Operations, Trades & Industry
Skilled Trades careers
122 careers in this family — each with a personality-fit profile built on the Big Five and RIASEC frameworks. Click any role to see who it suits and why.
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Stable Agricultural Mechanic
Skilled Trades
Services and repairs farm machinery such as tractors, harvesters, and irrigation pumps. Diagnoses mechanical and hydraulic faults in the wor…
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Fast Growing Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician
Skilled Trades
Installs, services, and repairs heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems in homes, offices, and commercial facilities, diagnosing faults …
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Stable Arborist
Skilled Trades
Assesses, prunes, and removes trees using climbing techniques, chainsaws, and aerial platforms. Diagnoses tree diseases, advises property ow…
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Stable Asbestos Removalist
Skilled Trades
Safely identifies and removes asbestos-containing materials from buildings, following strict safety protocols including containment, persona…
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Stable Autoglazier
Skilled Trades
Removes and replaces damaged windscreens and vehicle glass, cutting and fitting new panels and ensuring seals are watertight and meet safety…
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Stable Automotive Body Repairer
Skilled Trades
Restores damaged vehicle panels, frames, and finishes after collisions using welding, filling, and painting techniques. Assesses structural …
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Stable Automotive Electrician
Skilled Trades
Diagnoses and repairs electrical and electronic systems in cars, trucks, and other vehicles, including wiring, batteries, lighting, and engi…
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Fast Growing Automotive Service Technician
Skilled Trades
Diagnoses and repairs mechanical, electrical, and computer-controlled systems in cars and light trucks. Uses diagnostic scanners, replaces w…
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Stable Bicycle Technician
Skilled Trades
Assembles, services, and repairs bicycles by adjusting gears and brakes, truing wheels, replacing worn components, and fitting accessories. …
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Stable Blacksmith
Skilled Trades
Heats and shapes metal using a forge, hammer, and anvil to create or repair items such as gates, tools, and decorative ironwork. Combines tr…
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Stable Boat Builder and Repairer
Skilled Trades
Constructs and repairs boats using fibreglass, timber, or aluminium, reading plans, laminating hulls, fitting decks, and installing hardware…
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Stable Boilermaker
Skilled Trades
Fabricates, assembles, and repairs large vessels such as boilers, tanks, and pressure containers used in power plants and factories. Reads b…
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Stable Bricklayer
Skilled Trades
Lays bricks, blocks, and stone to construct walls, arches, and other masonry structures, mixing mortar and following plans to build level, p…
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Stable Brickmason
Skilled Trades
Lays bricks, concrete blocks, and natural stone to construct walls, arches, fireplaces, and decorative facades. Mixes mortar, reads blueprin…
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Stable Building Insulation Installer
Skilled Trades
Measures and fits thermal and acoustic insulation materials into walls, ceilings, and floors of new and existing buildings to improve energy…
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Stable Cabinetmaker
Skilled Trades
Crafts custom cabinets, shelving, and fine furniture from wood and composite materials using hand tools and CNC machinery. Reads technical d…
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Stable Canvas Goods Fabricator
Skilled Trades
Measures, cuts, and sews heavy-duty canvas and synthetic fabrics to create awnings, tarpaulins, boat covers, and outdoor shelters, working f…
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Stable Carpenter
Skilled Trades
Measures, cuts, and assembles wooden structures and fixtures for buildings, from framing walls and roofs to installing trim and cabinetry. R…
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Stable Carpet Installer
Skilled Trades
Measures rooms, cuts carpet to fit, and stretches and secures it over padding using knee-kickers and power stretchers. Prepares subfloors, s…
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Stable Cement Mason
Skilled Trades
Pours, levels, and finishes concrete for foundations, sidewalks, driveways, and structural elements. Operates vibrators and screeds, applies…
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Stable Commercial Diver
Skilled Trades
They work underwater to inspect, repair, and maintain structures like bridges, pipelines, and ship hulls. Each dive involves careful plannin…
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Stable Concreter
Skilled Trades
Pours, spreads, and finishes concrete for slabs, driveways, footpaths, and structural elements, operating vibrators and trowels to achieve s…
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Stable Construction Rigger
Skilled Trades
Attaches loads to cranes and hoisting equipment on construction sites, selecting appropriate slings, chains, and hardware to ensure material…
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Stable Control and Valve Installer
Skilled Trades
They install, maintain, and calibrate the valves, regulators, and control devices that manage the flow of liquids and gases in industrial sy…
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Fast Growing Diesel Technician
Skilled Trades
Inspects, diagnoses, and repairs diesel engines in trucks, buses, and heavy equipment, performing routine maintenance and replacing worn com…
