Your work speaks for itself. Your resume needs to speak for it too.
You're not a desk jockey. You bend pipe, pull wire, weld steel, or run refrigerant. You work with your hands, solve real problems, and build things that matter.
But when it's time to put that on paper? Most trades workers struggle. They either write generic job duties that don't show their real skills, or they leave out the certifications and project details that actually get them hired.
I see this all the time. A guy with 15 years of pipe welding experience hands me a resume that says "performed welding duties." That tells a hiring manager nothing.
This guide covers how to write a trades resume that works, whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, or master, and whether or not you have a felony or a record. I'll cover what to include for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, welders, and general construction, plus how to list licenses, show project scope, and handle union experience.
What do trades employers look for on a resume?
Documented trade skills, current licenses and certifications, real project experience, a safety record, and a work history that shows you stick around. In regulated trades like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC refrigerant work, the license is mandatory. Experience and productivity are what drive your pay and advancement after that.
On Your Resume
- Documented trade skills: Specific techniques, systems, code knowledge
- Current licenses and certifications: State licenses, EPA 608, AWS, etc.
- Project experience: Type, size, complexity, your role
- Safety record: This matters more than you think
- Reliability: Work history that shows you stick around
Certifications vs. Experience
Both matter. But understand this:
- Licensure is mandatory in regulated trades (electrical, plumbing, HVAC refrigerant work)
- Experience and productivity drive pay and advancement
- Without the license, you can't legally do certain work. Period.
Soft Skills That Matter
- Dependability: Show up. Every day. On time.
- Communication: With crews, customers, inspectors
- Problem-solving: Troubleshooting is the job
- Safety mindset: Nobody wants to hire a liability
- Willingness to learn: Codes change. Technology changes.
How do I list licenses and certifications on a trades resume?
Make every one clear, specific, and verifiable: the license level (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master), the issuing state or agency, and the number if you can share it. Add specialty endorsements and code qualifications next to it. If a hiring manager has to guess whether you're licensed, you've already lost.
This is where trades workers often mess up. Your licenses need to be clear, specific, and verifiable. I can't stress this enough. If you're still deciding which credential to go after, see the best certifications to get with a felony.
Electricians
List:
- State license level: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master
- State and license number (or "State of Wisconsin" if number is private)
- Specialty licenses: Residential, industrial, low-voltage
- Code knowledge: NEC (National Electrical Code)
Example:
Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician, DSPS Licensed
NEC 2023 Code Compliant
Plumbers
List:
- License level: Apprentice, Journeyman, Master
- State credential
- Specialty endorsements: Backflow certification, medical gas, etc.
Example:
Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber, DSPS Credential
Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certified
HVAC Technicians
List:
- EPA Section 608: Specify Type I, II, III, or Universal
- State/local HVAC contractor license (where required)
- Industry certifications: NATE, manufacturer-specific (Carrier, Trane, etc.)
Example:
EPA 608 Universal Certification
NATE Certified: Heat Pumps, Air Conditioning
Wisconsin Registered HVAC Contractor
Welders
List:
- AWS Certified Welder with process and materials
- Position qualifications: 6G pipe, 3G/4G plate
- Code qualifications: ASME Section IX, API 1104, AWS D1.1
Example:
AWS Certified Welder: GTAW (TIG), GMAW (MIG), SMAW (Stick)
6G Pipe Certified: Carbon Steel, Stainless
ASME Section IX Qualified
Apprenticeship Status
If you're still an apprentice, list it clearly with hours completed:
Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 494, 2023 to Present
4,000+ OJT hours under licensed journeymen
Completed 2 years classroom training (NEC code, motors, controls)
Or:
Registered Plumbing Apprentice, DSPS / PHCC-WI, 2023 to Present
2,000+ hours OJT, 288 hours related instruction
What skills should I put on a trades resume?
Name the actual work you do, not "construction experience." List the techniques, systems, materials, and equipment for your trade, like conduit bending and panel terminations for an electrician or 6G pipe and TIG for a welder. If you can be specific, be specific.
Generic skills don't help. "Construction experience" tells them nothing. Name the actual work you do. I tell every tradesperson I work with the same thing: if you can be specific, be specific.
