licensed, New York state is one of these states. To be licensed you will need to complete a certain amount of hours of classroom instruction, gain hands on expirence, and complete an apprenticship before you can take the exam to become a licensed plumber. This exam will test a plumbers skill and knowledge of pumbling codes and procedures.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Plumbers union, visit this website.

A plasterer is a trades person who primarily works with plaster, applying it to surfaces such as walls and ceilings. Plastering creates a protective layer on the surfaces which help protect it against the atmosphere and weather. A plasterer will mix ingredients together to create plaster and use it to repair damanges to surfaces and for a decorative finsish.

Tasks and duties:

• Applys plaster to joints, walls, and other structures.
• Ensures a smooth and complete finish onto surfaces.
• Ensures the quality, consistency, and completeness of plastering on a structure.
• Completing minor repairs using plaster.
• Creating decorative textures or designs for the costumers ideas.

How to become a Plasterer:

• First you need to consider what type of plasterer work you want to go into, whether its for commercial, industrial, or residental. This will determine what job sites you will work at and what skills you will need. If you want to go into residental you can just go into an apprenticeship, however if you want to go into industrial or commercial that will require more training.
• An apprentice is one of the best ways to learn a trade. These programs will allow you on the job training with supervision of a skilled plasterer so you are able to learn the skills needed for the job. You can join an apprencticeship through a local union of that specfic trade, these apprencticeships will typically last between 4 to 5 years.
• While vocation and trade schools are not required to be a plasterer they can be viable options if plaster apprencticeships are not offered in your area. These programs are fast pasted learning focusing on hands on training for specific skills, they usually take 2 years to complete.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Plasterers union, visit this website.

Roofers are those who specialize in the installation, repair, and matience of roofs. They are responsible in making sure roofs are weather proof, safe for building occupants, and structurally sound. Roofers will often work at high heights and while exposed to weather conditions. 

Tasks and duties:

• Installing new roofs on buildings.
• Measuring and cutting roofing materials to fit the roofs dimensions.
• Inspecting roofs for damange, leaks, or deterioration.
• Fixing damanged shingles, sealing leaks, or patching holes.
• Clean gutters, remove debris, and looking out for signs of wear and tear.

How to become a Roofer:

• To become a roofer it isnt require to attend a trades school however it is a great way to learn the skills needed. There is not a specific roofer trade school program at many schools different programs such as construction management or a simular field could be helpful in the future.
• To prepare you for being a roofer an apprenticeship is needed for the exprience and skills. You can usually apply for apprenticeships with a local union, these apprenticeships will typically last between 4-5 years. This will give you on the job training and expand your knowledge of the roofing industry.
• Different states of different requires of having a license for roofers, New York state does not require a license however this may differ in local governments. If you do need a license you will typically need a certain number of on the job training hours and expirence to pass the license exam. While is may not be required, a license in roofing can help you in the job field.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Roofers union, visit this website.

Sheetmetal workers are those who fabricate or install products that are made from thin sheets of metal. These products can include ducts used for heating and air conditioning systems. Sheetmetal workers will typically use thin sheets of steel, aluminum, or other alloyed metals in construction. 

Tasks and duties:

• Select types of sheet metal according to blueprints or building/design plans.
• Measure and mark dimensions and reference lines of metal sheets.
• Drill holes in metal for screws, bolts, and rivets.
• Install metal sheets with supportive framework.
• Fabricate or alter parts at a construction site.
• Maneuver and anchor large sheet metal parts.
• Fasten seams or joints welding, bolting, riveting, soldering.

