10 Easy Trades You Can Learn at Home

Learning an easy trade is a great way to gain practical skills that can lead to rewarding careers, often without the need for extensive formal education. With the rise of online learning platforms and tutorials, it has become more accessible than ever to learn various trades from the comfort of your home.

Whether you want to switch careers, start a side business, or simply develop new skills, here are 10 of the easiest trades to learn.

1. Freelance Writing

Freelance writing is an easy trade to learn from home, as you only need a computer, an internet connection, and strong writing skills. There are countless opportunities in content writing, blogging, copywriting, technical writing, and more. With online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn, freelance writers can connect with clients worldwide.

To get started, consider taking online courses on platforms like Udemy or Coursera to enhance your writing skills. Building a portfolio by starting your blog or offering services at discounted rates can help attract clients. Additionally, studying SEO (Search Engine Optimization) will increase your value as a writer by making your content more competitive in search results.

For those seeking to specialize or advance their career, earning an online degree in English, journalism, or communications can refine your skills in research, editing, and media literacy. Additionally, specialized degrees in areas like business or health sciences can open doors to higher-paying niches, such as business writing or medical content creation.

2. Web Development

Web development involves building and maintaining websites, and with a wide range of free and paid online courses available, you can learn to code and design websites from scratch at home. Whether you're interested in front-end development (focusing on design and layout) or back-end development (server-side programming), web development offers numerous freelance and full-time job opportunities.

Begin by learning basic HTML, CSS, and JavaScript through platforms like Codecademy or freeCodeCamp. Practicing by creating personal projects or offering web design services to small businesses will help develop your skills. Additionally, exploring web development frameworks like React or Angular can make you more competitive in the job market.

If you're aiming for long-term career growth, an online degree in computer science or web development can provide a deeper understanding of programming, software development, and web architecture, positioning you for higher-paying roles such as full-stack development or web development management.

3. Graphic Design

Graphic design is another one of the easiest trades to learn, blending creativity with technical skills. And if you have an eye for design, you can easily learn to create visuals for logos, social media, websites, and more. Using design software like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or even free tools like Canva, you can start honing your design abilities.

To begin, take online design courses on platforms like Skillshare or LinkedIn Learning. Familiarize yourself with popular design software and build a portfolio with sample projects. Learning design principles like typography, color theory, and composition will also help you succeed in this trade.

For more advanced roles in branding or art direction, an online degree in graphic design or visual communications can give you formal training in design principles, software mastery, and portfolio development, making you a more competitive candidate in the job market.

4. Digital Marketing

Digital marketing focuses on promoting products or services through channels like social media, search engines, and email marketing. As businesses continue to shift to digital platforms, learning digital marketing at home can lead to many career opportunities, from managing campaigns to building comprehensive online strategies.

Start by learning the basics of SEO, social media marketing, and Google Ads through free courses from platforms like Google and HubSpot. Practice by running small marketing campaigns for local businesses or personal projects, and stay updated on the latest trends by following industry blogs and case studies.

While short-term certifications in tools like Google Ads are helpful, earning an online degree in marketing or digital marketing can offer a broader understanding of market research, consumer behavior, and strategic planning.

Learn more: Complete Guide for Getting Into Digital Marketing

5. Virtual Assistance

Virtual assistance is a flexible and easy trade to learn that involves providing administrative services remotely. You can help businesses with tasks such as email management, scheduling, social media, and data entry.

You can take online courses or webinars to familiarize yourself with organizational tools like Trello, Slack, and Google Workspace. Building a profile on freelance platforms like Upwork or Fiverr will help you attract clients. Offering specialized services such as social media management or customer service can also increase your value as a virtual assistant.

6. Video Editing

As video content continues to grow in popularity, video editing has become an in-demand trade. With the right software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or free alternatives like DaVinci Resolve, you can learn video editing at home.

To get started, take online tutorials or courses on video editing platforms like Udemy. Practice editing personal or stock footage to develop your skills and learn techniques like color correction, sound design, and motion graphics to enhance your portfolio and attract more clients.

For more advanced roles in the media industry, such as film or television production, an online degree in film production or digital media will provide formal training in film theory, storytelling, and advanced production techniques.

7. Handmade Crafts and Etsy Selling

If you enjoy creating handmade crafts, such as jewelry, candles, or home decor, you can turn your hobby into a trade by selling your creations online. Platforms like Etsy allow you to reach a global audience and turn crafting into a small business.