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Stable Drainer
Skilled Trades
Lays and connects underground stormwater and sewerage pipes, excavating trenches, setting gradients, and testing systems to ensure waste and…
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Stable Electrical Fitter
Skilled Trades
Assembles, installs, and maintains electrical motors, generators, and control systems in industrial settings, diagnosing faults and replacin…
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Fast Growing Electrician
Skilled Trades
They install, maintain, and repair wiring, outlets, and electrical panels in homes and commercial buildings. Reading blueprints, pulling per…
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Stable Electronic Equipment Trades Worker
Skilled Trades
Tests, diagnoses, and repairs a wide range of electronic devices and systems such as audio equipment, medical instruments, and industrial co…
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Fast Growing Elevator Installer and Repairer
Skilled Trades
They install, service, and modernise lifts and escalators in buildings, working with complex electrical and mechanical systems in confined s…
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Stable Engineering Patternmaker
Skilled Trades
Creates precise patterns and moulds from wood, metal, or plastic that are used to produce castings for engines, machinery, and other industr…
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Stable Engraver
Skilled Trades
Cuts designs, text, or patterns into metal, glass, or other materials using hand tools, pantographs, or computer-controlled engraving machin…
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Stable Farrier
Skilled Trades
Trims and shoes horses' hooves to maintain soundness and prevent lameness. Forges custom horseshoes, assesses hoof health, and works closely…
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Stable Fencer
Skilled Trades
Builds, repairs, and installs fences and gates for rural properties, construction sites, or residential boundaries using timber, wire, steel…
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Stable Fire Protection Equipment Technician
Skilled Trades
Inspects, tests, and services fire extinguishers, alarm panels, and suppression systems in buildings, ensuring all equipment meets regulator…
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Stable Fire Protection Plumber
Skilled Trades
Installs and maintains fire sprinkler systems, hydrants, and hose reels in buildings, following strict codes to ensure the systems activate …
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Stable Fitter (General)
Skilled Trades
Assembles, installs, and maintains mechanical equipment such as pumps, valves, and conveyor systems in factories and industrial plants. Read…
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Stable Fitter-Welder
Skilled Trades
Combines fitting and welding skills to fabricate and assemble structural steel, pipework, and mechanical equipment. Reads drawings, cuts and…
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Stable Floor Finisher
Skilled Trades
Sands, stains, and seals timber and concrete floors, operating heavy sanding machines and applying coatings to produce smooth, durable surfa…
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Stable Furniture Finisher
Skilled Trades
Sands, stains, paints, and lacquers timber furniture to achieve a desired colour and sheen, repairing surface defects and applying protectiv…
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Stable Furniture Maker
Skilled Trades
Designs and builds custom furniture from timber and other materials, reading drawings, operating woodworking machinery, and hand-finishing p…
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Stable Garage Door Installer
Skilled Trades
Installs, adjusts, and repairs residential and commercial garage doors and their mechanical or automated opening systems, ensuring proper al…
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Stable Gardener (General)
Skilled Trades
Maintains gardens, lawns, and outdoor spaces by planting, pruning, mowing, and weeding. Applies fertilisers and pest treatments, operates ga…
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Stable Gasfitter
Skilled Trades
Installs, tests, and maintains gas pipelines and appliances such as heaters and cooktops, checking for leaks and ensuring all connections me…
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Stable Glazier
Skilled Trades
Cuts, installs, and replaces glass panels in windows, doors, skylights, and storefronts. Reads blueprints, measures openings, and uses speci…
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Stable Gunsmith
Skilled Trades
Repairs, services, and modifies firearms by diagnosing mechanical faults, replacing worn parts, and adjusting triggers and sights. May also …
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Stable Handyperson
Skilled Trades
Carries out a wide range of small repair and maintenance jobs around homes or buildings, from fixing leaky taps and patching walls to assemb…
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Stable Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
Skilled Trades
Identifies, contains, and disposes of dangerous substances like asbestos, lead, or chemical spills following strict safety protocols. Wears …
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Stable Home Appliance Repairer
Skilled Trades
Diagnoses and fixes problems with household appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, and ovens. Replaces faulty parts, tests elec…
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Fast Growing HVAC Mechanic and Installer
Skilled Trades
Installs, repairs, and maintains heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in homes and commercial buildings. Reads wiring diagrams…
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Fast Growing Industrial Electrician
Skilled Trades
Maintains and troubleshoots high-voltage electrical systems, programmable controllers, and automated equipment in factories and processing p…
