Skilled Trades Careers

What They Do:

• Assemble boiler tanks
• Test and inspect for leaks/defects
• Maintain and clean vats

Key Skills:

• Logic to identify problems
• Read gauges and indicators
• Metalworking and plumbing

Where They Work:

Large buildings and factories, ships and trains

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $73,340

Local Employers:

• Lima Building Trades
• Trisco Systems
• Spallinger Millwright

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Boilermaker

What They Do:

• Cut bricks to fit project areas
• Measure surfaces
• Manage materials

Key Skills:

• Project management
• Knowledge of tools
• Coordination

Where They Work:

Construction companies, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $60,650

Local Employers:

• Kirk Bros. Co., Inc.
• ACI Construction / Kirk Corp
• Tuttle Construction

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Cement Mason / Finisher / Brick Mason

What They Do:

• Construct frameworks
• Repair buildings
• Install scaffold components

Key Skills:

• Manual dexterity
• Eye-hand coordination

Where They Work:

Construction companies, builders, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $47,470

Local Employers:

• Central Midwest Carpenters Union
• ACI Construction / Kirk Corp
• Tuttle Construction
• Weigand Construction

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Carpenter
• Scaffold Carpenter

What They Do:

• Work with concrete
• Finish surfaces
• Build walls

Key Skills:

• Strength
• Detail-oriented
• Knowledge of concrete mixing

Where They Work:

Construction sites, concrete manufacturing, infrastructure projects

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $49,550

Local Employers:

• Lima Building Trades
• Kirk Bros. Co., Inc.
• Tuttle Construction

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Cement Mason / Finisher / Brick Mason

What They Do:

• Use heavy machinery
• Lift materials
• Deliver resources to sites

Key Skills:

• Heavy equipment operation
• Safety
• Spatial awareness

Where They Work:

Construction sites, shipping ports, manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $70,720

Local Employers:

• Lima Building Trades
• Trisco Systems
• ACI Construction / Kirk Corp

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Equipment Operator

What They Do:

• Install and maintain power lines
• Fix and troubleshoot power outages
• Climb poles to access equipment

Key Skills:

• Handle and move objects
• Troubleshoot issues
• Safety focus

Where They Work:

Power and fiber utility companies

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $92,560

Local Employers:

• AEP Ohio
• Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
• Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Electrical Lineman

What They Do:

• Repair electrical systems
• Maintain equipment

Key Skills:

• Electrical knowledge
• Troubleshooting
• Attention to detail

Where They Work:

Electrical contractors, manufacturing plants, utilities, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $59,730

Local Employers:

• Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship
• Lima Electrical Professionals
• AEP Ohio
• IBEW

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Journey Electrician

What They Do:

• Install electrical systems
• Repair equipment
• Maintain wiring and lighting

Key Skills:

• Electrical wiring
• Detail-oriented
• Blueprint reading

Where They Work:

Construction sites, residential and commercial buildings, unions

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $61,210

Local Employers:

• Lima Area Electrical Apprenticeship
• Lima Electrical Professionals
• Alexander & Bebout, Inc.
• IBEW

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Journey Electrician

What They Do:

• Operate heavy machinery

Key Skills:

• Attention to detail
• Hand-eye coordination
• Good depth perception

Where They Work:

Construction sites, warehouses, manufacturing

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $51,290

Local Employers:

• ACI Construction / Kirk Corp
• Tuttle Construction
• Trisco Systems

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Equipment Operator
• Construction

What They Do:

• Install, maintain, and repair HVAC systems

Key Skills:

• Customer service
• Troubleshooting
• Attention to detail
• Time management

Where They Work:

HVAC companies, construction, building maintenance

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $47,980

Local Employers:

• All Temp Refrigeration
• UA Local 776

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• HVAC/R
• HVAC Plumbing

What They Do:

• Install insulation materials to regulate temperature and sound

Key Skills:

• Teamwork
• Physical fitness
• Attention to detail

Where They Work:

Construction, residential and commercial buildings

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $43,250

Local Employers:

• Lima Building Trades
• Trisco Systems
• Alexander & Bebout, Inc.

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Metal & Insulation
• Fabrication

What They Do:

• Install and reinforce structural iron and steel

Key Skills:

• Physical strength
• Spatial awareness
• Safety consciousness

Where They Work:

Construction sites, steel fabrication companies

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $62,030

Local Employers:

• Tuttle Construction
• Diamond Manufacturing
• Trisco Systems

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Iron Works

What They Do:

• Prepare surfaces for painting
• Apply paint using tools
• Detail and touch-up the painting

Key Skills:

• Detail-oriented
• Problem-solving
• Artistic abilities

Where They Work:

Residential properties, commercial buildings, construction sites

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $48,000

Local Employers:

• Lima Building Trades
• ACI Construction / Kirk Corp
• Tuttle Construction

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Commercial Painter / Decorator

What They Do:

• Plan pipe systems
• Design layouts
• Inspect work sites
• Test lines

Key Skills:

• Good numerical and problem solving skills
• Attention to detail
• Strong communication skills

Where They Work:

Manufacturing settings, union

Salary:

According to O*NET, the average salary is $60,090

Local Employers:

• UA Local 776 (Plumbers & Pipefitters)
• Trisco Systems

Skilled Trades Career Pathway:

• Pipefitting / Plumbing HVAC / Construction