When you think of an entrepreneur, you might picture a tech startup founder in a hoodie. But what about the master electrician running a team of 10, the skilled carpenter with a custom furniture business, or the plumber whose company services the entire city? The path to business ownership for many starts not in a boardroom, but in a workshop.
Over the next decade, hundreds of major infrastructure projects are planned across the country. That spells big opportunity for those seeking to set up shop in the trades.
Formal trades training teaches high-demand, tangible skills, as well as how to launch and
manage successful ventures. Trade students can learn a craft of their choice, work with clients, and manage a business. That puts them in a position to build a resilient business in an in-demand field from the ground up.
The Foundation: Skill Mastery and Market Credibility
Trades training doesn’t just teach students how to do a job; it immerses them in the craft until they achieve mastery. In many cases, it also offers a path to becoming certified or licensed.
Educational components are critical due to:
● Hands-on training and certification: These programs typically include guided
instruction in workshops outfitted with real-world industry tools and equipment. They also
offer safety certifications to ensure that any graduate can deliver consistent quality.
● Client reassurance: Certification and training provide clients with reassurance in a
market oversaturated with DIYers lacking formal training. This can also lead to
opportunities for larger projects.
● Reputation: A good reputation in the trades world can net referrals, and consistent
quality work could lead to repeat business and a reliable client base.
The Framework: Learning to Run the Job
While many think of trades education as purely hands-on, it also develops real-world project and resource management skills.
● Budgeting: Trades workers learn how to estimate the cost of work, including parts,
labour and timelines. This allows them to price services that strike a balance between
profitability and competitiveness.
● Scheduling and coordination: Managing overlapping jobs or a team of people requires
practical project management skills. Trade workers can learn essential considerations
for logistics and time management skills for operational agility.
● Problem-solving skills: Hands-on training can teach how to navigate issues on the
spot. Future entrepreneurs are then prepared for structural problems or materials delays
in a real business setting.
The Finishing Touch: Client Communication and Professional Conduct
Even the most skilled trades worker may struggle to build a business without strong client
relationships. As a final touch, real-world training emphasizes the value of interpersonal
interactions through professionalism and trust-building. Many training programs instill the
importance of maintaining professionalism while interacting with customers, and applying traits such as transparency and reliability can foster a trustworthy brand.
A Blueprint for Entrepreneurial Growth
Trades training offers a practical launchpad for building a business. With a blend of technical mastery and client-facing professionalism, tradespeople graduate with not just hands-on skills but the foundation for entrepreneurship. For aspiring business owners, the trades offer a proven model: start with certified, in-demand expertise, build credibility through quality work, and grow through professional conduct and strong client relationships.
About The Author
Herzing College is dedicated to providing career-focused post-secondary programs of high
quality to its student base, which is made up of new students, employers, and employees alike.
With over 30 years of management experience focusing on computer science, graphics/design and education, and completing his Bachelor of Science in Technology Management with a minor in Computer Information Systems, Robin is well versed in the world of business management.
