Do you have a job that you love? Or are you on the opposite end, wishing you could do something different? Maybe you’re getting ready to start school and still haven’t decided on a direction yet. Maybe you’re wanting to continue your education but you’re not sure what you want to study. Whatever your current situation is, one thing’s for certain. There’s always room for improvement and there are always other options. However, this doesn’t come without a lot of hard work. If you’re ready to make a change and have an open mind to boot, now’s a great time to think about your future. Keep reading for some career inspiration that’s brought to you only by trade-specific education. Here are eight awesome careers in different trades that could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Miner
Chances are you’ve heard of mining before. After all, people have been mining for hundreds of years. There’s a lot more to this career than meets the eye. Even though mining is definitely not for everyone, the trade itself has come a long way. Thanks to the introduction and use of materials such as mill liners, the actual work of a miner has become more streamlined, efficient and safer all around. Wondering what’s needed to pursue a career in mining? You can expect on-the-job training, an apprenticeship and training in first aid and emergency preparedness. While this might not be your typical career, it could be a great fit for someone who enjoys living life with a side of risk or someone who doesn’t mind traveling around for work.
Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbines are becoming mainstream these days, which means one thing for anyone looking for a great career. There’s a need for qualified professionals to monitor, troubleshoot and maintain them. These impressive structures are a real powerhouse in the world of clean energy and by attending school to become a technician, chances are you’ll be working in the field before you know it. Training lasts about one year, with longer programs lasting closer to 18 months.
Aircraft Mechanic
Do you love airplanes? Do you have a mechanical mind? If this sounds about right, you might find becoming an aircraft mechanic to be a good fit. When you think about the number of different types of aircraft there are, it becomes clear how versatile getting into this trade could be. Most candidates for this position go through 18 months of FAA-approved maintenance technician schooling, but that’s not where it ends. There are options for higher education as well, opening up doors to careers in aviation technology or in management.
Home Inspector
If you’ve ever purchased a home, you probably hired a home inspector to do a walk-through. This is a great career for anyone who is extremely detail-oriented and organized, with strong communication skills and a general understanding of construction. If you have a dream of starting your own business, home inspection holds some major potential for success. If you’re searching for convenience and flexibility in pursuing this career, you’ll be happy to know that you can find training for this career online.
Legal Assistant
If you’ve got an interest in law and working as an integral member of a team, becoming a legal assistant could be the next logical step in your career. You might be surprised to learn about how far the typical duties of this position reach. You could find yourself diving deep into different case files and writing documents, in addition to the everyday paperwork and clerical duties. From an education standpoint, having at least an associate’s degree in paralegal studies is preferable. It’s important to note that there are certifications that can make you a stronger candidate for the position.
Radiation Therapist
Have you given working in healthcare any thought? How would you feel about working closely with oncologists and oncology nurses in a hospital to administer radiation treatment? As a radiation therapist you’d also be interacting with patients, so excellent communication skills and good bedside manner is essential. Typically you’ll need an existing associate’s or bachelor’s degree in radiation therapy prior to obtaining a license.
Dental Hygienist
Every time you go to your dentist for cleanings or other procedures, you probably spend a good amount of time with a dental hygienist. This can be a great career for anyone who enjoys helping others, is passionate about health and enjoys working as part of a team. There’s a lot more to this career than cleaning teeth. You need to be organized, comfortable with technology, able to read patients and have strong interpersonal skills as well. While each state has its own licensing guidelines, you’ll need an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to pursue this career.
HVAC Technician
When it comes to high demand, working as an HVAC technician is where it’s at. Not only do buildings of all kinds have different mechanical systems to keep them going, all of those systems need frequent maintenance and repairs — and someone to call when that time comes. If you’re mechanically sound, enjoy working with your hands and are comfortable with taking some risks, this is worth exploring. Wondering about education needed? After obtaining a high school diploma or an equivalent, training can go by quickly, in as little as ten months. There will also be on the job training along with certifications to round it out.
As you can see, there are so many options for landing a wonderful career — as long as you’re willing to put in the work. It’s important to keep an open mind no matter where you are in your journey. You could be contemplating what your next step should be right after graduating from high school, or you could be a 20-year workplace veteran who is looking to make a big change. Whatever your story is, know that there are opportunities out there and they’re more attainable than you might think.
