Breaking Into the Trades

Welcome

Hello, and welcome. This is Super Structures General Contractors — a national general contractor headquartered in Powhatan, Virginia — here to help you and your clients build something that lasts. We're glad you're with us, and we look forward to connecting with you.

Roll up your sleeves — we're getting into Breaking Into the Trades. Here's the big idea to walk away with: There's no single door in — apprenticeship, trade school, or applying directly all work. Show up reliable and willing to learn. Get this down and you'll work smarter, safer, and a step ahead of the crew.

You don't need a rich uncle or a four-year degree to build a great life. You need a foot in the door and the will to walk through it.

There are several proven ways to start a career in the construction trades — pick the one that fits you.

Your options

• Apprenticeship — earn while you learn under skilled workers (union halls like the IBEW, UA, or Carpenters; or non-union/ABC programs). The classic path to journeyman.
• Trade school / community college — a certificate or associate program builds skills and credentials before you apply.
• Apply directly — many contractors hire helpers/laborers and train on the job; show up reliable and willing to learn.
• Pre-apprenticeship programs — bridge programs that prepare you to enter an apprenticeship.

Get noticed

Earn your OSHA 10 card, learn the fundamentals (you're already in the right place), and reach out to contractors directly — they are desperate for reliable people.

Going Deeper (Intermediate)

There are several doors into the trades — and none require a four-year degree or debt: a registered apprenticeship, trade school / community college, pre-apprenticeship programs, getting hired as a helper/laborer, or a military-to-trades transition. The big advantage over college: you earn while you learn.

Advanced / Pro-Level

Choosing your entry and your trade:

• Registered apprenticeships (DOL/state) pay you for on-the-job training + related instruction; through a union JATC or open-shop/merit (ABC) program.
• Pre-apprenticeship / CTE / NCCER programs build basics and help you place.
• Pick a trade by demand, pay, indoor/outdoor, and physical fit — and local opportunity.
• Network to land the first job: supply houses, instructors, association events, and simply showing up reliable on a crew get you noticed. The first job is often about attitude and presence, not experience.

Practice Challenge

Why is a registered apprenticeship often a smarter financial move than a four-year degree for someone entering construction? (Answer: you're paid (with raises) while you train and finish with a portable journeyman credential and no student debt — "earn while you learn" — versus paying tuition and graduating with debt and no guaranteed trade skill.)

In Practice

A young person with no experience walks into a contractor's office, OSHA 10 card in hand: 'I'll show up every day and work hard to learn.' That beats a stack of resumes — contractors are starving for reliable people.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting to be 'discovered' instead of reaching out
• Not getting basic credentials (OSHA 10) first
• Assuming you need experience before anyone will hire you

From the Field

A personal word from a builder who's been there:

Pick a trade that fits you, then chase that first opportunity hard — apprenticeship, helper job, trade school, doesn't matter which. Show up to a contractor in person, look them in the eye, and tell them you'll work hard and learn fast. That's how I started, and that's still how it works.

Takeaway: There's no single door in — apprenticeship, trade school, or applying directly all work. Show up reliable and willing to learn.

Educational content — general guidance; confirm tax, financial, and program specifics with the appropriate professional or authority.