You can learn the foundations of a skilled trade online: the vocabulary, tools, safety rules and step-by-step tasks of jobs such as electrician, HVAC technician, welder, plumber and industrial maintenance technician. The hands-on skills, and any license, still come from an apprenticeship, trade school or on-the-job training. Our job-title trainings help you choose a trade and show up to that training, or your first job site, prepared.
Construction and skilled trades training
| Training | Price | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician Training Online, self-paced · 12 hours · Career profile | $44.99 | $63,190 |
| HVAC Technician Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $61,010 |
| Plumber Training Online, self-paced · 12 hours · Career profile | $44.99 | $63,800 |
| Welder Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $53,750 |
| Carpenter Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $60,580 |
| Construction Laborer Training Online, self-paced · 6 hours · Career profile | $29.99 | $47,120 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $59,850 |
| Sheet Metal Worker Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $61,800 |
| Solar Panel Installer Training Online, self-paced · 8 hours · Career profile | $34.99 | $53,140 |
| Flagger Training Online, self-paced · 4 hours · Career profile | $89.99 | $38,100 |
What each trade requires after the classroom:
- Electricians usually complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship and pass a state or local licensing exam.
- HVAC technicians often train through a certificate program or apprenticeship, and anyone who handles refrigerants needs EPA Section 608 certification.
- Plumbers typically apprentice for four to five years and are licensed in most states.
- Welders build skill in a booth; many employers test applicants to a code such as AWS D1.1.
- Construction laborers can often start with no experience; safety training such as OSHA 10 is commonly requested.
Manufacturing, maintenance and industrial training
| Training | Price | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Maintenance Technician Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $64,520 |
| Building Maintenance Technician Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $49,590 |
| CNC Machinist Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $58,750 |
| Production Assembler Training Online, self-paced · 8 hours · Career profile | $34.99 | $44,650 |
| Quality Control Inspector Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $48,570 |
| Mechanical Engineering Technician Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $74,510 |
| Occupational Safety Specialist Training Online, self-paced · 12 hours · Career profile | $44.99 | $90,150 |
| Safety Technician Training Online, self-paced · 10 hours · Career profile | $39.99 | $61,560 |
Manufacturing career paths often start in production or assembly and move into machining, maintenance, quality or supervision. Maintenance technicians troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems; quality control inspectors measure parts, read blueprints and document defects.
Industrial safety training
Every trades and industrial training includes a safety, compliance and professional standards module for that job. For required safety training, such as OSHA Outreach courses, follow your employer’s requirements. We also sell complete flagger and forklift operator trainings with instant online checkout.
What skilled trade should I learn?
Pick the trade that fits how you like to work, not just the pay:
| If you like… | Consider |
|---|---|
| Problem solving, electrical systems | Electrician, HVAC technician, industrial maintenance technician |
| Working with metal, steady hands | Welder, sheet metal worker, CNC machinist |
| Building things you can see | Carpenter, mason, construction laborer |
| Big machines | Heavy equipment operator, crane operator |
| Precision and checking details | Quality control inspector, machinist |
The skilled trades quiz gives a personalized match, and highest-paying trade jobs ranks trades by median pay. For example, electricians earn a median $63,190, plumbers $63,800 and HVAC technicians $61,010.
How to start a skilled trades career
- Choose a trade using the table above and each trade’s day-in-the-life page.
- Learn the basics of the trade’s tools, terms and safety rules, so you can talk about the work and start training ahead.
- Find an apprenticeship or program. Union and non-union apprenticeships pay you while you learn; see our apprenticeships guide. Community colleges and trade schools offer certificates.
- Get entry basics: a driver’s license, reliable transportation, basic hand tools and often OSHA 10.
- Apply for helper or laborer roles if apprenticeship slots are full. Many trades hire helpers with no experience.
- Track your hours toward licensing and keep learning.
Construction jobs without experience
Construction laborer, electrician helper, plumber helper, carpenter helper and flagger roles often hire without experience. Showing up knowing the vocabulary, tools and safety basics of the job sets you apart. Browse every trades training in the catalog.
Frequently asked questions
Can you learn a trade online?
You can learn the knowledge side online: vocabulary, codes and concepts, tools, safety and step-by-step procedures. The hands-on skill comes from apprenticeships, trade school labs and on-the-job practice.
Will your HVAC or electrical training get me licensed?
No. Our trainings are general, non-credit courses. Electrician and plumber licenses come from state or local boards after an apprenticeship and exam; HVAC work with refrigerants requires EPA Section 608 certification.
What is the fastest skilled trade to get into?
Roles such as construction laborer, flagger, welder (through a short program) and solar panel installer can start within weeks to months. Licensed trades such as electrician and plumber take several years of apprenticeship.
Do you offer industrial safety training?
Every trades and industrial course has a job-specific safety module, and we sell complete flagger and forklift operator trainings online. They don’t replace employer- or OSHA-required training.
What are good manufacturing career paths?
A common path is production assembler or machine operator, then CNC operator or machinist, maintenance technician or quality inspector, then supervisor or production manager.
Is blue collar work a good career?
Many trades pay well, are in steady demand and can be started through paid apprenticeships instead of student debt. The work can be physically demanding, so check that it fits your health and interests.