Electrical work is one of the clearest examples of why a GED matters in the trades. Most major electrical apprenticeship programs expect a high school diploma or GED. The Electrical Training Alliance lists high school education, one year of high school algebra, a qualifying aptitude test score, and drug-free status as typical requirements for IBEW and NECA apprenticeship pathways.
Electrical work is technical. You may read plans, bend conduit, calculate loads, troubleshoot circuits, follow the National Electrical Code, and work around hazards that leave no room for careless guesses. A typical electrician path looks like this:
Earn your GED or high school diploma
Apply to an IBEW, NECA, IEC, or local apprenticeship
Complete the aptitude test and interview
Train through a 4 to 5 year apprenticeship
Work paid hours while completing classroom instruction
Pass a state journeyman exam where required
Build toward master electrician or contractor status
BLS reports that electricians earned a median annual wage of $62,350 in May 2024. The field is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 81,000 openings each year. Electrician specialties include inside wireman, outside lineman, residential wireman, solar installer, and low-voltage or telecommunications work.
Plumbing is skilled, technical work — not only unclogging drains. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters install, repair, and maintain pipe systems that carry water, gas, steam, waste, and other materials. They read plans, follow codes, inspect systems, and solve problems under pressure.
Most plumbing apprenticeship routes expect a high school diploma or GED. The United Association says applicants for its Registered Apprenticeship Program typically need to be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and show the desire and aptitude to learn a skilled trade.
A typical plumber path includes earning your GED or diploma, applying to a UA local or contractor program, completing testing and an interview, training through paid work and classroom instruction, passing the state journeyman exam where required, and building toward master plumber or plumbing contractor status.
BLS reports that plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters earned a median annual wage of $62,970 in May 2024. Employment is projected to grow 4 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 44,000 openings each year.
Welding has several entry routes, but a GED still helps. Some people start through an accelerated welding school. Others use community college, military training, employer training, or apprenticeship programs. BLS says welders typically need a high school diploma or equivalent along with technical and on-the-job training.
Welders read drawings, measure parts, prepare metal, choose processes, inspect welds, and follow specifications. Common welding paths include trade school (7 to 12 months), community college (around 2 years), paid apprenticeship (3 to 5 years), military training, and employer-based training.
BLS reports that welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers earned a median annual wage of $51,000 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $38,130, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $75,850. Employment is projected to grow 2 percent from 2024 to 2034, with about 45,600 openings each year. Specialties include pipe welding, structural welding, aerospace welding, underwater welding, and welding inspection.
Apprenticeships are training pipelines, not casual job listings. Programs invest in you. Employers put you on job sites. Instructors train you for work that affects safety, systems, buildings, and customers. Common requirements include:
Age 18 or older
High school diploma or GED
Valid driver license and reliable transportation
Drug screening and background check
Physical ability to lift, climb, bend, stand, and work in rough conditions
Aptitude test and interview
Algebra or math readiness for some electrical programs
Some programs offer direct-entry pathways for veterans, women, underrepresented applicants, or people with related experience. Veterans should ask whether military experience or GI Bill benefits can help with placement. Do not assume a waiver — ask the program directly.
The biggest advantage of apprenticeship is simple: you are paid while learning. Registered apprenticeship combines paid work, classroom instruction, mentoring, progressive wage increases, and a nationally recognized credential.
