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for essential industries in our society and economy that
range from construction to farming to information tech-
nology. The specific skills that define each trade can be
very different, but each skillset can only be developed with
time, practice, experience, education, and hard work. These
skills are the backbone of the skilled trades.
TWO
Skilled trades provide opportunities for entrepreneurship.
Workers in the skilled trades can hone their skills, gain the
necessary education, licensing, or certifications to work in
their specific industry or job type, and then go out on their
own and start their own businesses. Of course, profes-
sionals in these industries can also find jobs working as
part of existing companies, but the service-driven nature of
the trades—combined with the inherent value of the skills
at hand—make for natural pathways into business propri-
etorship. For example, professionals in the construction
trades may become general contractors and put together
their own building teams. Agriculture experts might buy or
lease their own farms and then start selling what they grow
or produce to local restaurants, businesses, or customers.
Transportation tradespeople can start their own freight
and logistics businesses and start developing client lists.
Graphic designers, web developers, pool service techni-
cians, and other skilled service trades professionals can
launch businesses or take on projects on a freelance or
contract basis. These opportunities for entrepreneurship
are among the most attractive facets of the trades for
people who are drawn to the idea of working for them-
selves, setting their own schedules, or otherwise being
independent.