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Stable Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Skilled Trades
Repairs and maintains heavy equipment used in factories, including conveyor systems, hydraulic presses, and packaging machines. Reads techni…
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Fast Growing Insulation Worker
Skilled Trades
Installs insulation materials in walls, ceilings, pipes, and ducts to control temperature and reduce energy loss. Measures spaces, cuts mate…
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Stable Irrigation Technician
Skilled Trades
Installs, maintains, and repairs irrigation systems including sprinklers, drip lines, pumps, and controllers. Adjusts watering schedules, tr…
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Stable Jeweller
Skilled Trades
Designs, crafts, and repairs rings, necklaces, and other pieces using precious metals and gemstones. Operates specialised tools such as sold…
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Stable Joiner
Skilled Trades
Crafts and assembles detailed timber components such as doors, windows, staircases, and cabinetry in a workshop, using precision machinery a…
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Stable Lagger
Skilled Trades
Wraps pipes, boilers, and ductwork with insulating materials to control heat loss, prevent condensation, and protect workers from hot or col…
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Stable Landscape Gardener
Skilled Trades
Constructs outdoor spaces by laying paving, building retaining walls, installing garden beds, and planting trees and shrubs according to a d…
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Stable Leather Goods Maker
Skilled Trades
Hand-cuts, stitches, and finishes leather products such as bags, belts, and wallets, selecting hides, tooling patterns, and applying dyes to…
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Stable Lift Mechanic
Skilled Trades
Installs, maintains, and repairs passenger and freight elevators and escalators, testing safety devices, adjusting controls, and replacing w…
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Stable Locksmith
Skilled Trades
Installs, repairs, and opens locks on doors, safes, and vehicles. Cuts keys, re-pins cylinders, fits electronic access systems, and responds…
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Stable Machinist
Skilled Trades
Sets up and operates lathes, milling machines, and grinders to shape metal parts to precise specifications. Reads technical drawings, select…
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Stable Maintenance and Repair Worker
Skilled Trades
Performs a variety of building upkeep tasks such as fixing plumbing, patching walls, replacing light fixtures, and maintaining grounds. Resp…
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Stable Marine Technician
Skilled Trades
Services and repairs boat engines, propulsion systems, and onboard electrical equipment, troubleshooting faults and performing seasonal main…
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Stable Mechanical Services Plumber
Skilled Trades
Installs and maintains large-scale heating, cooling, and ventilation pipework in commercial buildings, connecting chillers, boilers, and air…
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Stable Metal Casting Trades Worker
Skilled Trades
Produces metal parts by preparing moulds, melting metals in furnaces, and pouring molten material into casting forms. Finishes cast items by…
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Stable Metal Machinist (First Class)
Skilled Trades
Sets up and operates precision machine tools such as CNC lathes, milling machines, and grinders to manufacture metal parts to tight toleranc…
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Stable Metal Polisher
Skilled Trades
Buffs and polishes metal surfaces to achieve a smooth, mirror-like, or textured finish using hand tools and powered polishing machines. Prep…
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Stable Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanic
Skilled Trades
Diagnoses and repairs engines, hydraulic systems, and transmissions on construction and mining vehicles like bulldozers and cranes. Works on…
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Stable Motor Vehicle Parts and Accessories Fitter (General)
Skilled Trades
Installs aftermarket parts and accessories on vehicles such as bull bars, roof racks, and audio systems, following manufacturer guidelines t…
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Stable Motorcycle Technician
Skilled Trades
Diagnoses mechanical and electrical faults in motorcycles and scooters, carrying out engine rebuilds, brake replacements, and tune-ups to ma…
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Stable Musical Instrument Maker
Skilled Trades
Handcrafts and repairs instruments such as guitars, violins, or pianos using traditional woodworking and metalworking techniques. Selects to…
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Stable Non-destructive Testing Technician
Skilled Trades
Uses techniques such as ultrasound, X-ray, and magnetic particle inspection to detect flaws in welds, pipelines, and structural components w…
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Stable Office Equipment Technician
Skilled Trades
Services and repairs photocopiers, printers, and other office machines, diagnosing paper jams, image quality issues, and electronic faults a…
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Stable Optical Mechanic
Skilled Trades
Grinds, polishes, and coats optical lenses for eyeglasses and instruments, operating precision machinery to meet prescriptions and quality s…
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Stable Painter
Skilled Trades
Applies paint, stain, and coatings to interior and exterior surfaces of buildings using brushes, rollers, and sprayers. Prepares surfaces by…
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Stable Panelbeater
Skilled Trades