Electrical Skills
- EMT/RMC conduit bending and threading
- Panel terminations and service upgrades
- Motor controls and VFD installation
- PLC panel wiring
- Residential and commercial rough-in
- Troubleshooting and diagnostics
- Blueprint and schematic reading
- NEC code compliance
Plumbing Skills
- Rough-in and top-out (residential/commercial)
- PVC, CPVC, copper, PEX installation
- Fixture setting and trim-out
- Drain, waste, and vent (DWV) systems
- Water heater installation and service
- Hydronic/radiant systems
- Blueprint reading
- Code compliance
HVAC Skills
- Split system and heat pump installation
- Furnace and air handler service
- Brazing and soldering
- Vacuum, evacuation, and charging
- Refrigerant recovery (EPA 608)
- Combustion analysis
- Low-voltage control troubleshooting
- Ductwork fabrication and installation
Welding Skills
- MIG (GMAW), TIG (GTAW), Stick (SMAW), Flux-core (FCAW)
- 6G pipe and 3G/4G plate positions
- Carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum
- Blueprint and weld symbol interpretation
- Fit-up and layout
- Visual and destructive testing prep
Carpentry/General Construction
- Rough and finish framing
- Concrete forming and finishing
- Drywall hanging and finishing
- Door and hardware installation
- Trim and finish carpentry
- Layout and measurement
- Equipment operation (skid steer, telehandler, boom lift)
- Blueprint reading
How do I show numbers on a trades resume?
Count what you did: projects completed, feet of pipe or conduit, joints welded, inspection pass rates, X-ray acceptance, jobs finished ahead of schedule, and your safety record. Example: "Installed 25+ residential service panels to NEC standards with zero failed inspections in 2024." Only use numbers you can back up.
Trades work is measurable. Show your numbers. This is where I push people hardest: stop listing duties and start proving results.
Metrics That Matter
- Projects completed: Number, type, size
- Volume: Feet of pipe, linear feet of conduit, joints welded
- Quality: Inspection pass rates, rework rates, X-ray acceptance
- Speed: Ahead of schedule, units per day
- Safety: Lost-time injuries (ideally zero), safety record
- Customer satisfaction: Ratings, callbacks
Strong Resume Bullets by Trade
Electrical:
"Installed and wired 25+ residential service panels (100A to 200A) to NEC standards with zero failed inspections in 2024"
"Completed electrical rough-in for 200,000 sq ft warehouse as part of 10-person crew, on schedule and under budget"
"Troubleshot and repaired industrial motor controls, reducing production downtime by 30%"
Plumbing:
"Completed rough-in and finish plumbing for 40-unit multifamily building, delivering 2 weeks ahead of schedule with no punch-list leaks"
"Handled 10-15 service calls daily during peak season (drain cleaning, fixture replacement, water heater installs)"
"Installed medical gas systems in hospital expansion, passing all inspections on first attempt"
HVAC:
"Diagnosed and repaired 15-20 HVAC service calls per week during peak season, maintaining 4.8/5.0 customer satisfaction"
"Installed and commissioned 50+ residential split systems in 2024 with zero warranty callbacks"
"Performed refrigerant recovery and system changeouts on 20+ commercial rooftop units"
Welding:
"Performed 6G SMAW pipe welding on carbon steel, achieving 98% first-pass X-ray acceptance per ASME Section IX"
"Welded structural steel for 3 commercial buildings totaling 150,000+ sq ft"
"Completed TIG welding on stainless steel food-grade piping with zero rework"
Carpentry/Construction:
"Framed 12 single-family homes as lead carpenter, completing each in under 3 weeks"
"Installed finish trim and doors in 60-unit apartment complex, zero punch-list items"
"Operated telehandler and boom lift for material handling on 5-story commercial project"
How do I show project scope on a trades resume?
For each job, give the project type (residential, commercial, industrial, institutional), the size (square footage, units, crew size), the systems you worked on, and your role. Someone who wired a 200,000 square foot warehouse is a different hire than someone who has only done residential service, and your resume has to make that clear.
Trades employers want to know what kind of work you've done. Show them. A guy who's wired a 200,000 square foot warehouse is a different hire than someone who's only done residential service, and your resume needs to make that clear.
Include These Details
- Project type: Residential, commercial, industrial, institutional
- Size/scale: Square footage, number of units, crew size
- Systems: What you specifically worked on
- Your role: Helper, journeyman, lead, foreman
Examples
"Commercial New Construction: 200,000 sq ft warehouse, 10-person crew. Responsible for main electrical distribution rough-in and lighting circuits."
"Residential Service: Handled 10-15 service calls/day including drain cleaning, fixture replacement, and water heater installs."
"Industrial Shutdown: Welded pipe repairs on refinery turnaround project, working 12-hour shifts for 3-week duration."
"Multifamily: Complete plumbing rough-in and finish for 40-unit apartment building, from underground to fixtures."
Naming Clients/Projects
It's common to name projects in construction, especially well-known buildings or public work. But:
- Don't name clients if bound by NDA
- Don't include security-sensitive details
- Using project type and size is usually enough
Do I need a resume if I'm in a union?
