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Trade Assistant Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $20/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

DBS Staffing Services, Inc.

Trade Helper

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$15.25 - $19.75/hr

In this role, you will assist skilled tradespeople in performing various tasks, contributing to the overall success of projects while gaining valuable experience in the trades. Your responsibilities ...

Continental Tide Defense System INC.

$14.50 - $18.25/hr

We are seeking a dependable and physically capable General Laborer / Trades Assistant to support ongoing operations in a dynamic, industrial environment for our Norfolk, VA location. The ideal ...

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Trade Assistant information

See Virginia salary details

$7

$21

$38

How much do trade assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for trade assistant in Virginia is $22.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.73 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges trade assistants face during large-scale construction projects?

Trade Assistants often encounter challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing work priorities, coordinating with multiple trades on-site, and maintaining safety standards in busy environments. They may need to quickly learn new tasks or tools to support different trades, which requires flexibility and a willingness to ask questions. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as Trade Assistants frequently collaborate with skilled tradespeople, site supervisors, and other assistants to ensure smooth workflow and project progress.

What is the difference between Trade Assistant vs Labourer?

AspectTrade AssistantLabourer
Required credentialsBasic safety training, possibly industry-specific certificationsMinimal certifications, focus on safety
Work environmentAssists skilled tradespeople on construction sites, workshopsPerforms manual labor across various sites, general tasks
Employer and industry usageCommon in construction, electrical, plumbing industriesUsed broadly in construction, landscaping, general labor
Search and comparison intentOften compared for entry-level roles assisting tradesCompared for general manual labor roles

The main difference between a Trade Assistant and a Labourer lies in their roles and responsibilities. Trade Assistants support skilled tradespeople with specific tasks, often requiring some industry-specific training or certifications. Labourers perform general manual labor without specialized skills, focusing on physical tasks. Both roles are essential in construction and related industries, but Trade Assistants typically work more closely with tradespeople and may have more targeted training.

Is it worth being a trade assistant?

A trade assistant supports skilled tradespeople by performing tasks such as preparing work sites, handling tools, and assisting with installations or repairs. The role can provide valuable experience in construction, electrical, or plumbing fields and may lead to further certifications or advanced positions. It is typically a physically demanding job with standard hours and requires safety awareness and basic skills in the trade area.

What does a trade assistant do?

A Trade Assistant supports skilled tradespeople, such as electricians, plumbers, or carpenters, by performing a variety of tasks on job sites. Their duties often include preparing and cleaning work areas, fetching tools and materials, assisting with basic tasks, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Trade Assistants help improve efficiency and productivity, making it easier for tradespeople to focus on specialized work. The role often serves as an entry point for those interested in building a career in the trades.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a trade assistant?

To thrive as a Trade Assistant, you need a basic understanding of construction or trade practices, physical fitness, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with hand and power tools, as well as adherence to workplace safety systems like PPE protocols, is typically required. Strong teamwork, reliability, and the ability to follow instructions set outstanding Trade Assistants apart. These skills ensure safe, efficient support for tradespeople and contribute to smooth site operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Trade jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Trade jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Trade Assistant jobs in Virginia? For Trade Assistant jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Trade Assistant jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Trade Assistant jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Trade Assistant jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Trade Assistant job openings:
Trade Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Trade Assistant job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,751 per year, or $22 per hour.

Maintenance Trade Helper & General Laborer

Continental Tide Defense System INC.

