Trade Skills

Discover the essential skills that power America's trades. From physical strength to technical expertise, explore what makes skilled professionals excel.

Physical Skills

(13 skills)

Dexterity

24 trades

Precise, controlled finger and hand movements for detailed or delicate tasks

Used in:

StonemasonsCarpentersInsulation Workers, MechanicalPaperhangersPlumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters+19 more

Strength

18 trades

Overall muscular power to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy loads effectively

Used in:

BrickmasonsPipelayersBoilermakersReinforcing Iron & Rebar WorkersConstruction Laborers+13 more

Coordination

14 trades

Smooth integration of multiple body parts to perform precise, fluid movements

Used in:

Paving & Surfacing Equipment OperatorsOperating EngineersExcavating & Loading Machine OperatorsCommercial PilotsLocomotive Engineers+9 more

Endurance

12 trades

Capacity to sustain prolonged physical effort without excessive fatigue

Used in:

Highway Maintenance WorkersCommercial DiversParking AttendantsAircraft Service AttendantsPump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers+7 more

Standing Tolerance

6 trades

Ability to stand for prolonged periods without significant discomfort

Used in:

TapersFloor Sanders & FinishersPainters, Construction & MaintenanceAir Traffic ControllersTransportation Inspectors+1 more

Balance

5 trades

Ability to maintain stability and equilibrium on uneven or narrow surfaces

Used in:

GlaziersRoofersStructural Iron & Steel WorkersSolar Photovoltaic InstallersPile-Driver Operators

Flexibility

4 trades

Range of motion in joints and muscles allowing greater reach and movement

Used in:

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & WallSeptic Tank Servicers & Sewer Pipe CleanersRefractory Materials Repairers, Except BrickmasonsGeothermal Technicians

Kneeling Endurance

3 trades

Ability to remain in a kneeling position comfortably for extended periods

Used in:

Cement Masons & Concrete FinishersCarpet InstallersFloor Layers

Climb Ability

2 trades

Skill in safely ascending ladders, scaffolding, poles, or structures efficiently

Used in:

Radio, Cellular, & Tower Equipment Installers & RepairersWind Turbine Service Technicians

Agility

Quick, nimble movement and direction changes while maintaining body control

Not yet associated with any trades

Grip Strength

Force exerted by hands/fingers to hold, grasp, or manipulate heavy objects

Not yet associated with any trades

Hand-eye Coordination

Accurate synchronization of visual input with precise hand movements

Not yet associated with any trades

Squatting Endurance

Capacity to maintain a squatting posture over long durations without strain

Not yet associated with any trades

Cognitive Skills

(9 skills)

Attention to Detail

47 trades

Careful observation and accuracy in noticing small differences or errors

Used in:

BrickmasonsStonemasonsCement Masons & Concrete FinishersTapersCarpet Installers+42 more

Problem Sensitivity

22 trades

Quickly recognizing when issues, discrepancies, or problems exist

Used in:

Insulation Workers, MechanicalPipelayersPaving & Surfacing Equipment OperatorsPile-Driver OperatorsOperating Engineers+17 more

Troubleshooting

17 trades

Systematically diagnosing and resolving technical or operational problems

Used in:

Plumbers, Pipefitters, & SteamfittersSolar Photovoltaic InstallersSeptic Tank Servicers & Sewer Pipe CleanersComputer, Automated Teller & Office Machine RepairersRadio, Cellular, & Tower Equipment Installers & Repairers+12 more

Spatial Visualization

8 trades

Mentally manipulating, rotating, and understanding 3D objects/relationships

Used in:

CarpentersFloor LayersGlaziersReinforcing Iron & Rebar WorkersSheet Metal Workers+3 more

Critical Thinking

4 trades

Objective analysis and evaluation of information to form reasoned judgments

Used in:

MachinistsMotorboat OperatorsFirst-Line Supervisors of Passenger AttendantsFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation Workers, All Other

