If you’re considering becoming a wind turbine technician, it’s good to know what career paths are available to you. Learn more about wind turbine career options in today’s blog post.
Did you know that trade schools offer a variety of career paths? Trade schools can be a great option if you're looking for a change in your career or just starting your career journey.
In this article, we'll look at 40 of the most popular careers you can pursue at a trade school. First, let’s look at a few of the ways that trade school differs from other means of education.
University graduates typically enter into professional careers that they majored in while at college, while trade school graduates usually enter the workforce in a specific trade.
For example, someone who goes to law school will likely become a lawyer, whereas someone who attends trade school for automotive repair will become an auto mechanic.
While there are some career options that may be available to both university and trade school graduates, such as teaching or nursing, most careers require specific training that can only be obtained from a trade school.
Also, trade schools typically have shorter programs than universities, so students can enter the workforce sooner. For instance, a medical assistant program at a trade school can be completed in as little as nine months, whereas a nursing program at a university can take anywhere from two to four years to complete. That being said, each of these programs provides a different level of education, thus leading to different opportunities and job options after completing an education.
So, if you’re looking for a career change or just starting out and trying to decide what you want to do, consider attending a trade school. To help you narrow down your options for college alternatives, here are some of the most compelling reasons to attend a trade school.
Trade schools provide students with many options for choosing a career. From automotive repair to tower technicians, there's something for everyone.
If you are unsure as to whether or not you should attend a trade school, the following are some of the perks that may assist you in making your decision:
You can get the hands-on training you need for the profession of your choice by attending a trade school. Employers consistently seek applicants with the appropriate skill set, and attending trade school can give you the edge you need to stand out from the pack and get the job you want.
Another advantage of attending a trade school is that the average program length is less than that of a standard university. Shorter programs allow you to gain the knowledge and skills that you need to start your career, making it easier to enter the workforce after completing a program.
If you're searching for ways to save money on your education, one advantage of attending a trade school rather than a typical college is the potential of having a lower cost of tuition.
In addition, trade schools may offer various options for financing your education. For example, on-the-job training or paid trade school jobs can help pay for your education.
In contrast to four-year universities, trade schools are primarily concerned with providing instruction directly applicable to the workplace. Because of this, you won't have to attend courses that aren't relevant to the profession you want to pursue. This is one of the ways that trade schools can complete education programs in a shorter period.
Another opportunity that trade school provides is the opportunity for growth. Trade programs are truly designed to provide students with the level of knowledge and skills they need to work within that given industry. This level of education can help get individuals into a career sooner so that they can start working towards additional areas of growth.
Depending on the trade that an individual chooses, there are often specialties that one can declare. For example, within the HVAC industry an individual may choose to focus on commercial HVAC systems. By attending a trade program, this individual has a sound base knowledge and skillset that they can build upon now that they’re in the industry.
Even though some may have the misconception that attending trade school restricts career options, this is not the case. In fact, in many ways, it’s helpful because of how tailored programs are to a particular industry.
Trade school programs are actually available for a variety of careers. The skills taught and practiced during a trade school program are trade-specific, so individuals are entirely prepared for what the industry expects of them. Often times, the education gained from a trade school is the minimum requirement for entry level positions within that industry. That being said, a certificate from a trade school is a great way to get your foot in the door of the industry you’re passtionate about.
Many trade schools provide a range of class times, allowing students to fit their education around their other commitments. Those who are occupied with full-time employment or families find that it makes gaining an education and starting a career much more possible.
Now that you know a few of the advantages of attending a trade school let's look at some of the most common career paths available.
Applying heat to connect or cut metals is a welder's primary job. Welders must check the workpieces for flaws and ensure that all welding complies with the relevant safety regulations.
If you want a successful career as a welder, individuals should have strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to operate in confined areas, and the confidence to use various types of equipment. In addition,individuals pursuing a career as a welder must maintain a high level of safety awareness since they will be dealing with fire and heat on a regular basis.
Welding is an excellent profession for those who enjoy working with their hands and are interested in learning and applying the use of various types of equipment. The job requires a lot of physical exertion, so if you are ready for the challenge, it might be the perfect profession for you.
Installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical infrastructure are the primary responsibilities of an electrician. Additionally, they may be accountable for understanding blueprints and adhering to code standards.
To be an electrician, applicants should have strong hand-eye coordination and be able to work in confined locations. Alongside that, electricians should be able to manage various tools and pieces of equipment necessary for the job.
Additionally, individuals who are good at reading a situation and analyzing a task to recognize any instances of danger make for good electricians. The day to day work of an electrician is to work with electricity, which can be harmful to a professional if not approached in a safe manner.
