If you love working with your hands and putting things together, a trade career might be your true calling. Enroll in one of many trade programs such as automotive technology, marine mechanics, electrician, HVAC, plumbing, and welding, just to name a few. Once you learn the tricks of your chosen trade and land that coveted trade certification, you will reap the rewards as a highly skilled professional.
A Little More Detail About Some Great Trade Careers...
Auto Body Tech
As automobiles become increasingly more sophisticated, employers want new hires to have successfully completed a formal auto body certification program. In addition to classroom work, these programs also offer apprenticeships at an auto body shop.
Trade and technical schools often offer auto body repair programs that lead to certification within six months to a year. You can also enroll in a two-year program at a community college that offers more advanced study in auto body collision repair, which may be helpful considering newer cars often require different skills.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a large number of older workers retiring from the auto body industry over the next few years, making room for younger workers. Therefore, job prospects are good if you are looking to become an autobody technician. The BLS also states that the median hourly salary for those working in auto repair and maintenance was higher than $16 in 2006, with highly trained and experienced workers making upwards of $30 per hour.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install oil, gas, electric, solid fuel, and multiple-fuel heating and air-conditioning systems. They first put the equipment in place, and then install fuel and water supply lines, pumps, and air ducts and vents. HVAC technicians sometimes also connect electrical wiring and controls and ensure that everything is functioning properly.
Although HVAC technicians frequently specialize in installation or maintenance and repair, they are trained to do both. Most secondary and postsecondary technical and trade schools, junior and community colleges, and the U.S. Armed Forces offer six-month to two-year HVAC programs. Students in HVAC schools study the theory of temperature control, equipment design and construction, electronics, installation, maintenance, and repair.
After completing a program at an HVAC school, new technicians need to have another six months to two years of field experience. This experience is usually gained by an apprenticeship in an HVAC apprenticeship program. Formal apprenticeship programs have both classroom and on-the-job training, and they cover subjects such as the use and care of tools, safety practices, blueprint reading, and the theory and design of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning. In some states, HVAC technicians must be licensed, so once a student completes both a program at an HVAC school and an apprenticeship, they will take a state exam for licensure.
Electrical Engineering
When you become an electrical engineer, you will design, develop, test, and oversee the building and implementation of electrical equipment. Because the use of electricity is so widespread, there are many industries that hire electrical engineers. Wherever there are motors, controls, lighting, wiring, cars, aircraft, radar, and power generation, there is a need for electrical engineers.
Electrical engineering degrees range from associate degrees all the way up through doctoral degrees. The sky's the limit when it comes to advancing your engineering skills. Most start out by applying to a bachelor's degree program in engineering. Your math and computer skills will pay off immensely, as most programs have a heavy concentration in mathematics and computer science. Other classes in electrical engineering colleges include mechanics, digital design, signal processing, and circuitry.
If you want to become an electrical engineer, you'll need at least a bachelor's degree in engineering for most entry-level jobs. But here's great news to consider as you enroll in a four-year program at one of the electrical engineering colleges-as a graduate, you'll be earning one of the highest starting salaries of any occupation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the lowest 10 percent of electrical engineers make around $50,000 each year, while the highest 10 percent-representing those with the most education and experience-can make upwards of $115,000.