Problem Solving

3 trades

Identifying issues, analyzing causes, and developing effective solutions

Used in:

CarpentersPlumbers, Pipefitters, & SteamfittersBoilermakers

Deductive Reasoning

Drawing specific conclusions from general principles or known facts

Not yet associated with any trades

Inductive Reasoning

Making general conclusions from specific observations or patterns

Not yet associated with any trades

Mathematical Reasoning

Understanding, applying, and manipulating numerical and logical concepts

Not yet associated with any trades

Technical Skills

(38 skills)

Tool Operation

36 trades

Proper, safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools

Used in:

Industrial Machinery MechanicsMaintenance Workers, MachineryMillwrightsMechanical Door RepairersHome Appliance Repairers+31 more

Power Tools

12 trades

Safe and skilled operation of drills, saws, grinders, and other power equipment

Used in:

Carpet InstallersFloor Sanders & FinishersPainters, Construction & MaintenanceConstruction LaborersFence Erectors+7 more

Precision Measurement

9 trades

Using calipers, micrometers, levels, and gauges for exact dimensions

Used in:

Floor LayersGlaziersPaperhangersFence ErectorsMedical Equipment Repairers+4 more

Heavy Equipment Operation

5 trades

Safe operation of excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and similar machinery

Used in:

Paving & Surfacing Equipment OperatorsPile-Driver OperatorsOperating EngineersExcavating & Loading Machine OperatorsRail-Track Laying & Maintenance Equipment Operators

Safety Compliance

4 trades

Following OSHA/regulatory safety standards and procedures consistently

Used in:

Flight AttendantsFirst-Line Supervisors of Passenger AttendantsFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation Workers, All OtherAircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Electrical Systems

3 trades

Knowledge of wiring, panels, circuits, codes, and electrical installations

Used in:

Computer, Automated Teller & Office Machine RepairersRadio, Cellular, & Tower Equipment Installers & RepairersAvionics Technicians

Piping Systems

3 trades

Designing, installing, and maintaining various piping for fluids/gases

Used in:

Septic Tank Servicers & Sewer Pipe CleanersRefractory Materials Repairers, Except BrickmasonsGeothermal Technicians

Insulation Installation

2 trades

Placing thermal, acoustic, or fireproof insulation materials correctly

Used in:

Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & WallInsulation Workers, Mechanical

Masonry

2 trades

Laying brick, block, stone, and concrete units with proper mortar joints

Used in:

BrickmasonsStonemasons

Pipefitting

2 trades

Measuring, cutting, threading, and installing industrial piping systems

Used in:

PipelayersPlumbers, Pipefitters, & Steamfitters

Structural Ironworking

2 trades

Erecting and connecting steel beams, columns, and rebar for structures

Used in:

Reinforcing Iron & Rebar WorkersStructural Iron & Steel Workers

Concrete Finishing

1 trade

Troweling, edging, and texturing concrete surfaces for quality finish

Used in:

Cement Masons & Concrete Finishers

Crane Operation

1 trade

Safely operating cranes to lift, move, and position heavy loads precisely

Used in:

Riggers

Drywall Installation

1 trade

Measuring, cutting, hanging, taping, and finishing drywall panels

Used in:

Tapers

Framing

1 trade

Constructing structural skeletons of buildings using wood or metal studs

Used in:

Carpenters

Roofing Installation

1 trade

Applying shingles, membranes, metal, or tiles to create watertight roofs

Used in:

Roofers

Sheet Metal Fabrication

1 trade

Cutting, bending, and assembling sheet metal for ductwork/structures

Used in:

Sheet Metal Workers

Solar Panel Installation

1 trade

Mounting, wiring, and connecting photovoltaic systems safely

Used in:

Solar Photovoltaic Installers

Welding Techniques

1 trade

Performing various welding processes (MIG, TIG, stick) to code standards

Used in:

Boilermakers

Wind Turbine Maintenance

1 trade

Inspecting, repairing, and maintaining wind turbine systems safely

Used in:

