National Tradesmen Day – Highlighting Career Opportunities in the North Country

From loggers, riggers, electricians, and woodworkers, to technicians of all kinds, the world is full of exciting roles in the trades!

Friday, September 18th is National Tradesmen Day, a day to recognize the many skilled people working in these challenging fields. Celebrated on the third Friday each September, National Tradesmen Day was founded “to honor the men and women who work everyday with their hands to keep America running strong.”

The North Country is full of opportunities in the trades for young people to explore. Many of these positions require vocational education, on-the-job training, or skills development through an apprenticeship to be successful.

To learn more about some of the careers in our region, the different types of jobs available, and the training required, check out our Career Crosswalks page, and take a look at some Career Journey videos below!

Maple Syrup Maker

Learn about what it takes to make maple syrup as Laura Trudeau walks us through the process at Parker Family Maple Farm!

Machine Shop Supervisor

Learn about what it’s like to make air-lock valves for a living with Rodney Davis, a Machine Shop Supervisor at Plattco.

Aviation Tech

Aim high and take to the skies! Learn about being an Aviation Tech from Chris LaRosa, an A&P Mechanic with Aviation Technical Support and Quality Assurance Technician with Nova Bus.

Lead Machine Operator

Learn about the high demand production of fire-proof steel doors and frames with Scott Miller, Lead Machine Operator at North American Door Corporation.


If you are interested in learning more about jobs in the trades nationwide, check out these links from the Careers in Demand Collection on PBS Learning Media from our friends over at KET.

Apprenticeships – Apprenticeships are a win-win situation for both employers and the apprentices. Employers get a talent pipeline of skilled employees, and apprentices earn money while they learn the skills of the trade.

Construction Trades – If you dream of building houses or skyscrapers or bridges, whether you want to draw and design them or get your hands on a hammer or drill, there’s work for you. What’s it like in the world of Construction Trades? Find out in this video.

Transportation and Logistics – Careers in transportation and logistics can take you far and wide. Businesses ship a wide variety of products—from motor vehicles and metals to agricultural products—by air, railway, barge, and especially truck. Truck drivers, both for big rigs and local delivery vans, are in demand.