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description


Company Overview:
Continental Tide Defense Systems, Inc. (Continental Tide) is an industry leader, providing engineering and industrial services to the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command, and other DoD organizations. At Continental Tide, we understand that a great company culture is one where employees know their voice is heard, no matter what their title is, and letting them grow in their role as the company does. We want to provide our employees with the opportunity to learn, be challenged and be in a position where they can succeed, develop new skills, and do things they could not do anywhere else. Within our fast-paced and challenging environment, employees at Continental Tide can catapult themselves to the top and we are looking for "the best at what they do" to join our team and help us grow.
Job Description:
We are seeking a dependable and physically capable General Laborer / Trades Assistant to support ongoing operations in a dynamic, industrial environment for our Norfolk, VA location. The ideal candidate will be experienced in performing hands-on labor tasks, supporting skilled trades workers, and maintaining safe and clean work sites. This position plays a vital role in day-to-day jobsite activities including loading materials, preparing equipment, Firewatch duties, and assisting with basic mechanical and electrical installations.
*Please note due to the anticipated volume of responses, we will contact only those candidates who most closely match our requirements. Only local candidates will be considered.
Essential duties & responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
  • Perform general labor tasks including lifting, moving, loading, and unloading materials.
  • Operate hand tools and power tools, including forklifts and pallet jacks, in a safe and effective manner.
  • Clean and prepare work sites, including debris removal and setup of materials and equipment.
  • Assist with removal of hazardous waste and help ensure safety procedures are followed.
  • Perform basic repairs or maintenance on tools and machinery using standard hand tools.
  • Support skilled trades personnel by serving as a Firewatch, welder's helper, or electrician's assistant (e.g., pulling and routing cable).
  • Conduct routine general maintenance and light repair tasks as assigned.
  • Follow all safety protocols, PPE requirements, and site-specific guidelines.
  • Perform other related duties as assigned, including supporting team operations, special projects, or emergent tasks that arise during project execution.

Working Conditions:
  • Exposure to open-air environments, including noisy, hot, and cold conditions.
  • Required to visit project sites aboard ships and rigs, both onshore and offshore.
  • Must wear various types of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing, eye, head, and hand protection, as required.
  • Site visits may involve standing on a variety of surfaces and angles, bending, crouching, and climbing over obstructions such as scaffolding, ladders, and internal barge or boat structural components.
  • Exposure to sound levels exceeding 100 decibels.
  • Must possess sufficient visual acuity, peripheral vision, depth perception, and night vision to inspect maritime components and systems, identify defects or irregularities, and safely operate tools and equipment.
  • May work in confined spaces with limited ventilation.
  • Requires prolonged periods of sedentary work, including sitting and/or standing.
  • May be required to operate machinery, power tools, and/or heavy equipment.
  • Frequent exposure to extreme weather conditions, including high heat and cold.
  • Must be able to lift to 30 lbs., or more, climb ladders, and work in confined or elevated areas.

Experience and Skills
  • Possess OSHA-10 training & have your OSHA-10 card
  • Prior experience aboard a ship or marine vessel preferred.
  • Must possess a high school, trade or vocational school degree.
  • Must have the ability to obtain base access and security credentials...e.g. DBIDS | NAVSEA Badge
  • Ability to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 30 lbs.
  • Ability to work in the above conditions.
  • Travel may be required within and outside of the continental United States.
  • Due to export control regulations, this role is open to U.S. citizens only.

Job Benefits
Continental Tide offers an empowering professional environment in a culture that emphasizes teamwork, shared responsibility for company and client success, and personal growth. We offer competitive wages in salaried and hourly positions, educational opportunities, competitive employee benefit options, and 401K plan with company match.
Continental Tide is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-Verify and U.S. citizenship is required for most positions. Continental Tide prohibits discrimination against any protected class from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs. Consistent with these obligations, Continental Tide also provides reasonable accommodations to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices.
Reasonable Accommodations Statement:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must perform the essential job duties satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of an employee or others. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Apply Today:
If you're ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply and become a part of our mission to deliver quality solutions to the Fleet.
To be considered you must apply by going to www.continentaltide.com
See all of our latest opportunities at www.continentaltide.com or follow us on our LinkedIn page at www.linkedin.com/company/continental-tide-defense-systems
"This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). This regulation prohibits discrimination against qualified protected veterans and requires affirmative action by covered prime contractors and subcontractors to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans."

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