Free Trade Career Readiness Checklist
A no-fluff, printable checklist to help you figure out which trade fits you, get your apprenticeship application in order, and know exactly what to save for before day one.
- ✓Self-assessment to match your strengths to a trade — electrical, HVAC, welding, plumbing, or solar
- ✓The exact documents and requirements most apprenticeship programs ask for
- ✓A starter tools & gear checklist so you’re not caught off guard by day-one costs
- ✓A wage-progression chart so you know what to expect on your paycheck year over year
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Which Trade Fits You?
Before you apply anywhere, it helps to know what you’re actually applying for. Here’s a quick gut-check on four in-demand paths.
01Electrical
Good fit if you like precision work, problem-solving with logic (circuits, code), and don’t mind being detail-obsessed. Steady indoor/outdoor mix, strong long-term demand, and a clear path from apprentice to journeyman to master electrician.
02HVAC & Refrigeration
Good fit if you like diagnosing mechanical and electrical systems together and don’t mind irregular hours (emergency calls). Fast-growing field with year-round demand in both hot and cold climates.
03Welding & Fabrication
Good fit if you’re hands-on, enjoy shop or field work, and want to see a finished product from your own hands. Strong demand in construction, manufacturing, and pipeline/energy work.
04Plumbing & Pipefitting
Good fit if you like variety (new construction one day, repair calls the next) and steady, recession-resistant demand — people always need working water and gas systems.
Apprenticeship Application Requirements
Requirements vary by state and program, but most registered apprenticeships ask for the same core things. Get these ready before you apply so you’re not scrambling.
Age & Education
Typically 18+ (some programs accept 17 with parental consent) and a high school diploma or GED.
Aptitude Test
Many programs require a basic math/mechanical aptitude test — algebra, fractions, and reading comprehension.
Physical & Drug Screen
Most trades require a pre-employment physical and drug screening before you’re indentured as an apprentice.
Driver’s License
A valid license (and sometimes a clean-ish driving record) is often required since jobsites move around.
Tools & Gear You’ll Need Starting Out
You don’t need a fully-stocked truck on day one, but most apprentices show up with a basic personal tool kit. Budget roughly $150–$400 depending on trade.
Hand Tools
Tape measure, screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench, utility knife, hammer, and a trade-specific tool bag or pouch.
PPE
Steel-toe boots, safety glasses, work gloves, and hearing protection — often non-negotiable for jobsite access.
Trade-Specific Basics
Electricians: multimeter & wire strippers. Welders: auto-darkening helmet & gloves. HVAC: gauges. Plumbers: pipe wrenches.
What Not to Buy Yet
Skip power tools and specialty gear until your employer or program tells you what they actually want — don’t overspend before you start.
Typical Apprentice Wage Progression
Apprentice pay is usually set as a percentage of the local journeyman wage and increases as you log hours and pass exams. Here’s a typical structure across trades.
| Year | % of Journeyman Wage | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–1,000 hrs) | ~40–50% | Entry-level tasks, close supervision |
| Year 2 (1,000–2,000 hrs) | ~55–65% | More independent tasks, code knowledge tested |
| Year 3 (2,000–3,000 hrs) | ~65–75% | Running smaller jobs with light oversight |
| Year 4+ (3,000–8,000 hrs) | ~80–90% | Prepping for licensing exam |
| Journeyman | 100% | Full license, full pay, can work unsupervised |
Download the Full Checklist — Free
Get the printable PDF with all four sections, plus a personal readiness worksheet you can fill out before you apply.
Get the Checklist
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