Skills learned though 4-H could turn into a skilled trade job

Janice Zerbe<rajzerj@msu.edu>, Michigan State University Extension -

Youth can pursue skilled trade jobs using some of the skills they learned through their 4-H projects.

Have you ever thought of pursuing a career where you may use some of the skills you were taught through your 4-H projects? Some of these careers are referred to as skilled trade jobs and may only require an apprenticeship or attending a trade school, yet they are in demand. Project areas in science technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) may be a focus area for some of these jobs.

Here are a few skilled jobs that are in demand and the type of training that is required:

  • Electrician. Apprenticeship programs are often the training vehicle for an electrician. The programs consist of 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and another 144 hours in the classroom each year. It will take about four years to complete this type of program.
  • Plumber. These skills are taught through apprenticeships, trade schools and community college programs. Apprenticeships can take four to five years to complete.
  • Carpenter. Journeymen carpenters complete a four-year apprenticeship and trade school. Carpenters may train or specialize in a particular area such as new constructions or cabinet making.
  • HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) mechanics and installers. They receive most of their training at technical and trade schools. Some community colleges may offer HVAC programs that may only be six months to two years in length.

These are just a few skilled trade jobs. You should explore all sorts of jobs and careers as you navigate your future plans. Tools that may assist you in planning your future are Identifying Your Skill Set and Networking and the Job Search from Michigan State University Extension.

Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their future, ready to contribute to the workforce.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

Did you find this article useful?

Find your spark with image of 4-H clover.

You Might Also Be Interested In

Tag List
  • 4-h,
  • 4-h apprenticeship,
  • 4-h career exploration,
  • 4-h careers & entrepreneurship,
  • careers & entrepreneurship,
  • children and youth,
  • life skills,
  • msu extension
Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).