Building trades encompass a variety of construction jobs, including carpentry, flooring, masonry and plumbing. If you want to begin work immediately and have some basic skills, you can land a job as a painter, landscaper or carpet installer with very little training or experience. As you learn the trade, you may decide to open your own business or move into a larger company. If you want to become an electrician, plumber, pipe fitter or welder, you will need to go to vocational school and complete an apprenticeship. For example, becoming an electrician requires learning the trade, becoming an apprentice and practicing alongside a certified electrician, prior to becoming licensed. This journey may take five years, but you will be paid while in training.