College Degree Getting You Nowhere? 5 Profitable Trades to Consider
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Posted By: Lizzie Weakley on December 07, 2018 As you probably know by now, a college degree is not a guarantee that you will find a job in your chosen field. There are trades you may pursue that are not only profitable, but are currently in demand. We will take a look at five trades to consider as an alternative to working in the field for which you went to school. ElectricianAn electrician installs and maintains electrical and lighting systems which provide power to appliances, lights, and various equipment for homes, buildings, and businesses. Electricians also study and read blueprints to determine the location of outlets, circuits, and other electrical equipment. There are requirements that must be met to become an electrician. First, you must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). Secondly, you must attend a vocational or trade school and successfully complete the required electrical engineering courses. Next, you need to participate in an apprenticeship program. Many schools also include a four- or five-year apprenticeship program in addition to the required coursework. Lastly, if the state you reside in requires that electricians are licensed, then you must pass the electricians licensing test. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for an electrician in 2017 was $54,110 per year, or $26.01 per hour. Truck DriverTruck drivers drive heavy and tractor-trailer trucks. They pick up merchandise at one location and deliver it to a different location. Drivers drive long distances across many states, and must take mandatory rest periods. Their duties include securing their cargo, maintaining logs specifying the hours they worked, and adhering to all traffic laws. There are two requirements that must be met to become a truck driver. You must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and a commercial driver’s license (CDL). For truck licence training, many attend courses at truck driving schools or community colleges. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for a truck driver in 2017 was $42,480 per year, or $20.42 per hour. (Note, however, that drivers are often paid by the number of miles they drive.) PlumberPlumbers install and repair pipes and fixtures such as toilets, sinks, etc. They also maintain septic systems. To become a plumber, you must have a high school diploma or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED) and must pass a plumbing contractor’s license exam. The prospective candidate must successfully complete a four- to five-year apprenticeship program. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the median salary for a plumber in 2017 was $52,590 per year, or $25.28 per hour. WelderWelders maintain and repair metal. They join seams, fill holes, and repair indentations in metal using intense heat. A prospective welder may attend formal training provided by vocational schools, community colleges, or the U.S. Armed Forces. Upon completion of coursework, students receive a Certified Welder title. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, welders in 2017 earned a median salary of $40,240 per year, or $19.35 per hour. CarpenterUsing materials such as wood, carpenters develop and repair buildings and structures such as windows, cabinets, and moldings. Carpenters typically need a high school diploma. Their training is usually obtained on the job, at vocational schools, or through apprenticeship programs. Carpenters do not need to be licensed or certified. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, carpenters in 2017 earned a median annual salary of $45,170, or 21.71 per hour. These trades are not only in demand, but earn impressive salaries. Keep in mind, some of these trades will require additional coursework throughout the future to stay current and up-to-date as technologies change and improve. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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Lizzie Weakley
From Columbus, OH Member Since December 2018 |
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