Not sure what you want to do next? You’re not alone. Maybe you just graduated, you’re ready for something different, or you’ve spent years in a career that doesn’t feel like the right fit.
Here’s something worth knowing: You don’t need years of experience or a toolbox full of skills to start building a career in the trades.
At Lee Company, some of our most experienced team members started right where you are. They showed up willing to learn, worked hard, and found opportunities they never expected.
And you can, too.
You Don’t Need to Have It All Figured Out
Think you need a construction background to work in HVAC, plumbing, or electrical? Think again.
Whether you’re coming from retail, restaurants, the military, or another trade, there’s room to explore something new. Even if you’re starting fresh at 30, 40, or 50, your previous experience matters.
Technical skills can be taught. What really matters is showing up, being dependable, asking questions, and treating people right.
Just ask Alex V., one of our HVAC foremen.
“I started as a green helper. I didn’t know anything and worked my way up from a helper to a mechanic in about 2 years.“
That’s what getting started can look like.
What Does a Day in the Trades Actually Look Like?
If you’ve never worked in the trades, you might be wondering what you’d actually do all day.
The answer? It depends on the trade, but one thing stays the same. You’re learning practical skills while helping people in ways that make a difference.
Here’s a glimpse of what that could look like:
- HVAC: Imagine walking into a home where the air conditioning isn’t keeping up on a hot summer day. You’ll learn how to inspect equipment, identify what’s happening, and help restore comfort. On facilities projects, you might help install systems that keep entire buildings comfortable.
- Plumbing: One day, you could be restoring hot water for a homeowner. Or you might be working on plumbing systems for a new commercial building. From repairs to installations, you’re helping people with something they depend on every day.
- Electrical: Ever wondered what keeps the lights on in a hospital, office, or home? Electricians help make it happen. You could learn to install wiring, troubleshoot electrical systems, and help keep buildings running safely.
- Sheet Metal: If you like seeing something take shape, sheet metal might be for you. You’ll learn how to fabricate and install ductwork and other components that help heating and cooling systems work properly. It’s hands-on work where precision and teamwork matter.
And here’s the best part: You don’t have to know how to do any of this before you start learning.
Helping to Build Your Skills
Nobody expects you to know everything on day one.
When you join our Lee Company team, you’ll have opportunities to learn from experienced professionals, build confidence, and develop hands-on skills.
Depending on your role, you may spend time working alongside seasoned technicians, learning safety practices, getting familiar with equipment, and gradually taking on more responsibility.
We also offer free in-house training opportunities in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, sheet metal, and project management.
Our apprenticeship programs provide another way to grow, too. You can earn a paycheck while gaining practical experience and working toward advanced trade qualifications. It’s a great alternative to a traditional classroom-only path.
Want to learn more? Check out Careers Corner: Building Careers, One Class at a Time.
Your First Job Doesn’t Have to Be Your Forever Job
One of the best things about building a career at Lee Company? You can go in more than one direction.
Maybe you start in HVAC and discover you’re interested in electrical work. Maybe you enjoy helping customers and want to explore sales or dispatch. Or maybe you see yourself leading a team or managing projects someday.
There’s room to find your best fit. And when you get to know Lee Company, you’ll see how our commitment to serving people extends to helping our own team members grow.
Alan B., one of our senior project managers, puts it this way:
“You don’t have to have any knowledge of construction or anything like this. I think you can come here, they train you, they teach you everything you need to know and you can grow and thrive. Lee Company has been really good to my family.“
We also work with programs like SkillBridge, Men of Valor, and Hope Center to help people explore new career opportunities and build their next chapter.
Take The First Step
As your skills and responsibilities grow, opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential can grow, too.
The important thing? You don’t have to map out your entire career before taking the first step.
You don’t need to have every answer. You just need to be willing to learn, put in the work, and see where it takes you.
Ready to explore what’s next? Visit Lee Company Careers and find an opportunity that feels right for you.
Your next chapter could start right here.
