Getting Into The Trades in Your 30s

How Long Does It Take to Start Working in a Trade?

The time required to begin a paying trade job varies by field. Here’s what you can expect for key trades.

Electrician

Most U.S. electricians complete a 4‑5 year apprenticeship program, with around 2,000 hours of on-the-job training and technical instruction each year. You will receive pay during the apprenticeship period. 

Some backgrounds, like technical schools or military experience, can shorten the timeline through credit or testing exemptions.

After completing the apprenticeship and required hours, you usually qualify to become a licensed journeyman electrician. As you gain seniority, this title – and the pay – changes.

HVAC Technician

HVAC apprenticeships commonly last 3 to 5 years, blending classroom training with paid on‑the‑job learning.

Alternatively, trade school certificate programs can fast-track entry in as little as 6 months up to 1 year, though licensing and work readiness usually require further experience.

Notably, many states require EPA Section 608 certification to handle refrigerants, requiring extra study.

Industrial Maintenance Technician

You can complete foundational training in areas such as controls, motors, and automation in 6 months to a year, depending on training options.

Some manufacturing facilities offer structured apprenticeship or on-the-job programs that span 1 to 3 years, depending on skill level.

These roles reward multi-disciplinary skills. Employers often look for candidates who have both mechanical aptitude and electrical or control systems expertise.

Why These Training Timelines Matter for Your 30s

You can begin earning wage-eligible work within a year in roles like HVAC technician or entry-level industrial technician. It can take 3 to 5 years to reach full journeyman status, but you're earning as you grow.

If you're in your 30s and need to support family or cover living expenses, these shorter entry paths and paid training structures make the trades uniquely accessible and sustainable.

Benefits of Entering the Trades in Your 30s

Starting a new career in your 30s may feel like a leap — but in the trades, it often means you’re arriving at the right time. Here’s why your 30s can be the perfect time to enter the skilled trades.

1. You Can Start Earning While You Train

One of the biggest advantages of trade careers is earning money while you learn. Unlike traditional four-year college degrees, most trades offer paid apprenticeships. That means you’re not paying tens of thousands of dollars for tuition — instead, you’re getting a paycheck.

For example, electricians and HVAC technicians often start earning in their first year, with wages increasing as they advance through their apprenticeship levels.

2. Higher Starting Wages Than Many Entry-Level Office Jobs

Many people entering trades in their 30s are coming from lower-wage service jobs or customer-facing roles. Switching to a trade often means a higher floor.

• An HVAC apprentice makes, on average, $20 per hour, while the average entry-level HVAC hourly rate is $25. However, this depends on location, so you could possibly earn more.
  
• An entry-level journeyman electrician earns $45,000 to $60,000 per year. However, an experienced journeyman can earn over $100,000 per year, depending on location and skills.

According to one study, the average hourly wage for a student exiting a RAP (Registered Apprenticeship Program) was $31, compared with a little less than $13 for youth overall.

3. Long-Term Job Security

Skilled trades aren’t going anywhere. HVAC systems, power lines, plumbing, and heavy machinery all require people to install, maintain, and repair them.

And the trades aren’t just stable — they’re growing faster than other professions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects:

• Electrician jobs will grow by 11% through 2033
  
• HVAC technician jobs will grow by 9% through 2033
  
• Industrial machinery mechanics and technicians will grow by 15%, significantly faster than average.
  

This demand helps insulate trade workers from layoffs and wider economic fluctuations, especially those who keep their skills up to date.

4. You Bring Maturity and Life Skills to the Table

By your 30s, you’ve likely had real-world job experience, even if not in a technical field. You’ve developed habits, reliability, and communication skills that younger apprentices may still be learning.

Supervisors often notice this. Trade instructors and journeymen regularly say that older apprentices are more focused, disciplined, and better at working in teams.

According to one study, adult apprentices showed awareness of and commitment to the alignment between work and study, one of the cornerstones of an apprenticeship.

5. You Can Advance Faster

Since many employers promote from within, those who enter trades in their 30s often move faster into supervisory roles and estimator positions. 

Many find they have a leg up when starting their own business — especially if they have previous leadership or organizational experience.

Starting later doesn’t mean you’ll be behind. In many cases, your maturity helps you level up quicker.

How to Get Started in the Trades — Even with Zero Experience

So you’re convinced the trades are worth it. But how do you actually start?

If you didn’t go to trade school right out of high school, the process might feel unfamiliar. But it’s far more accessible than most people think, even if you have no prior experience in the field.

1. Pick a Trade That Matches Your Interests and Goals

Start by narrowing down the type of work you’re drawn to. Do you want to work indoors, outdoors, or both? Are you interested in jobs that involve wiring, machinery, or high-tech systems?

If you’re curious about automation, smart systems, or robotics but still want something hands-on, look into industrial maintenance or roles that involve mechatronics. These are high-tech trades that bridge traditional mechanical work with newer control systems.

The point: pick a trade you can see yourself sticking with — not just one with good pay.

2. Look into Pre-Apprenticeship or Short-Term Certificate Programs

For many trades, you don’t have to dive straight into a 5-year apprenticeship. You can start with a short-term certificate course or pre-apprenticeship program that gets you basic skills and connects you with employers.

These programs usually take a few weeks to a few months. Many community colleges and workforce training centers offer them. You can also explore flexible online programs — for example, Unmudl offers entry-level Mechatronics Technician training you can start right away.

These shorter programs can also help you test the waters before committing to a full apprenticeship.

3. Apply for an Apprenticeship or Entry-Level Role

Once you have foundational skills, you can start applying for apprenticeships or helper roles. Don’t worry too much — employers are often looking for people who are motivated, reliable, and willing to learn.

Apprenticeships are offered through:

• Trade unions
• Contractor associations
• Employers (especially in construction and manufacturing)
• State apprenticeship portals (like Apprenticeship.gov)

4. Get Certified and Keep Growing

Depending on the trade, you may need to pass a licensing exam or earn certifications (like EPA 608 for HVAC or OSHA 10/30 for job safety). These are usually done alongside your work and training.

From there, your path opens up: move from apprentice to journeyman, specialize in high-demand skills, or even branch out into estimating or management.