Repairs damaged vehicle body panels by straightening, reshaping, or replacing sections of metal and composite materials. Uses hammers, dolli…
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Stable Picture Framer
Skilled Trades
Measures artwork, selects mouldings and mats, and cuts and assembles custom frames, advising customers on presentation options and using spe…
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Stable Pipefitter and Steamfitter
Skilled Trades
Installs, assembles, and maintains piping systems that carry steam, chemicals, or other fluids in industrial and commercial settings. Reads …
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Stable Pipelayer
Skilled Trades
Digs trenches and lays pipes for water, sewer, drainage, and gas systems, connecting sections and ensuring proper grade and alignment. Works…
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Stable Plasterer
Skilled Trades
Applies plaster, stucco, and similar coatings to walls and ceilings, creating smooth or decorative finishes on interior and exterior surface…
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Stable Plasterer (Wall and Ceiling)
Skilled Trades
Applies plasterboard sheeting and finishing compounds to interior walls and ceilings, taping joints and sanding surfaces to create smooth, p…
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Stable Plumber
Skilled Trades
Installs, repairs, and maintains water supply, drainage, and gas piping systems in residential and commercial buildings. Diagnoses leaks and…
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Stable Precision Instrument Maker and Repairer
Skilled Trades
Builds and repairs highly accurate instruments such as gauges, optical devices, and scientific apparatus. Works to extremely fine tolerances…
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Stable Pressure Welder
Skilled Trades
Welds pipes, boilers, and pressure vessels to strict standards using specialised techniques that ensure joints can withstand high temperatur…
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Stable Renderer (Solid Plaster)
Skilled Trades
Mixes and applies cement-based render coats to exterior walls, using trowels and floats to achieve textured or smooth finishes that protect …
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Stable Roof Plumber
Skilled Trades
Installs and repairs gutters, downpipes, roof flashings, and rainwater collection systems, working at heights to ensure buildings shed water…
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Stable Roof Tiler
Skilled Trades
Measures, cuts, and lays concrete or terracotta tiles on roof structures, ensuring correct overlap and waterproofing at ridges, valleys, and…
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Stable Roofer
Skilled Trades
Installs, repairs, and replaces roofing materials such as shingles, tiles, and waterproof membranes on residential and commercial buildings,…
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Stable Sail Maker
Skilled Trades
Designs, cuts, and sews sails from specialised fabrics for racing and cruising yachts, calculating panel shapes and reinforcement placement …
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Stable Saw Technician
Skilled Trades
Sharpens, sets, and repairs saw blades for sawmills and timber processing facilities. Adjusts tension, aligns teeth, and ensures blades cut …
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Stable Scaffolder
Skilled Trades
Erects, modifies, and dismantles temporary scaffolding platforms on construction and maintenance sites so that other tradespeople can safely…
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Fast Growing Sheet Metal Worker
Skilled Trades
Fabricates and installs products made from thin metal sheets such as ductwork, gutters, and panels by reading blueprints, cutting, bending, …
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Stable Shipwright
Skilled Trades
Builds, maintains, and repairs the hulls and structural framework of ships and large vessels, working with steel, timber, and composite mate…
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Stable Shoemaker
Skilled Trades
Crafts and repairs footwear by cutting leather, assembling uppers, attaching soles, and finishing shoes, combining traditional hand skills w…
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Stable Sign Installer
Skilled Trades
Fabricates, positions, and mounts signage on buildings, poles, and other structures, using power tools and sometimes working at height from …
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High Demand Solar Photovoltaic Installer
Skilled Trades
Mounts solar panels on rooftops and ground arrays, wiring them to inverters and electrical systems while following safety codes and manufact…
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Stable Stonemason
Skilled Trades
Cuts, shapes, and assembles natural or artificial stone for walls, floors, monuments, and decorative features, using hand tools and machiner…
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Stable Structural Iron and Steel Worker
Skilled Trades
Erects steel frameworks for buildings and bridges by reading blueprints, rigging heavy beams with cranes, and bolting or welding pieces toge…
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Stable Structural Metal Fabricator
Skilled Trades
Lays out, cuts, and assembles metal components used in structural frameworks, operating saws, presses, and welding equipment in a shop envir…
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Stable Swimming Pool or Spa Technician
Skilled Trades
Maintains and repairs swimming pools and spas by balancing water chemistry, servicing pumps and filters, and diagnosing faults in heating an…
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Stable Tailor and Dressmaker
Skilled Trades
Creates, alters, and repairs garments to fit individual clients, taking precise measurements, selecting fabrics, and hand-sewing or machine-…
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Stable Telecommunications Line Installer
Skilled Trades
Strings and maintains fibre optic, copper, and coaxial cables on utility poles and underground conduits, splicing connections and restoring …
