Graduating from a trade school, apprenticeship, or certification program is a major milestone. But when you’re new to the field, one question often comes up fast:

How do I write a resume when I don’t have years of experience yet?

The good news is this: employers hiring trade professionals don’t expect long resumes filled with corporate job titles. What they do want to see is proof that you’re trained, reliable, and ready to work. A well-built trade resume helps you show exactly that.

What Is a Trade Resume?

A trade resume is a professional document that highlights your hands-on skills, technical training, certifications, and real-world experience. Unlike traditional resumes that focus heavily on degrees, trade resumes emphasize:

• Practical skills
• Safety knowledge
• Tools and equipment experience
• Apprenticeships, internships, or on-the-job training

For newly graduated trade professionals, your resume is about showing potential, work ethic, and readiness, not just past jobs.

Common trade careers that use these resumes include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• HVAC technicians
• Welders
• Heavy equipment operators
• And many others

How to Write a Trade Resume as a New Graduate

1. Start With the Job Posting

Before writing anything, read the job listing carefully. Employers often tell you exactly what they’re looking for such as specific tools, certifications, or skills.

Use that language in your resume when it honestly applies to you. This helps your resume stand out and shows you understand the role.

2. Choose a Simple, Clean Resume Template

You don’t need anything flashy. A clear, easy-to-read layout works best for trade resumes.

Look for templates that include:

• A professional summary at the top
• Skills listed clearly
• Space for certifications and training
• Simple formatting keeps the focus on your abilities.

3. Add Your Contact Information First

At the top of your resume, include:

• Full name
• Phone number
• Professional email address

Make sure your voicemail is set up and your email address sounds professional, this matters more than you think.

4. Highlight Training, Apprenticeships, and Hands-On Experience

If you’re newly graduated, your training counts as experience.

This section can include:

• Apprenticeships
• Trade school lab work
• Internships
• On-the-job training
• Entry-level roles or helper positions

For each role or program, list:

• Title or program name
• Organization or school
• Dates completed

Under each, add bullet points describing what you did. Use action verbs like:

• Installed
• Assisted
• Maintained
• Inspected
• Repaired

Focus on real tasks, tools used, and safety practices followed.

5. List Trade-Specific Skills Clearly

This is one of the most important sections for new trade professionals.

Include a mix of:

• Technical skills (tools, equipment, systems)
• Soft skills (reliability, teamwork, communication)

Examples:

• Proficient with hand and power tools
• Basic electrical wiring and troubleshooting
• Blueprint reading
• Preventative maintenance
• OSHA safety standards
• Strong time management and punctuality

Be honest, employers value accuracy over exaggeration.

6. Include Certifications and Licenses

Certifications show commitment and readiness.

Create a separate section for:

• Trade certifications
• Safety training
• Licenses (if applicable)

Include:

• Certification name
• Issuing organization
• Date earned

Even entry-level certifications can make a big difference.

7. Add Your Education

For trade professionals, this section is usually short and straightforward.

Include:

• Trade school or program name
• Program completed
• Graduation year

If you completed a GED or high school diploma, list it as well.

8. Write a Strong Professional Summary

Your professional summary sits at the top and sets the tone. For new graduates, this is your chance to show motivation and direction.

Example:

Newly certified HVAC technician with hands-on training in system installation, maintenance, and safety protocols. Known for strong work ethic, reliability, and eagerness to learn on the job. Seeking an entry-level role to grow skills and contribute to a high-quality service team.

Keep it short, confident, and forward-looking.

9. Fill in the Resume Carefully

Once you’ve gathered your information:

Example:

• List experience and education in reverse chronological order
• Use bullet points instead of long paragraphs
• Keep it to one page if possible

Clarity matters more than length.

10. Proofread Before Sending

Finally, review your resume carefully.

• Check spelling and grammar
• Make sure dates and contact info are correct
• Read it out loud to catch awkward phrasing

A clean resume shows professionalism and attention to detail, qualities every employer values.

As a newly graduated trade professional, your resume isn’t about proving you know everything. It’s about showing that you’re trained, dependable, and ready to work.

With the right structure and focus, even an entry-level trade resume can open doors to strong opportunities and long-term careers.