Types of Career Paths in the Trades

When you think of a career in the trades, what comes to mind? Maybe it's someone fixing pipes or welding metal. But the reality is far more dynamic, especially for those pursuing a union apprenticeship with UA Local 486. The skilled trades offer a variety of pathways—each one essential, respected, and filled with opportunities to grow both personally and professionally.

In this blog, we’ll explore the broader landscape of trade careers and then dig into what makes the UA Local 486 experience uniquely rewarding for aspiring pipefitters, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and welders.
 

A World of Possibilities in the Skilled Trades

Choosing a career in the skilled trades means choosing a future built on purpose, progress, and potential. These careers aren’t just in demand—they’re essential. Tradespeople are the backbone of modern life, constructing our buildings, maintaining our infrastructure, and powering the systems that keep society moving.

From the very first day on the job, you’ll be part of something bigger: solving real-world problems, creating tangible results, and earning while you learn. But what’s most exciting is that a career in the trades doesn’t stop at the tools.

After completing your apprenticeship, your future opens up in many directions:

Work With Confidence

As a skilled, licensed tradesperson, you'll be equipped to take on meaningful, well-paying work in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Whether you’re installing systems in high-rises, maintaining equipment in hospitals, or fabricating components for power plants, you’ll be doing work that matters.

Grow Into Leadership

Many trades professionals rise into supervisory roles, overseeing teams, managing projects, and ensuring job sites run efficiently and safely. With experience, you may become a foreman, general foreman, or superintendent, trusted to lead both people and large-scale operations.

Pursue Specialized Skills

The trades evolve with technology—and so can your expertise. From advanced welding and medical gas certification to HVAC automation and high-purity piping, specialization brings new opportunities, higher pay, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects in fields like healthcare, energy, and biotech.

Teach the Next Generation

With time and mastery, many professionals return to the classroom—this time as instructors. Sharing your knowledge not only strengthens the workforce, but also ensures that the values of safety, quality, and craftsmanship are passed down.

Lead Beyond the Jobsite

Skilled tradespeople often grow into leadership positions within their unions or industries, serving as advocates, negotiators, or organizers. Some take on policy and safety roles that shape how the trades operate across regions or industries.

Start Your Own Business

For those with an entrepreneurial drive, the trades offer a launchpad to become a licensed contractor or business owner. Whether you build a small service company or grow a larger operation, the skills and credibility you earn through an apprenticeship lay the foundation for long-term independence and success.

Whether you’re analytical or enjoy people, whether you like to work on the small details or see the big picture, whether you like a structured work-life balance or are an entrepreneur at heart, there is a career path in the skilled trade that caters to your personality and desires. 

The Union Pathway Offers a Jumpstart into a Successful Career

While the world of trades is vast, those who join the United Association (UA)—specifically through UA Local 486—gain a distinct advantage. With decades of expertise and deep industry partnerships, Local 486 offers a proven pathway into high-demand careers in:

Plumbing

Learn to install and maintain piping systems that support clean water, sanitation, and gas distribution. This trade spans homes, schools, factories, and large commercial buildings.

Pipefitting

Work on high-pressure piping systems used in energy production, pharmaceuticals, and chemical plants. This is critical infrastructure work with technical complexity and rewarding pay.

HVAC-R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Refrigeration)

Become a climate systems expert. From residential installations to commercial chillers and medical refrigeration, this trade touches every building type—and it’s growing rapidly in the push for energy efficiency.

Welding

Master the craft of metalwork. Welders are vital to infrastructure, manufacturing, and pipeline projects. UA apprentices gain access to top-tier welding training and nationally recognized certifications.

By enrolling in the UA Local 486 apprenticeship program, students benefit from an "earn while you learn" model. That means you’ll work alongside experienced journeypersons in the field while attending classroom training that builds the theoretical and technical knowledge behind your craft. You’ll also get access to health benefits, retirement planning, and strong union support.

But more than that, you’ll be entering industries that matter—industries that are hiring, growing, and won’t be replaced by automation or outsourcing.

From Apprentice to Expert: Your Career Trajectory

Every successful tradesperson starts as an apprentice. At UA Local 486, apprentices earn while they learn, gaining valuable experience and certifications with every passing year. Here’s what the typical trajectory looks like:

Year 1: Orientation and Foundations

• Learn safety standards, tool usage, and trade math
• Begin paid on-site work under the supervision of journeypersons
• Start foundational classroom courses

Years 2-3: Technical Skills and Specialization

• Deepen hands-on experience with more complex tasks
• Begin to specialize in your trade path

Years 4-5: Advanced Proficiency

• Take on leadership roles on job sites
• Tackle advanced coursework in system design and troubleshooting
• Complete the apprenticeship with a journeyman’s license

Beyond Apprenticeship

• Start your career
• Gain advanced knowledge
• Discover a world of possibility.s 

Whether you’re interested in staying in the field, managing complex projects, teaching future professionals, or launching your own business, the UA Local 486 apprenticeship is just the starting line. The knowledge, connections, and experience you gain don’t just prepare you for a job—they launch a career with unlimited potential.

Why Choose the Trades—and Why UA Local 486?

Joining the trades isn’t just a career move—it’s a lifestyle choice that brings security, dignity, and community. UA Local 486 doesn’t just train workers; it builds future leaders in an industry that will never go out of style.

Whether you’re drawn to the mechanical precision of HVAC or the creative problem-solving of plumbing, there’s a place for you in the UA family.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Learn more about how you can launch your career in the trades at getpiping.com and apply today through UA Local 486. Your future is waiting—let’s build it together.