Yes. Halls dispatch from out-of-work lists, but a resume helps when contractors ask for specific skills, when you go for foreman or supervisor, and when you look for work outside the hall. Keep it current.
How to List Union Membership
Member, IBEW Local 494, Inside Wireman, 2020 to Present
UA Local 75 Journeyman Plumber, State-registered apprenticeship completed 2022
Union Hiring Halls and Resumes
Union halls dispatch members based on out-of-work lists and contractor requests. You might wonder: "Do I even need a resume?"
Yes. Having a current resume helps when:
- Contractors request specific skills or experience
- You're applying for foreman or supervisor roles
- You're seeking work outside the hall
- You want to document your full experience
What Union and Non-Union Employers Both Want
- Skills
- Safety
- Reliability
Differences:
- Non-union shops often emphasize flexibility and multi-skilling
- Union roles follow defined classifications and wage scales
How should an apprentice, journeyman, or master write a trades resume?
Match the resume to your level. An apprentice or helper leads with training, basic tasks, and showing up; a journeyman shows independent work, code knowledge, and results; a master shows permits, supervision, estimating, and training others. If you don't have your journeyman license yet, list your apprentice status with hours completed.
Apprentice/Helper Resume
You're new. That's fine. Emphasize:
- Pre-apprenticeship or trade school coursework
- Hand tools and basic tasks you can perform (under supervision)
- Soft skills: Show up on time, follow instructions, safety awareness
- Physical capability and willingness to work
Example bullet:
"Assisted journeyman electricians with conduit installation, wire pulling, and material staging on commercial job sites"
Journeyman Resume
You can work independently. Show it:
- State journey license and code knowledge
- Ability to read plans and work independently
- Coordination with other trades
- Leading small crews (if applicable)
- Quantified results: projects, inspections passed, callbacks reduced
Example bullet:
"Independently completed residential service upgrades and panel replacements, averaging 3 per week with 100% inspection pass rate"
Master Tradesperson Resume
You're at the top. Emphasize:
- License level: Master Electrician, Master Plumber, etc.
- Ability to pull permits and supervise installations
- Project management, estimating, and client management
- Training and mentoring apprentices
- Safety leadership
Example bullet:
"Supervised crew of 8 plumbers on hospital renovation project, managing scheduling, inspections, and apprentice training while maintaining zero safety incidents"
What mistakes get trades resumes rejected?
Listing duties instead of results, missing or vague licenses, generic skills, no project context, unexplained gaps or short stints, and safety red flags. The one I see most is the duty list: your resume isn't a job description, it's proof you can do the work.
1. Only Listing Job Duties
Bad: "Did electrical work on construction sites"
Good: "Installed 200A residential service panels to NEC code with zero failed inspections"
I see this one more than any other. Your resume isn't a job description. It's proof you can do the work.
2. Missing Licenses or Certifications
If the job requires a license and you don't list yours clearly, you're out. State it prominently with issuing authority.
3. Generic Skills Sections
Bad: "Hard worker, team player, fast learner"
Good: "MIG/TIG welding, 6G pipe certified, ASME Section IX qualified, carbon and stainless steel"
4. No Project Context
Don't just list employers. Show what you built, how big it was, what systems you worked on.
5. Unexplained Gaps or Short Stints
Construction work can be project-based, and that's normal. But if you have gaps or lots of short jobs, address it:
- Note if work was project-based or seasonal
- Group related short-term work together
- Be ready to explain in the interview
6. Safety Red Flags
Never mention serious safety incidents without context. If it comes up, frame it as a learning experience, not a pattern.
Can you get a trade job or a trade license with a felony?
Yes, many people do. Construction, welding, and a lot of trade work don't bar people with records. Licensed trades add a licensing-board review, and some offenses can matter for some licenses, so ask the licensing agency (DSPS in Wisconsin) how they review records before you invest in training.
Does a record block a license by itself? Usually not. Plenty of people with a felony work in the trades. But a licensed trade adds one more check: the licensing board. Boards can ask about convictions, and some offenses can matter for some licenses. In Wisconsin, the same "substantially related" rule covers licenses, not just jobs: a conviction has to substantially relate to the licensed work before a state board can hold it against you. If DSPS turns you down over a conviction, it has to tell you why in writing and let you show proof of rehabilitation. You can also ask DSPS before you apply, without filing a full application, whether your record would disqualify you, and it has to answer in writing within 30 days. It may charge a fee for this. How your own record plays out is a question for DSPS or a legal aid lawyer, not a guess. (Wisconsin law as of September 2026.)
What to do:
- Ask before you invest. Call DSPS or the program you want to join and ask how they review records for that credential.
- Put the license front and center once you have it. A current license on your resume answers a lot of questions before they get asked.
- Look at apprenticeships. Our apprenticeships guide covers how to get in with a record.
