High School to the Trades: Fast-Start Guide

Updated September 26, 2025

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If you’re in high school (or a recent grad), you can start building trade skills now. This guide outlines the quickest path from classroom to shop floor.

Your Fast‑Start Options

  • CTE courses: welding, construction, automotive, electrical basics
  • Dual enrollment: earn college credits in technical programs
  • Pre‑apprenticeships: safety, trade math, and tools—often lead to interviews
  • Summer programs and employer open houses

Choose a Trade

  • Shadow locally (contractors, school labs, job fairs)
  • Match interests with work environment (indoor/outdoor, travel, physicality)
  • See By Career for training and licensing paths

Senior Year Timeline

  • Fall: Explore programs, attend campus/union tours, start FAFSA
  • Winter: Apply to trade schools and pre‑apprenticeships; take placement tests
  • Spring: Compare aid offers; choose your start date; order PPE; graduate

Build a Standout Application

  • Include CTE projects and safety training (OSHA‑10)
  • Ask teachers/coaches for recommendations (reliability counts)
  • Create a simple portfolio with photos and tool lists; see Portfolio and Logbook

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