What does the word "Trade" actually mean - when talking about jobs?

Question

Not "Trade" as in the buying and selling of goods but when someone talks about having a trade i.e joinery or something like that- what are they actually meaning by trade.

Answer 1

Essentially this refers to the skills, knowledge and experiences that you can sell.



ie: if you claim to be a plumber - you will already have the abilities needed to troubleshoot any relevant problems relating to your job.



as opposed to an apprentice plumber - who may only possess a limited knowledge of their craft.

Answer 2

To trade is to exchange one thing for another; a book for a ball, money for goods, time / experience / ability / goods for money.

A trade can then become the short word for that exchange of time. experience, ability or goods. The person with those attributes can trade them for money, or on occasion the time, experience, ability or goods of another in exchange.

People used to 'learn a trade' which meant being taught by someone who was already successful to repeat that success on their own merits and in their turn trade with others and so it went on.

The steps were apprentice, journeyman, master, Apprentice - self expanatory, journeyman - has learnt all he can be taught by another and now has permission to travel and 'trade' his skills / also to increase his knowledge of his trade and get his name known roundabouts. While master has reached the top of his particular tree.

Answer 3

Your "trade" is what you do. It's basically a word that sums up your skill set. My husband's trade is construction because he and his parents own a renovation company and construction is what they do.