How to Write a Resume for Trades That Gets You Hired in 2025
- Amanda
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
How to Write a Resume for Trades That Gets You Hired in 2025
You’ve got the hands-on skills, the certifications, and the experience—but does your resume for trades showcase it in a way that gets hiring managers to call you back?
In 2025, the skilled trades job market is booming, but competition is rising too. Employers aren’t just hiring the first person with a toolbox. They’re looking for workers who are trained, reliable, and can contribute from day one. A strong, well-written resume for trades is your best tool to prove you’re that person.
Whether you’re a Red Seal electrician, an apprentice welder, or a seasoned HVAC tech, this guide will show you exactly how to write a trades resume that gets noticed.
Why Your Trade Resume Matters More Than Ever
Skilled trade workers are in high demand, but employers still expect professionalism—starting with your resume. According to BuildForce Canada, over 300,000 skilled trade workers will be needed over the next 10 years in Canada alone. Meanwhile, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects high growth in trades like construction, plumbing, welding, and HVAC through 2032.
Yet despite this demand, many tradespeople submit resumes that are outdated, messy, or missing key information. In a competitive market, that’s an easy way to get passed over—even if you’re great on the tools.
What Employers Look for in a Resume for Trades
A good trade resume tells employers:
What certifications or tickets you have (Red Seal, WHMIS, Forklift, etc.)
What kind of jobs you've worked on (residential, commercial, industrial)
What tools or equipment you're comfortable using
Whether you work safely and reliably
What value you’ll bring to the job site from day one
And you need to show all this clearly, concisely, and professionally—no fluff, no guessing.
Step-by-Step: How to Write a Resume for Trades
1. Start with a Strong Resume Header
Your contact information should be the first thing they see. Include:
Full Name
Phone Number
Email
City and Province (e.g., Vancouver, BC)
Optional: Link to your LinkedIn or portfolio (if relevant)
2. Write a Brief Professional Summary
This is a 2–3 sentence intro that sums up your experience and strengths.
Example:Certified HVAC Technician with 6+ years of experience installing, maintaining, and repairing residential and commercial systems. Red Seal certified with a strong focus on energy efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Not sure how to word it? Our team at Stellar Resume Writers can craft a custom summary that grabs attention and includes the right keywords.
3. List Core Skills
Use bullet points to highlight key skills. These are especially useful for recruiters using ATS software to scan resumes.
Sample list:
Blueprint reading
MIG and TIG welding
Pipefitting and plumbing
Forklift and scissor lift operation
Job site safety and WHMIS compliance
Preventative maintenance
Pro tip: Match this list to what’s in the job posting you’re applying for.
4. Detail Your Work Experience
This is where you shine. For each job, list:
Job Title
Company Name
Location
Dates (month/year format)
3–6 bullet points describing your responsibilities and achievements
Focus on results. Don’t just say “Installed HVAC systems”. Instead, write:
Installed 30+ high-efficiency HVAC units in commercial properties across Vancouver, reducing average energy use by 18%.
5. Include Certifications and Training
This section is crucial in trade resumes.
Example:
Red Seal Certification – Plumber (2023)
WHMIS Certified (2024)
Fall Protection and Confined Spaces Training
Gas Fitter B License
First Aid Level 1
List the most relevant ones first and include the year where possible.
6. Add Education (if relevant)
If you’ve completed trade school, apprenticeships, or any additional education, include it.
Example:
BCIT – Plumbing Foundation Program (Completed 2022)
Common Mistakes in Trade Resumes (and How to Fix Them)
❌ Too Much or Too Little Detail
Fix: Stick to short, sharp bullet points. Focus on job-specific tasks and results.
❌ Outdated Information
Fix: Keep your resume updated with your latest projects and current certifications.
❌ Typos and Poor Formatting
Fix: Use a clean, simple layout with consistent formatting. If writing isn’t your thing, let Stellar
Resume Writers take care of the details.
❌ Missing Keywords
Fix: Scan the job posting and use the same terminology they use (e.g., "pipefitting" vs. "plumbing" if that’s what they mention).
Sample Resume for Trades: Layout Guide
Here’s how a solid resume should flow:
[Your Name]Phone | Email | City, Province | LinkedIn (optional)
Professional Summary2–3 lines summarizing your trade, years of experience, certifications, and key strengths.
Core Skills
[Skill 1]
[Skill 2]
...
Work Experience
Job Title – Company Name, City, Province (Month Year – Month Year)• Bullet point 1• Bullet point 2• Bullet point 3
(Repeat for past 2–4 jobs)
Certifications
[Certification Name] – Year
[Certification Name] – Year
Education
[School or Program] – Year Completed
How to Stand Out in 2025's Trades Job Market
Beyond having a strong resume for trades, here are some quick ways to get ahead:
Keep certifications current
Take short online courses (like blueprint reading or safety)
Be open to new industries—green energy and infrastructure are growing fast
Get a resume professionally reviewed
Free Tip: Use our free resume review tool to get personalized feedback in less than 48 hours.
Conclusion
In 2025, the skilled trades industry is one of the most promising places to build a stable, rewarding career—but your experience alone isn’t enough. A standout resume for trades helps you present your strengths, prove your qualifications, and open doors to higher-paying and more satisfying opportunities.
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