The installation, maintenance, and repair of plumbing systems are all tasks that fall within the responsibilites of a plumber. In addition, plumbers may also be responsible for understanding blueprints and adhering to code standards to install and repair pipes that affect the plumbing of an establishment.
Many grossly underestimate the complexity of plumbing. For a plumber to be effective, they should have strong hand-eye coordination, the capacity to operate in cramped spaces, and the ability to manage various types of equipment.
In addition, you must keep an eye out for any potential safety hazards since you will be working with water and maybe other fluids.
Plumbing might be the perfect choice of vocation for those that take pleasure in working with their hands and using various instruments while also being able to stomach some of the jobs that will come with the career.
A heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technician's responsibilities include installing, maintaining, and repairing HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems. In addition, HVAC technicians are responsible for understanding blueprints and adhering to code standards, just like with most trade professions.
An HVAC technician must have strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to operate in confined areas, and the self-assurance to effectively use various tools and equipment to maintain and repair an HVAC system.
A job as an HVAC technician can be the perfect fit for you if you like working with your hands and are comfortable using various instruments.
An auto mechanic's duties include making repairs and ensuring that a vehicle is in good working order. In addition, auto mechanics are accountable for understanding schematics and adhering to code standards to ensure vehicles continue to work well.
An auto mechanic must have strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to work in confined areas, and the self-assurance to use various tools and equipment effectively to succeed in this line of work. In addition, auto mechanics must also be able to work in a team environment as most mechanic shops will have instances where multiple mechanics work on various parts of a vehicle at a time.
An occupation as an auto mechanic can be a good fit for those who enjoy working with their hands and who are interested in vehicles and the pieces that keep them in good working order.
An air traffic controller is responsible for the safe, efficient, and orderly flow of air traffic. Since air traffic controllers must maintain focus and concentration, they need to be able to work in a high-pressure environment.
A person who works as an air traffic controller must have strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to keep their emotions under control, and the ability to make choices quickly. A job as an air traffic controller may be a good fit if you like using your hands and are comfortable working with complex equipment.
An elevator mechanic is responsible for the installation, repair, and maintenance of elevators. They are also responsible for reading blueprints and following code requirements.
Elevator mechanics need good hand-eye coordination, the ability to work in small spaces, and the confidence to use various tools and equipment. In addition, they need to be focused on safety because of the hazardous conditions in which they work.
If you're interested in working with your hands and enjoy working with tools, the elevator mechanic may be the right career.
A construction worker's duties include building various structures, such as houses, office blocks, schools, or bridges. They are also responsible for maintaining these structures. In addition, construction workers should understand blueprints and adhere to various building and safety codes.
Construction workers must have strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to operate in a team environment, and the self-assurance to effectively use a wide variety of tools and pieces of machinery. In addition, due to the hazardous nature of the job, construction workers must make safety a priority.
A job in construction might be ideal for you if you like working with your hands, using various equipment, and enjoy incorporating routine labor into your day.
An electric power line installer job might be ideal if you like spending time outside, are interested in dealing with electricity, and prefer working in the field. Installers of electric power lines are the ones who are responsible for the installation of electrical power lines as well as their maintenance.
To perform work as an electric power line installer, you should have excellent hand-eye coordination, the capacity to work while at great heights, and the attention to detail to complete the job well. Because you will be working with machinery that might be hazardous to your health, maintaining a focus on safety is necessary.
This one is for those of career paths where individuals need to pay close attention to detail. House inspectors are tasked with evaluating properties to determine whether or not they conform to predetermined standards. Additionally, they are accountable for producing reports on the results of the investigation.
To be a home inspector, one should have an eye for detail, communicate well and be physically fit enough to climb ladders and crawl into tight spots when necessary. Home inspectors should also be curious enough to stay on top of changes within the industry so that they’re able to provide customers with the current requirements about their homes.
Installing, maintaining, and repairing electronic equipment on airplanes are the primary responsibilities of an avionics technician. A job as an avionics technician may be a good fit if you like tinkering with different equipment and are interested in working with your hands.
To work as an avionics technician, one needs excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to read and understand technical instructions, and the self-assurance to utilize various instruments and machinery. In addition, because you will be dealing with products that might harm your health, you must keep safety at the forefront of your mind.
The repairs and maintenance of wind turbines are the responsibility of wind turbine technicians. These trained and experienced professionals are responsible for the upkeep and any necessary repairs to the turbines. If you like being outside and working with your hands, being a wind turbine service technician can be the ideal profession.