How to become a Sheetmetal worker:

• A sheetmetal workers needs to know different maths in there work, so taking classes like alegbra and geometry would benefit you. Also vocational-education courses such as blueprint reading, mechanical drawing, and welding are very useful. Some sheetmetal manufacturers will sign partnerships with techinal schools to create special programs which teach students basic welding and sheetmetal fabricatin skills to prepare them for the field. 
• The next step in becoming a sheetmetal worker is to take an apprenticeship usually with a local sheetmetal worker union. These apprenticeships will typcially last between 4 to 5 years. These apprenticeships will include practical on the job training under supervison of a skilled sheetmetal worker. A typical apprenticeship will have 1,700 to 2,000 hours of practical training and 144 to 320 hours of theoretical courses.
• Some states will require sheetmetal workers to be licensed, New York state des not require a license however these may differ in local governments. Earning certifactions related to sheetmetal working may also be benefital in both learning skills and getting a job. An example of a cerification includes the welding certication from the Americans Welding society or the certifaction in precise sheetmetal work from the Fabricators and Manufacturing Association International.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Sheetmetal Workers union, visit this website.

Pipefitters are trades people who installs, assembles, fabricates, maintains, and repairs piping systems. They construct pipes that transport substances for hydraulic systems and industrial pipe infrastructure. Pipefitters are also known as Steamfitters.

Tasks and duties:

• Establish processes and protections to mininum risks when operating equipment.
• Read blueprints to install piping accurately.
• Adjust and join pipes together.
• Perform maintenance and repairs and conduct rountine inspections.
• Respond to calls about broken pipes and coordinate emergency repairs.
• Test systems to identify issues with piping systems

How to become a Pipefitter:

• After high school you may enroll in a trade school or go straight to an apprenticeship. You can find apprenticeships at a local union of that trade, they will usually last between 4 to 5 years. Both of these options will allow you to learn industrial pipefitting skills from professionals.
• Some states require Pipefitters to be licensed, New York states does not require a license. However if you do want to be a licensed Pipefitter then you will need a couple of years in the field first. You gain start gaining expirence by completing projects related to industrail technology or by taking shop classes in high school of community college. Another way to gain expirence is through an apprenticeship or completing related plumbing or industrial repair jobs on your own.
• Depending on the project, pipefitters may need a certification for certain jobs. Certifications show that you have the knowledge and skill to manage different aspects of industrial piping systems. Some certification that may help you in your pipefitting career include STAR (Steamfitting/Pipefitting Mastery Certification), JLPS (Junior level pipefitter/steamfitter certification), ICWQ (Infection control and water quality certification), and many more.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Pipefitters union, visit this website.

Sprinklerfitters install, test, inspect, and certify of fire safety sprinklers in all types of buildings and structures. Sprinklerfitters are essential to protecting people from fire hazards and risks. They need to know how to safely operate a variety of tools such as cutting torches, drills, saws, and many more.

Tasks and duties:

• Supervise and run gas lines.
• Install dryers, stove furnances, and water heaters.
• Repair and maintain fire sprinkler systems.
• Read blueprints, install sprinklers, measure length and circumferences of the pipes.
• Use a variety of equipment such as scissor lifts, ladders, and hydraulic presses.

How to become a Sprinklerfitter:

• Like most other trades you need to apply for a apprenticeship of that specific trade, in this case sprinklerfitting. You can find apprenticeships at a local union of that specfic trade, they usually last between 4 to 5 years. A sprinklerfitting apprenticeship consists of a range of on the job training with supervison of an expirenced Sprinklerfitter.
• After you have applied for an apprenticeship, you can complete a Certification III Fire Protection Control course with a registered training organisation. This course consists of both structured and practical training, It will introduce you to basic elements of working with sprinklers, and how to design and fit fire protection systems in different buildings. You will also be familiarised with fire hydrants, hose reel, and alarm systems.
• Depending on your work environment you may need specific licenses to perform certain tasks without supervison. Relevant licenses can include High Risk Work License or Construction Induction White Card. These licenses will allow you to work indenpendently as a contractor. Depending on where you live you may need to apply for an additional speciifc fire protection license.

For training information, visit this website.

For more information on the local Sprinklerfitter union, visit this website.