Carpenters build and fix things made of wood — houses, furniture, frames, decks, and shelves. They use measuring tape, saws, hammers, and drills. Everything they build must be level (perfectly flat) and plumb (perfectly straight up and down).
Math skill: measurement, fractions (1/2 inch, 1/4 inch), area
Electricians install and repair electrical wiring in homes and buildings. They work with circuits — loops of wire that carry electricity from a source (like a power line) to devices (like lights and outlets). Every electrician must know the safety rules for working with electricity.
Science skill: circuits, voltage, current, safety
Plumbers install and fix pipes that carry water and gas into buildings and waste water out. Clean water in, dirty water out — plumbers keep both systems working safely. Plumbing follows gravity: waste pipes always slope downward.
Science skill: gravity, pressure, fluid dynamics
Welders join metal pieces together using intense heat — sometimes hotter than the surface of the sun (for certain methods). Welded structures are everywhere: bridges, cars, ships, buildings, and appliances. Welders wear special protective gear because the process creates bright light and heat.
Science skill: heat, metal properties, states of matter
Draw a line connecting each tool to its trade:
| Tool | Trade |
|---|---|
| Measuring tape and level | Electrician |
| Wire strippers and voltage tester | Plumber |
| Pipe wrench and PVC cutter | Carpenter |
| Welding helmet and torch | Welder |
Which trade interests you most? Why?
Problem 1: You are building a bookshelf. Each shelf is 3 feet 6 inches long. You have a board that is 14 feet long. How many shelves can you cut from it? (Show your work)
Problem 2: A door frame is 7 feet tall. You need to cut two vertical pieces (called "studs") for each side. How many total feet of lumber do you need for both studs?
Problem 3: A soup recipe for 4 people calls for 2 cups of broth, 1.5 cups of vegetables, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Scale the recipe for 20 people:
| Ingredient | For 4 people | Scale factor | For 20 people |
|---|---|---|---|
| Broth | 2 cups | x _____ | _______ cups |
| Vegetables | 1.5 cups | x _____ | _______ cups |
| Salt | 0.5 tsp | x _____ | _______ tsp |
| Trade | Median Annual Wage | Entry Level | Experienced/Licensed | Years of Training |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $61,590 | ~$38,000 | $80,000–$120,000+ | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| Plumber | $61,550 | ~$36,000 | $75,000–$110,000+ | 4–5 yr apprenticeship |
| Welder | $49,490 | ~$33,000 | $70,000–$100,000+ | 6 mo – 2 yr program |
| Carpenter | $56,350 | ~$33,000 | $75,000–$100,000+ | 3–4 yr apprenticeship |
| Chef/Head Cook | $56,520 | ~$30,000 | $80,000–$130,000+ | Varies; culinary school or experience |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2024.
An electrician apprentice earns $22/hour in year 1. They work 40 hours/week, 50 weeks/year. Calculate their annual income in year 1:
A peer who chose a 4-year college program paid $30,000/year in tuition, fees, and room and board. What is the total difference in financial position at the end of year 4? (apprentice total earned - college total spent)
| Step | Electrician | Plumber | Welder |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry requirement | HS diploma/GED, math test, drug test | HS diploma/GED, physical ability | HS diploma/GED; some programs accept 16+ |
| Training path | IBEW/NECA Joint Apprenticeship (5 years) | UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Apprenticeship (5 years) | AWS-certified welding school (6 mo – 2 yr) |
| Licenses required | Journeyman, then Master Electrician | Journeyman Plumber, then Master Plumber | AWS Certified Welder credential |
| Can you own a business? | Yes — electrical contractor | Yes — plumbing contractor | Yes — welding shop |
| BLS job outlook (2023–2033) | +11% (faster than average) | +6% (faster than average) | +2% (stable) |
Choose one trade. Complete the following planning document:
Selected trade: _______________________________________________
| Planning Question | Your Research |
|---|---|
| What apprenticeship program serves your area? | |
| What is the application process and deadline? | |
| What is the starting apprentice wage in your region? | |
| What licenses will you hold at the end of training? | |
| What would it cost to start your own contracting business in this trade? | |
| Name one person you could interview who works in this trade. How will you find them? |