Artisan & Craft Trades
Career Catalog
Artisan & Craft Trades
Turn materials, precision and practiced technique into useful, expressive and lasting work
These careers involve making, restoring or repairing objects and finishes with wood, fiber, clay, glass, metal, leather, paper, stone and other materials. You might work in a production shop, studio, museum, historic building, retail business or your own small enterprise. Some occupations have apprenticeships, while many are learned through paid shop work, mentoring, technical education, workshops and sustained practice.
How to explore this category
- Explore woodworking, cabinetmaking, upholstery or instrument repair if precise construction and fitting appeal to you
- Explore ceramics, glass, jewelry, leather, textiles, weaving or basketry if you like shaping materials through practiced processes
- Explore tailoring, engraving, sign painting or stone carving if detailed custom work and visible craftsmanship interest you
- Explore traditional building crafts or art conservation if preserving older materials and methods matters to you
- Explore craft production and entrepreneurship if you want to combine making with costing, marketing, sales and fulfillment
What is an apprenticeship
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you learn from experienced workers and take related classes. In a Registered Apprenticeship, training follows an approved plan and pay usually increases as skills grow. Not every career in this category uses apprenticeship, so ask the employer or program sponsor exactly how the training works and what credential it provides.
