Look for These 5 Skills - Set a Kid up for Success in the Trades

We Keep Looking For the Wrong Talent 

Too often, we assume that the best path forward is academic, paper-based, and classroom-heavy.

And if a student doesn’t shine there? We push them to “keep their options open”—without ever telling them the truth:

The trades aren’t for the lazy. They’re for those who are driven, have a strong work ethic, hungry to learn, and adaptive.
They require critical thinking, communication, tech fluency, and physical coordination—a mix many traditional paths never even test for.

And the worst part? Many students who have these skills don’t realize they’re valuable—because it's never come up, yet!

Can You Spot these Kids?

Let’s get specific. If your kid—or a student/ young adult you mentor—has even three of these five traits, they’re not a fallback story. They’re a trade career waiting to happen.

 1. Problem-Solving Mindset

From diagnosing what’s wrong with a car engine to rerouting power in a failing circuit—trades demand calm, logical, solution-focused thinking under pressure.

Watch for:

• Enjoys troubleshooting or tinkering

• Doesn’t give up after the first try

• Curious about why something works, not just what works

• Listens to a mentor or guide who knows more than they do

2. Mechanical + Spatial Aptitude

Can they “see” how something goes together? Do they enjoy taking apart machines, assembling furniture, or playing strategy games that involve systems?

Watch for:

• Builds things a second time having remembered the instructions

• Good at puzzles or Lego-style logic

• Quick to learn tools or tech interfaces

• Isn't afraid to get dirty or struggle when it didn't work the first few times.

3. Communication Skills

Trades aren’t isolated shop work—they’re team-based, client-facing, schedule-driven environments.

Watch for:

• Can explain their thinking - the clearer the better

• Listens well and asks good questions

• Can be in a heated situation without blowing up

4. Reliability + Work Ethic

Trade employers say it constantly: “I can teach you the skill—but I can’t teach you to show up on time.”

Watch for:

• Takes responsibility for chores or school projects

• Has a part-time job and shows up consistently

• Is upfront when something goes wrong

5. Tech Comfort + Willingness to Learn

Modern trades use everything from augmented reality and digital diagnostics to drones and CAD. There’s no “just use your hands” anymore.

Watch for:

• Enjoys learning new tools or apps

• Not afraid to ask for help

• Shows pride in mastering new equipment or systems

Real Moves You Can Make This Week
✅ Have a strengths conversation—not a “plan” conversation. Ask: “What kind of problems do you love solving?” or “What kind of tools or systems do you feel good working with?”
✅ Use the SkilledTradeRescue.com Trade Fit Quiz to match your teen’s interests and aptitudes to possible trades.
✅ Visit a local community college or union hall’s open house together—just to observe. It’s a low-pressure way to connect natural talents to real careers.