Use crafting tutorials and guides on YouTube or crafting blogs to figure out what you want to create. Set up an Etsy store, create product listings with high-quality photos and descriptions, and learn about pricing, shipping, and marketing your products to grow your business.

8. Photography

Photography is a skill that you can learn from home with the right equipment and resources. Whether you're interested in portrait, product, landscape, or food photography, you can use online tutorials and courses to improve your skills.

While photography requires skill and talent to make a successful career out of, the accessibility of online courses makes it one of the easiest trades to learn. Taking free or paid photography courses that teach camera techniques, composition, and lighting is a good place to start. Practice taking photos at home or in your community, and build a portfolio of your best work. Additionally, learning post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom will help you enhance your images and develop a unique style.

9. Bookkeeping

Bookkeeping is a vital service for small businesses and can be learned at home with minimal training. As a bookkeeper, you will manage financial records, track expenses, and handle invoicing.

First, take an online bookkeeping course or certification program that teaches you how to use accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero. Practice managing sample business accounts to sharpen your skills, and consider offering your services to small businesses or as a freelance bookkeeper.

For those interested in advancing to more complex financial roles, an online degree in accounting or finance will provide the foundational knowledge needed for roles such as financial analyst or Certified Public Accountant (CPA), allowing you to expand your career options beyond bookkeeping.

10. Home-Based Cooking or Baking

If you love cooking or baking, you can turn your passion into a trade by selling your creations from home. Many people start small food businesses by selling homemade baked goods, catering services, or meal prep kits.

To get started, learn new cooking or baking techniques through online tutorials or classes. Use social media to showcase your culinary creations and attract customers, and consider getting a food handling certification to ensure compliance with local health regulations.

Should I Earn a College Degree?

Deciding whether to earn a college degree or focus on learning a trade is a significant choice, especially when both offer unique advantages. For individuals interested in an at-home trade, starting work sooner and at a lower cost can be enticing. However, online education offers benefits that could make earning a degree worthwhile.

One of the primary advantages of an online college degree is flexibility. You can study from anywhere, even while working or learning a trade, which allows you to gain skills and credentials without the commitment of attending a physical campus. This can be particularly appealing for those who want the structure of formal education without sacrificing current job opportunities.

Another benefit of earning a degree is the long-term career potential. While trades can provide a fast track to employment, many industries still require a college degree for advanced positions. An online degree may open doors to higher-paying jobs and leadership roles that might not be accessible without formal education. Additionally, degrees often come with a network of alumni and resources that can help with career advancement over time.

That said, cost is a valid concern. College can be expensive, but online programs tend to be more affordable than traditional on-campus options. Financial aid, scholarships, and the ability to work while studying can offset the cost.

College Degrees That Complement Trades

If you're interested in pursuing a trade, it may benefit you to earn your degree in a related field to provide additional skills, credentials, and opportunities for career advancement. A formal degree can not only enhance practical expertise gained from trades but also improve the possibility of higher-paying roles or even management positions within the trade industry. Here are a few degrees that pair well with trade skills:

• Business Administration: A business administration degree can help tradespeople start their own businesses or manage teams. It provides skills in finance, marketing, and operations, enabling tradespeople to better understand how to run a successful trade business, whether in construction, electrical work, or plumbing.
• Project Management: This degree is valuable for trades that require managing large projects, such as construction, carpentry, or HVAC. Project management teaches planning, budgeting, and overseeing complex projects, helping tradespeople move into supervisory or contractor roles.
• Engineering Technology: Degrees in areas like electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering technology provide in-depth knowledge of systems that tradespeople often work with. This degree can help someone in a technical trade gain more advanced skills, potentially opening doors to design, maintenance, or engineering positions.
• Information Technology (IT): For trades involving electrical work, networking, or security systems, an IT degree can enhance your understanding of modern systems and open opportunities in tech installation or maintenance. IT skills are increasingly valuable in smart home and business systems integration.
• Construction Management: A degree in construction management helps tradespeople transition into roles where they can oversee entire construction projects. It covers budgeting, scheduling, and legal regulations, complementing hands-on experience with the knowledge to manage complex projects.

Start Learning a Trade Today

You can start learning each of these easy trades from your home, including earning an online degree to increase your skills and credentials. Read more about these online programs on Learn.org and reach out to the colleges offering the programs you're interested in to get started today.