You may know the skilled trades open the door to a meaningful, long-term career. What you may not know is we’re all about helping people grow, from their first day on the job to leadership positions and beyond. We believe in promoting from within, investing in our teams, and creating a culture where hard work and talent can truly shine.

Let’s take a look at how a career in the trades can evolve, from apprentice to executive, and how leadership, learning, and opportunity play a role at every step.

The Path from Apprentice to Executive

Getting started in the trades usually means starting as an apprentice. But that’s only the beginning. With the right mindset and support, there’s no limit to how far you can go.

Here’s what that journey often looks like:

1. Apprentice: Building the Foundation

• What it is: Paid, hands-on experience paired with classroom learning.
• What you gain: Technical skills, safety training, tool knowledge, and trade-specific know-how (like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, or sheet metal work).
• Why it matters: Apprentices gain certifications and real-world experience that set the stage for everything that comes next.

2. Journeyman: Mastering the Craft

• What it is: After two to five years, apprentices become journeymen … skilled pros who can work independently.
• What changes: More complex work, more responsibility, and the chance to mentor the next generation of apprentices.

3. Foreman/Supervisor: Leading the Team

• What it involves: Overseeing job sites, guiding crews, managing timelines, and keeping quality and safety on point.
• Skills needed: Leadership, clear communication, planning, and problem-solving.
• The step up: Journeymen who show leadership and reliability often earn this promotion.

4. Project Manager/Operations Manager: Driving Big Results

• What they do: Manage multiple jobs or teams, oversee budgets and schedules, and work directly with clients.
• What helps: Business knowledge, time management, and the ability to balance the field and office sides of the job.
• Why it’s important: These leaders help deliver great service while keeping projects running smoothly and profitably.

5. Executive Roles: Setting the Vision

Roles like VP of Operations, General Manager, or even CEO, focus on shaping the big picture with responsibilities like strategy, growth, hiring, financials, and more.

How to get there:

• Take on new challenges, learn from each step, and seek out opportunities for growth within the company.
• Build on your years of experience and expertise to step into a leadership role that drives the direction of the organization.
• Key skills: Vision, leadership, financial understanding, industry expertise, and a strong network.

Investing in Your Future

We do more than talk about career growth. We back it up.

From skilled trades to engineering, customer service, and office roles, there are countless paths to grow here. If you’ve got the drive, we’ll help you turn your job into a long-term career.

Check out how to learn a trade with us.

Why Leadership in the Trades Matters

Strong leadership is essential in the trades. Good leaders set the tone for safety, quality, and teamwork. They help projects stay on track, build strong teams, and keep customers happy.

But leadership goes beyond the job site. Great leaders also mentor, coach, and lift others up. They create an environment where people feel supported, valued, and motivated to do their best work.

We believe the best teams are built on trust, communication, and accountability. And when leaders show up for their teams, the results speak for themselves … happy employees, smoother jobs, and stronger relationships all around.

Work With Us. Build With Us. Grow With Us.

We believe in growing talent from the inside out. Many of our leaders started in the field and worked their way up, which is proof that when people are given the chance to grow, they do amazing things.

Take Dan Kalman for example. Throughout the past 30 years, Dan went from service technician to Executive Vice President of Service. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we create an environment that supports growth, encourages innovation, and leads with heart.

After four decades in the industry, Dan will tell you, we’re in the people business just as much as we’re in the service business. Every job is about solving a problem and delivering peace of mind. At the end of the day, it’s the relationships we build, with each other and our customers, that matter most.

The trades aren’t a dead end. They’re a launchpad. Join our team and make a difference you can see every single day.