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Stable Telecommunications Linesworker
Skilled Trades
Erects poles, strings aerial cables, and installs underground conduits for telephone and broadband networks, often working at heights and in…
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Stable Tile and Stone Setter
Skilled Trades
Applies ceramic, porcelain, and natural stone tiles to floors, walls, and countertops, preparing surfaces, mixing adhesives, and cutting pie…
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Stable Tool and Die Maker
Skilled Trades
Builds and repairs precision metal tools, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in manufacturing, reading blueprints and operating lathes, mills, an…
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Stable Toolmaker
Skilled Trades
Designs and manufactures jigs, dies, moulds, and cutting tools used in production machinery. Works from engineering drawings, operates CNC a…
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Stable Tree Trimmer and Pruner
Skilled Trades
Climbs or uses aerial lifts to cut away dead, damaged, or overgrown branches from trees, maintaining plant health and preventing hazards nea…
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Stable Tree Worker
Skilled Trades
Assists arborists by operating chippers, clearing branches, and rigging sections of trees for safe removal. Works at height using ropes and …
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Stable Tyre Fitter
Skilled Trades
Removes, fits, balances, and repairs tyres on cars, trucks, and other vehicles, advising customers on tread wear and recommending suitable r…
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Stable Upholsterer
Skilled Trades
Strips, re-pads, and re-covers furniture and vehicle seats, selecting fabrics, cutting patterns, and using staple guns and hand-sewing techn…
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Stable Vehicle Body Builder
Skilled Trades
Fabricates and assembles custom vehicle bodies for trucks, trailers, and buses, reading engineering drawings and welding steel or aluminium …
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Stable Vehicle Painter
Skilled Trades
Prepares vehicle surfaces by sanding and masking, then applies primer, paint, and clear coat using spray equipment to achieve a factory-qual…
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Stable Vehicle Trimmer
Skilled Trades
Cuts, sews, and fits upholstery, headliners, and soft furnishings inside vehicles, selecting materials and patterns to restore or customise …
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Stable Wall and Floor Tiler
Skilled Trades
Measures and lays ceramic, porcelain, and stone tiles on walls and floors, preparing surfaces, cutting tiles to fit around fixtures, and gro…
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Stable Watch and Clock Repairer
Skilled Trades
Disassembles, cleans, and repairs mechanical and electronic timepieces, replacing worn parts and adjusting movements using magnification too…
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Stable Waterproofer
Skilled Trades
Applies membranes, sealants, and coatings to building surfaces such as bathrooms, balconies, and basements to prevent water penetration and …
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Stable Welder
Skilled Trades
Joins metal parts using arc, MIG, TIG, or other welding techniques, reading blueprints to position pieces correctly and inspecting finished …
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Stable Welder (First Class)
Skilled Trades
Joins metal components using arc, MIG, TIG, or oxy-acetylene welding processes on structural, mechanical, or fabrication projects. Reads eng…
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High Demand Wind Turbine Technician
Skilled Trades
Inspects, maintains, and repairs wind turbines by climbing towers, testing electrical and mechanical components, and replacing worn parts to…
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Stable Window Furnishing Installer
Skilled Trades
Measures, cuts, and installs blinds, curtains, shutters, and awnings in homes and commercial spaces, ensuring accurate fit and smooth operat…
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Stable Wood Pattern Maker
Skilled Trades
Crafts precise wooden patterns and moulds used in metal casting, interpreting engineering drawings and using hand tools and woodworking mach…
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Other families in Operations, Trades & Industry
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Which skilled trades career fits you best?
The free assessment measures your personality and interests, then ranks every career in this family for you.
Take the free assessment →Frequently asked questions about Skilled Trades careers
What kinds of roles are in Skilled Trades?
Traitstack profiles 122 skilled trades roles in the Operations, Trades & Industry sector, spanning a wide range — from Gardener (General) (median $35,000) through Boat Builder and Repairer ($58,000) to Mechanical Services Plumber ($85,000).
What do Skilled Trades careers pay?
Across the 122 skilled trades roles profiled, median salaries run from about $35,000 (Gardener (General)) to $85,000 (Mechanical Services Plumber), with a typical median of $57,000.
What personality suits Skilled Trades careers?
Averaged across the 122 skilled trades roles profiled, the field skews towards people who are highly conscientious — precise, organised and strong on follow-through (average Conscientiousness 79/100) and steady under pressure — deadlines and setbacks do not rattle them easily (average Emotional Stability 72/100). On interests, 122 of the 122 roles lead with a Realistic (R) profile.
Which Skilled Trades careers have the best job outlook?
Of the 122 skilled trades roles profiled, 11 are rated growing or excellent for outlook, including Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technician, Automotive Service Technician, Diesel Technician and Electrician.