Trades/Careers

Some of the fastest growing fields today fall under Trade Careers or Jobs. The types of jobs that fall under the Trade category typically require specialized skills through advanced training in place of a traditional 4-year college program. In some cases, trade programs are even offered in high school with an apprenticeship to follow after graduation. Industries such as construction and manufacturing are often referred to as skilled trades.

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks to support the work of physicians and most healthcare professionals. Their responsibilities may differ depending on the type or specialty of the healthcare office they’re working in. Medical assistants are not to be confused with physician assistants, who are licensed and trained to do medical procedures with supervision from a physician.
Medical Assistant Role & Responsibility

HVAC (Heating Ventilation, AC)

Anyone interested in a HVACR (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration) career can either complete a certification, an Associates Degree or pursue an Engineering Technology Bachelor of Science degree. Graduates can go onto secure employment as an HVAC Engineer, HVAC Installer, Refrigeration Technician, Automotive HVAC Technician, Wind Turbine Technician or even as a Service or Project Manager. The most in-demand job in this field is an AC technician.

Role & Responsibility
  • Install, clean, and maintain HVACR systems
  • Install electrical components and wiring
  • Inspect and test HVACR systems and components
  • Discuss system malfunctions with customers
  • Repair or replace worn or defective parts
  • Recommend maintenance to improve system performance
  • Keep records of work performed
2020 Median Pay $50,590 per year | $24.32 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

380,400
Job Outlook, 2020-30 5%
Employment Change 2020-30

19,000
How to become

Many HVAC technicians receive post secondary instruction from technical and trade schools or community colleges that offer programs in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration. These programs generally last from 6 months to 2 years and lead to a certificate or an associate’s degree.
High school students interested in becoming an HVAC technician should take courses in vocational education, math, and physics. Knowledge of plumbing or electrical work and a basic understanding of electronics is also helpful.

Automotive Technology

There are many interesting degrees to earn in the automotive space. You may enjoy a degree in mechanics where you can learn about maintenance, repair and design development of various sized vehicles, aircrafts and industrial machines. You might enjoy learning how to diagnose issues by pursuing an automotive technology degree. Whatever your passion is, there are many in-demand jobs waiting for you, but first decide which program suits you best.

Role & Responsibility
  • Identify problems, often by using computerized diagnostic equipment
  • Plan work procedures, using charts, technical manuals, and experience
  • Test parts and systems to ensure that they work properly
  • Follow checklists to ensure that all critical parts are examined
  • Perform basic care and maintenance, including changing oil, checking fluid levels, and rotating tires
  • Repair or replace worn parts, such as brake pads, wheel bearings, and sensors
  • Perform repairs to manufacturer and customer specifications
  • Explain automotive problems and repairs to clients
2020 Median Pay $44,050 per year | $21.18 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

703,800
Job Outlook, 2020-30 0%
Employment Change 2020-30

2,100
How to become

High school courses in automotive repair, electronics, computers, and mathematics provide a good background for prospective service technicians. However, high school graduates typically need further training to become fully qualified. Completing a vocational or other postsecondary education program in automotive service technology is considered the best preparation for entry-level positions. Programs usually last 6 months to a year and provide intensive career preparation through classroom instruction and hands-on practice. Short-term certificate programs in a particular subject, such as brake maintenance or engine performance, are also available.

Aviation Maintenance Management

The Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Management provides students with working knowledge of aircraft safety, aviation technology, physics, airline management and the FAA regulations associated with producing, operating and maintaining an aircraft. Safety is the most important aspect of the aerospace industry and plays an essential role in creating a secure experience for pilots, flight crews and passengers.

Role & Responsibility
  • Diagnose mechanical or electrical problems
  • Repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components
  • Replace defective parts, using hand tools or power tools
  • Test aircraft parts with gauges and other diagnostic equipment
  • Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
  • Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems
  • Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes, and install software
  • Install instrument panels, using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons
  • Keep records of maintenance and repair work
2020 Median Pay $66,680 per year | $32.06 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation

None
Number of Jobs, 2020

151,300
Job Outlook, 2020-30 11%
Employment Change 2020-30

17,400
How to become

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically enter the occupation after attending a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. These schools award a certificate of completion that the FAA recognizes as an alternative to the experience requirements stated in regulations. The schools also grant holders the right to take the relevant FAA exams. Avionics technicians typically earn an associate’s degree before entering the occupation. Aircraft controls, systems, and flight instruments have become increasingly digital and computerized. Workers who have the proper background in aviation flight instruments or computer repair are needed to maintain these complex systems. Although not required, bachelor’s degree study in engineering or a related field, such as transportation, may provide useful background knowledge

Welding

Professionals can take a few different paths to become a welder beginning with either an AWS D1. 1 3G, a 4G SMAW or a 3G MIG Welding Certification. While most employers will be satisfied if you’ve passed these qualification tests, you’ll only be able to take an entry-level position. An Associate of Applied in Welding Technology teaches students about welding safety, arc and pipe welding, how to interpret blueprints plus methods in tungsten inert gas welding and metal inert gas welding. Experienced graduates to become welding inspectors. Graduates who receive a Bachelor of Science in Welding Engineering Technology will gain knowledge in maintenance and quality control, product and machinery testing, metallurgy for welding engineers, alloy fabrication, welding codes, computer-aided design for engineers and materials science. Graduates of a bachelor’s degree may also qualify for additional industry certifications, such as the American Welding Society’s Certified Welding Engineer credential.

