What is a Skilled Trade?According to the Career Exploration Program of ASVAB, a skilled trade "is any occupation that requires a particular skill set, knowledge, or ability. It is usually a hands-on job, but skilled trades are found in every career cluster." Career clusters are related occupations or industries requiring similar knowledge and skills. These clusters help organize various careers into easy-to-understand groupings. Career clusters help people plan and explore their career paths, making it easier to make informed decisions. Skilled trades generally fall into five broad categories: agricultural, construction, manufacturing and industrial, service, and transportation.