What Does it Mean to Learn a Trade?

Learning a trade can be a great way to gain valuable skills and experience without having to take on the burden of student loan debt. In some cases, you may even be able to get paid while you learn, as some trades offer internships. Working for someone else can be hard work, and taking orders from someone else doesn't make it any easier. Learning a trade can mean that you no longer have to work for someone else and can be your own boss.

You can do the work you want to do and how you want to do it, giving you more flexibility in terms of your work and everything you do will be for yourself. An apprentice is someone who learns a trade. An apprentice farmer is paid very little, but has the opportunity to learn to cultivate by watching and doing. Historically, the term specialized trades has referred to trades found within the construction or manufacturing industries. However, many other professions or skills-based jobs have excellent growth potential as well.

While many think of construction trades when “trades are mentioned,” the trades also include pilots, dental technicians, paralegals, home inspectors, paramedics, and many other professions.