"The trades" refer to professional fields related to the construction industry. While most people picture carpenters when construction workers are mentioned, there are actually a number of different "trades" or professions that contribute to the completion of building projects.
While Trade Up is working to raise awareness about opportunities in all of the construction trades, it exists to specifically promote three trade professions that include sheet metal contractors, electricians, plumbers and pipe fitters. Trade Up is sponsored by the Mechanical Electrical Sheet Metal Alliance, which is an organization that promotes the plumbing and pipefitting professions, electrical professions, and sheet metal work professions.