Our job seeker clients are asking us that question a lot lately. Let’s face it, we live in an employment world made up of specialized workforces, and the skilled trades reflect that trend.
As far as we can tell, the first tradesmen were carpenters and stonecutters. Those two trades split off, and the rest is history!
Today there are literally hundreds of specialty trades, and the list keeps growing. As long as new construction materials, tools, instruments, equipment, and building usage types continue to evolve, so will the need for specialists.
The short answer is yes, skilled trade specialization is a good thing.
In this post, we’ll discuss several examples of specialized skilled trades positions in the 2022 workforce, along with the employment trends we’re seeing. Let’s look at two skilled trades—carpentry and electrical—and some examples of subspecialties.
Carpentry has many specializations, and here are just a few from the job board giants at Indeed:
- Rough carpentry
- Joister
- Trim carpentry
- Green carpentry
- Scenic carpentry
- Cabinet carpentry
- Ship carpentry
- Framer
- Roofer
Electricians also have many specialties to choose from, as pointed out in a recent article from Home Stratosphere:
- Domestic/Residential Electrician
- Commercial Electrician
- Maintenance Electricians
- Outside Lineman
- Security and Fire Alarm Installer
- Electrical Instrumentation Technician
- Industrial Electrician
Generally speaking, specialized skilled tradespeople tend to make more money and have more work opportunities than unspecialized tradespeople. The bottom line is the more tools you have in your tool belt, the more valuable you are in the workplace.
Are you a tradesperson looking for a new job opportunity or a new employer? We can help.
Skilled Trades Partners is not your typical skilled trades construction recruitment agency. We’re built on blue-collar respect! You are worth full benefits like vacation, sick days, holiday pay, medical/dental insurance, and a ton of much-deserved perks. We PARTNER with you at STP.
Tell us about your career path and the kinds of projects and companies you are looking for. We’ll connect you with quality contractors and projects that match your skills and expectations. Contact us today at one of our four New England office locations.