Skilled trade jobs are in demand and pay well. They cannot be outsourced and generally, student debt is minimal. For those who are mechanically inclined, a career in the trades can be very satisfying and rewarding.This Handbook offers condensed information, career tips, examples of successful tradesmen, and resources. It provides an orientation to what the trades require and the many options for growing as a professional, including college courses. The authors have decades of experience within the trade industry.Guidance counselors and parents can gain key information about what is often an over-looked career option. The examples of six successful tradesmen portray life-long careers vs. a job. At mid-life, tradespeople often need to switch to less physically demanding jobs. Practical advice about resumes and interviewing will help them get prepared. The authors bring unique perspectives to the topic of working in the trades; each has 40 years of experience in their respective fields in the building industry and human resources. In addition to a Building Official license in Connecticut, Bill holds other trade licenses as well as a B.S. degree in Natural Resources. Georgian was born into a trades family, has taught business classes to plumbing contractors, written articles for trade magazines and has a M. S. degree in Organizational Behavior.