Role & Responsibility
  • Study blueprints, sketches, or specifications
  • Calculate the dimensions of parts to be welded
  • Inspect structures or materials to be welded
  • Ignite torches or start power supplies
  • Monitor the welding process to avoid overheating
  • Maintain equipment and machinery
2020 Median Pay $44,190 per year | $21.25 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

418,200
Job Outlook, 2020-30 8%
Employment Change 2020-30

34,100
How to become

A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, is typically required for anyone to become a welder, cutter, solderer, or brazer. Individuals can attend vocational–technical institutes, community colleges, and private welding, soldering, and brazing schools offer formal technical training. In addition, the various branches of the U.S. Armed Forces operate welding and soldering schools.
Courses in blueprint reading, shop mathematics, mechanical drawing, physics, chemistry, and metallurgy are helpful. An understanding of electricity also is helpful, and knowledge of computers is gaining importance as welding, soldering, and brazing machine operators become more responsible for programming robots and other computer-controlled machines. Although numerous employers are willing to hire inexperienced entry-level workers and train them on the job, many prefer to hire workers who have been through training or credentialing programs. Even entry-level workers with formal technical training still receive several months of on-the-job training.

Electrical / Electronics

Students who pursue a Bachelor in Electronics will learn computer applications and programming, digital circuits and wireless systems plus experience in general electronic systems, information technology and micro-electronics engineering principles. Graduates become highly skilled in electrical power, wiring outlets and light fixtures, repairing electrical boxes plus lighting and control systems. They are well-prepared to address dangerous situations and maintain a safe environment.

Role & Responsibility
  • Assemble electrical and electronic systems and prototypes
  • Build, calibrate, and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment
  • Visit sites where systems are made to observe conditions affecting design
  • Identify solutions to technical design problems that arise in making electrical systems
  • Inspect designs for quality control, report findings, and recommend changes, if necessary
  • Draw diagrams and write specifications about design details of experimental electronics units
  • Create basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify details of design, under engineers’ direction
  • Build prototypes from plans or sketches
  • Assemble, test, and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, knowledge of electronics, and technical manuals
  • Adjust and replace defective circuitry and electronic components
  • Make parts, such as coils and terminal boards, using bench lathes, drills, or other machine tools
2020 Median Pay $67,550 per year| $32.48 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

117,000
Job Outlook, 2020-30 2%
Employment Change 2020-30

1,900
How to become

Associate’s degree programs in electrical or electronic engineering technology are available at community colleges and vocational–technical schools. Programs accredited by ABET or other organizations typically include courses such as algebra, programming languages, physics, and circuitry. Depending on the job tasks or the industry, employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree. Candidates for other jobs may qualify with a high school diploma or credentials from organizations like National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), ETA International, and the International Society of Automation.

Hospitality & Facilities Management

If you are interested in becoming a Building Supervisor, a Construction Manager, a Director of Operations and Maintenance, a Facilities Director, a Real Estate Asset Manager or a Safety Operations Supervisor, then completing a Facilities Management Advanced Certificate will help you achieve your goals. Graduates will walk away with the skills needed to ensure building systems are operating at peak performance. Recipients of this certification can find jobs where they’ll be responsible for maintaining critical equipment, energy-efficient lighting, onsite power generation, providing security for occupants, reducing operating costs, building automation and contingency planning.

Role & Responsibility
  • Plan the scope of the event, including its time, location, and cost
  • Solicit bids from venues and service providers
  • Inspect venues to ensure that they meet the client’s requirements
  • Coordinate event services such as rooms, transportation, and food
  • Monitor event activities to ensure that the client and the attendees are satisfied
  • Review event bills and approve payments
2020 Median Pay $51,560 per year| $24.79 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

125,900
Job Outlook, 2020-30 18%
Employment Change 2020-30

22,100
How to become

Meeting, convention, and event planners typically need a bachelor’s degree. Some experience related to event planning may be helpful.

CDL/ Commercial Driving Certification

Operating a commercial motor vehicle requires special skills, training and physical abilities which is why a Commercial Driver’s License certification is something to consider if this is your preferred profession. A driver must pass high standard testing in their home state before operating any type of motor vehicle on public roads. You may also need special endorsements if you or your company’s drivers will be operating a truck with double or triple trailers, a truck with a tank or one carrying hazardous materials.

Role & Responsibility
  • Drive long distances
  • Report any incidents encountered on the road to a dispatcher
  • Follow all applicable traffic laws
  • Secure cargo for transport, using ropes, blocks, chains, or covers
  • Inspect their trailers before and after the trip and record any defects they find
  • Maintain a log of their working hours, following all federal and state regulations
  • Report serious mechanical problems to the appropriate people
  • Keep their trucks and associated equipment clean and in good working order
2020 Median Pay $47,130 per year| $22.66 per hour
Work Experience in Related Occupation None
Number of Jobs, 2020

1,951,600
Job Outlook, 2020-30 6%
Employment Change 2020-30

122,100
How to become

Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL).