Have you considered your career and education, and you're just not sure how they connect? You aren't the only one who feels this way! Unfortunately, society pushes you to attend college even if it isn't suitable. Fortunately, there are a plethora of opportunities available that only require a high school degree and don't require a bachelor's; all you need is some initiative to apply!
If you're seeking to blaze your own trail, trade occupations will always be in demand, pay well, and don't necessitate a college degree. The number of high-paying jobs that remain unfilled while kids rack up debt for degrees is frightening. Get out of the rat race and find yourself on a path of success.
Read on to learn about the most in-demand trade professions and which profession might suit you.
The Trade Job Advantage
A college education can certainly provide rewarding employment, but it isn't for everyone. Trades are not only another alternative; they are frequently the best option for thousands of individuals embarking on their professional lives. Their work is also an important component of our everyday existence, implying that there is always a need.
Say goodbye to college debt -- Four-year degrees are costly, and while the professions they lead to might pay well, you'll spend a significant portion of your life working just to pay off your debt. Also, look into Vocational school degree programs.
Hit the ground running -- Instead of paying tuition, training programs and trade professions typically provide apprenticeships and on-the-job training that teach you your profession while compensating for your time.
Money won't be an issue -- It's a myth that trade occupations pay less than four-year degrees. Trades can pay the same or even more than graduate jobs, depending on your previous job experience and skills.
Long-term career security – Skilled occupations recognize and reward individuals who develop and provide outstanding services, allowing your years of work in your specific trade to translate into higher pay and respect in your community.
Entrepreneurship -- You'll learn a wide range of skills that will serve you well for the rest of your life. Your hard work can and will eventually lead you to the opportunity of self-employment and gratification that comes from living the American Dream! In the United States, small businesses are an integral part of the country and some of the most lucrative business opportunities available.
Trade Careers
You've decided skipping college debt, developing a specialized skill set, and earning a high median salary is appealing. So, what trade careers are there? More than we can count. To name a few: construction industry, fiber optics tech, industrial mechanic, installers and repairers, MRI tech, respiratory therapists, steamfitter, and so much more.
Below we will dive deep into a few specific trades to help gauge your interest.
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics assist in the safe and efficient operation of aircraft by performing preventive maintenance and repairs. Duties include troubleshooting mechanical and electrical malfunctions, as well as thoroughly inspecting all aircraft components.
Boilermaker
Boilermakers build, install, and maintain boilers, tanks, and vats that contain liquids or gasses like oil and other chemicals. Beware the physical demands of boilermaker work are significant.
Utility system construction, nonresidential building construction, fabricated metal product manufacturing, plumbing, heating, and air conditioning are some of the job responsibilities performed by boilermakers.
Cardiovascular Tech
Cardiovascular technicians use sophisticated imaging equipment to ensure that all of a patient's heart tests, from EKGs to cardiovascular ultrasounds, are processed correctly to provide a comprehensive picture of the heart's health.
Civil Engineering
Civil engineering technicians plan commercial, industrial, and residential infrastructure projects. Civil engineering jobs require students to study blueprints, calculate costs, evaluate site conditions and ensure projects comply with design specs and codes.
Construction Manager
According to the bureau of labor statistics, this is one of the highest-paying trade jobs. Construction managers are known as project managers and general contractors, and they oversee projects from beginning to end. They are in charge of public, commercial, residential, and industrial construction projects. The tasks that fall under construction management include producing cost estimates, scheduling subcontractors, addressing concerns, and informing clients. Construction management necessitates business, leadership, technological, and interpersonal skills.
Dental Hygienist
The first individual who sees you in the dentist's chair is almost certainly a dental hygienist. They provide basic dental care such as cleaning, basic checkups, and assistance to the dentist. While a bachelor's degree is not required, a thorough study is necessary. While you work towards an associate's degree and professional development, continue hitting the books!
Electrician
Electricians design, maintain, inspect, and replace electrical equipment such as circuit breakers and transformers. Electricians learn their craft through apprenticeships that can last anywhere from four to five years. If you pursue this career, you may expect a higher-than-average salary even when compared to many other high-paying trades!
Elevator Mechanic
Elevator mechanics are technicians who construct, repair and maintain elevators, escalators, moving walkways, chairlifts, and other automobile lifts. They study building blueprints in order to figure out what sort of machinery and associated parts should be used before putting in and testing an elevator for functionality.
Elevator mechanics also perform routine maintenance to ensure that building codes and government safety regulations are followed.
HVAC Technician
HVAC technicians install, maintain, repair, and repair heating, ventilation, refrigeration, and air-conditioning systems. HVAC technicians can work on both industrial and household systems.
Home Inspector
Home inspectors check a home's exterior and interior to verify that it is safe for residents. They learn about the home's heating, plumbing, electrical, and structural systems during their training.
It's critical that home inspectors have a thorough understanding of building techniques, characteristics, and drawbacks of different types of houses. It is a physically demanding job requiring home inspectors to climb ladders and maneuver through crawlspace regions.
Medical Sonographers
Sonographers who specialize in ultrasound imaging are called medical sonographers. They have received specialized training on high-frequency sound waves to produce images of internal structures in a patient's body. Sonograms (or ultrasounds) are used for a variety of purposes and are a vital part of our healthcare system.
Plumber
Plumbers install, repair, and replace everything from living room fixtures and gas lines. While the position entails hours on evenings and weekends, it also provides a lot of autonomy, financial security, and flexibility.
Industrial Engineering Tech
Industrial engineering technicians apply innovative thinking and observation to discover and optimize industrial processes as well as enhance efficiency and standard operating procedures for a range of organizations. This job is best suited for someone who is well-versed in communication and problem-solving with a strong attention to detail.
Landscaper
Landscape designers specialize in outdoor home and garden design. Their objective is to find plants and other features that complement the environment while enhancing the outside space.
Radiation Therapist
Radiation therapists treat life-threatening conditions like cancer. Radiation therapy sessions are led by healthcare workers, who use equipment like linear accelerators to shrink and kill malignant tumors. They also keep track of patients throughout treatment for any adverse effects while following strict safety procedures.
Steamfitter
Pipefitters and Steamfitters are skilled workers that convert intricate blueprints for commercial and industrial piping systems into reality. Pipes must be cut, threaded, welded, soldered or connected to specifications.