Wind Turbine Service Technicians

Blueprint Reading

Interpreting technical drawings, symbols, and specifications accurately

Not yet associated with any trades

Building Automation

Installing/programming systems that control HVAC, lighting, security

Not yet associated with any trades

CAD Drafting

Creating precise 2D/3D technical drawings using computer-aided design software

Not yet associated with any trades

Conduit Bending

Shaping electrical conduit accurately to fit layouts and code requirements

Not yet associated with any trades

Demolition Techniques

Safe, controlled removal of structures using proper tools and methods

Not yet associated with any trades

Electrical Diagnostics

Identifying faults in electrical systems using testing equipment

Not yet associated with any trades

Elevator Installation

Assembling, aligning, and wiring elevator components per specifications

Not yet associated with any trades

Forklift Operation

Safe maneuvering of forklifts to transport and stack materials

Not yet associated with any trades

Green Construction

Building practices that reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency

Not yet associated with any trades

HVAC Installation

Installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems properly

Not yet associated with any trades

Lockout/Tagout

Procedures to control hazardous energy during equipment maintenance

Not yet associated with any trades

Metal Fabrication

Cutting, bending, and assembling metal parts into finished products

Not yet associated with any trades

Refrigerant Handling

Safe recovery, recycling, and charging of refrigerants per regulations

Not yet associated with any trades

Refrigeration Repair

Diagnosing and fixing commercial/industrial refrigeration systems

Not yet associated with any trades

Scaffold Erection

Safely assembling, using, and dismantling scaffolding systems

Not yet associated with any trades

Sprinkler Installation

Installing fire protection sprinkler piping and heads per code

Not yet associated with any trades

Surveying & Leveling

Measuring and marking land elevations, distances, and angles accurately

Not yet associated with any trades

Wire Installation

Pulling, terminating, and testing electrical wiring per code

Not yet associated with any trades

Behavioral Skills

(14 skills)

Safety Awareness

34 trades

Constant vigilance toward hazards and adherence to safety protocols

Used in:

GlaziersInsulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, & WallInsulation Workers, MechanicalBoilermakersReinforcing Iron & Rebar Workers+29 more

Dependability

19 trades

Consistently reliable in meeting commitments and showing up on time

Used in:

BrickmasonsCement Masons & Concrete FinishersFloor LayersHelpersRail Car Repairers+14 more

Leadership

3 trades

Guiding, motivating, and directing others toward common goals

Used in:

First-Line Supervisors of Passenger AttendantsFirst-Line Supervisors of Transportation Workers, All OtherAircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors

Stress Tolerance

3 trades

Maintaining performance and composure under pressure

Used in:

Commercial PilotsAir Traffic ControllersMotorboat Operators

Work Ethic

3 trades

Demonstrating dedication, diligence, and responsibility in all tasks

Used in:

StonemasonsTapersFloor Sanders & Finishers

Communication Skills

2 trades

Clearly conveying and understanding information verbally and in writing

Used in:

Flight AttendantsTaxi Drivers

Integrity

2 trades

Acting with honesty, ethics, and strong moral principles consistently

Used in:

Medical Equipment RepairersAviation Inspectors

Teamwork

2 trades

Collaborating effectively with others to achieve shared objectives

Used in:

PipelayersTeam Assemblers

Time Management

1 trade

Prioritizing tasks and using time efficiently to meet deadlines

Used in:

Bakers

Adaptability

Quickly adjusting to new conditions, methods, or unexpected changes

Not yet associated with any trades

Continuous Learning

Actively seeking and applying new knowledge and skills

Not yet associated with any trades

Initiative

Proactively identifying needs and taking action without being told

Not yet associated with any trades

Reliability

Consistently performing duties dependably and as expected

Not yet associated with any trades

Resilience

Recovering quickly from setbacks, stress, or adversity

Not yet associated with any trades

13
Physical Skills
9
Cognitive Skills
38
Technical Skills
14
Behavioral Skills