What licenses does Wisconsin require for plumbers, electricians, and HVAC?
Plumbers need a DSPS plumbing credential (Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master). Electricians get DSPS credentials at the same three levels, and a business doing electrical work also needs an Electrical Contractor license. Businesses that install or service HVAC generally need a Registered HVAC Contractor credential, and anyone handling refrigerants needs EPA 608 certification.
For Wisconsin's hiring laws and what a record means for work in the state, see jobs for felons in Wisconsin.
Plumbers
Wisconsin requires a DSPS plumbing credential: Apprentice, Journeyman, or Master. Unlicensed individuals generally cannot install plumbing except in limited circumstances.
HVAC
Wisconsin requires a Registered HVAC Contractor credential for businesses that install or service HVAC (Wis. Admin. Code SPS 305.70). There are exceptions for work on property the business owns. Check the exact rule with DSPS. Anyone handling refrigerants needs EPA 608 certification.
Electricians
DSPS issues credentials for Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Electricians. Higher levels require classroom hours, documented experience, and exams. A business doing electrical work in Wisconsin also needs an Electrical Contractor license, and anyone who isn't a master electrician has to work under one (Wis. Stat. 101.862). Pulling building permits on one- and two-family homes is a separate credential, the Dwelling Contractor certification and Qualifier. Check DSPS for the one that fits your work.
Wisconsin Apprenticeship Programs
State-registered apprenticeships (through DSPS and trade associations like PHCC-WI, NECA, ABC) require thousands of OJT hours plus classroom training, leading to journeyman and master exams.
How to list:
Registered Electrical Apprentice, DSPS / IBEW Local 494
4,000+ OJT hours, 576 hours related instruction
Are trade jobs in demand?
Yes. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and welders keep getting hired as older workers retire. For current numbers on openings and pay, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The Work Is There
Electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, and welders keep getting hired as older workers retire. For current numbers on openings and pay, check the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh), which updates its projections regularly.
What This Means for You
Licensed tradespeople are in demand. A clear, professional resume with documented skills and credentials puts you ahead of the competition. I've watched guys with solid experience lose out on jobs because their resume didn't show what they could actually do. Don't let that be you.
Common questions
What certifications should an electrician list on a resume?
Your state license level (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master) with the issuing state and license number, any specialty licenses (residential, industrial, low-voltage), and NEC code knowledge. Example: "Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician, DSPS Licensed, NEC 2023."
What certifications should a plumber list on a resume?
Your license level (Apprentice, Journeyman, Master) with the state credential, plus specialty endorsements like backflow prevention or medical gas. Example: "Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber, DSPS Credential, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Certified."
What certifications should an HVAC tech list on a resume?
EPA Section 608 (say which type: I, II, III, or Universal), any state or local HVAC license, and industry certifications like NATE or manufacturer certs. EPA 608 is federally required for anyone handling refrigerants.
What should a welder put on a resume?
Your AWS certification with process (TIG, MIG, Stick, Flux-core) and materials (carbon steel, stainless, aluminum), your position qualifications (6G pipe, 3G/4G plate), and any code qualifications (ASME Section IX, API 1104, AWS D1.1).
How do I list an apprenticeship on a trades resume?
Name the program or local, the dates, hours completed, and classroom training. Example: "Electrical Apprentice, IBEW Local 494, 2023-Present. 4,000+ OJT hours under licensed journeymen; 2 years classroom training (NEC code, motors, controls)."
How do I list a bunch of short construction jobs?
Group them by trade or contractor if they're similar, and note the work was project-based or seasonal. Focus on the scope and skills, not just the dates.
What if I don't have my journeyman license yet?
List your apprentice status with hours completed. Show your progress and what you can do under supervision. Employers hire apprentices too.
How long should a trades resume be?
One page for most workers. Two pages if you're a master with a lot of project management experience.
The Bottom Line
Your skills are valuable. Employers need them.
But they need to see it on paper:
- Licenses and certifications: Clear, specific, verifiable
- Skills: Name the actual techniques, tools, and systems
- Projects: Type, size, scope, your role
- Metrics: Numbers that show quality and productivity
- Safety: A record that shows you're not a risk
Don't undersell yourself with generic job duties. Show them what you've built.
Need Help With Your Resume?
Get your trade skills and credentials presented clearly and professionally.
I work with tradespeople every day at Steel Man Resumes: electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC techs, and construction workers. I know what employers in these fields actually look for.
Questions? Call (262) 391-8137 or email troy@steelmanresumes.com
Last Updated: September 2026
Sources: Wisconsin DSPS Licensing, PHCC-WI, BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, Resume-Now Skilled Trades Guide, AWS Certification Standards