Wind turbine technicians should to have excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to work in high-up spaces, and the self-assurance to utilize a wide variety of tools and pieces of equipment. In addition, because they work in high places, they should have a good head for heights and follow detailed safety procedures.
Solar energy installers have the responsibility of attaching solar panels to residential and commercial buildings. A job as a solar energy installer might be ideal for you if you like spending time outside, love working with your hands, and are interested in alternative energy sources.
You should to have exceptional hand-eye coordination, the capacity to move big things, and the self-confidence to work at heights if you want to work as a solar energy installer. In addition, because you will be working on installations that are at great heights, you must always maintain safety at the forefront of your mind.
Boilermakers are the people who build and repair boilers, closed vats, and other large containers that are used to hold liquids and gases. If you're good with your hands and have an interest in working with metal, a job as a boilermaker might be the perfect fit for you.
To work as a boilermaker, you should to have excellent hand-eye coordination, the ability to read and understand technical instructions, and the self-assurance to utilize a wide variety of tools and pieces of machinery. In addition, because you will be dealing with products that might be detrimental to your health, it is essential that you keep safety at the forefront of your mind at all times.
Funeral service workers are responsible for the coordination and administration of funerals. If you have a strong interest in helping people during difficult times and possess excellent organizational skills, a job in funeral services might be right for you.
You should to have exceptional interpersonal skills, the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion, and the self-assurance to work with grieving individuals if you want to work in funeral services. Moreover, because you will be dealing with emotionally charged situations, you must maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times.
The job prospects for funeral service workers are expected to be good because of the stable demand for this type of worker.
Paralegals provide support to lawyers by researching cases, drafting documents, and managing clients. If you're interested in law but don't want to go to law school, a job as a paralegal might be the perfect fit for you.
To work as a paralegal, one should have excellent research skills, the ability to write clearly and concisely, and the self-confidence to work independently. Besides this, because you will be dealing with confidential information, it is essential that you maintain a high level of discretion at all times.
Pharmacy technicians are responsible for assisting pharmacists in dispensing medications and providing customer service. If you're interested in a career in the medical field but don't want to go to medical school, a job as a pharmacy technician might be the perfect fit for you.
To work as a pharmacy technician, you need to have excellent customer service skills, the ability to pay close attention to detail, and the self-assurance to work with confidential information. In addition, because you will be dealing with medications that can be harmful if not used correctly, it is essential that you maintain a high level of accuracy at all times.
Physical therapist assistants provide support to physical therapists by helping patients exercise and providing treatments. If you're interested in a career in the medical field but don't want to go to medical school, a job as a physical therapist assistant might be the perfect fit for you.
To work as a physical therapist assistant, you need to have excellent people skills, the ability to follow instructions carefully, and the self-assurance to work with patients who are in pain. Moreover, because you will be working with patients who have injuries or disabilities, it is essential that you maintain a compassionate and caring demeanor at all times.
The duty of producing fair and accurate transcripts of judicial proceedings falls on the shoulders of court reporters. Court reporters take notes during judicial proceedings. If you want to work in the legal profession but don't want to go to law school, a position as a court reporter can be the ideal choice for you.
If you want to work as a court reporter, you need to have strong typing abilities, the ability to pay strict attention to detail, and the self-assurance to operate independently. In addition, it is crucial that you maintain a high degree of discretion at all times since you will be working with sensitive material.
Dental hygienists are the professionals in charge of providing preventive dental treatment and cleaning patients' teeth. Dental hygienists are responsible for maintaining patients' oral health. If you desire a career in the medical field but don't want to go to medical school, a position as a dental hygienist could be the right option for you.
You need to have great people skills, the ability to pay meticulous attention to detail, and the self-assurance to deal with patients who may be apprehensive of coming to the dentist in order to work as a dental hygienist.
It is crucial that you maintain a high degree of cleanliness and sanitation at all times since you will be working with patients' mouths and teeth.
Diagnostic medical sonographers create images of interior organs using specialized equipment. Diagnostic medical sonography is a promising sector for those who wish to work in healthcare but don't want to get a medical degree.
Working as a diagnostic medical sonographer requires a high level of interpersonal competence, the ability to pay great attention to detail, and the confidence to interact with patients who may be nervous about their treatments. Maintaining strict confidentiality is required due to the nature of the material you'll be handling.
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) give medical assistance to victims in an emergency. If you want to work in the medical industry but don't want to go to medical school, being an EMT may be the right option for you.
To work as an EMT, you must have good people skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the confidence to perform under pressure. Because you will be dealing with wounded or sick people, it is critical that you maintain a high degree of sanitation and hygiene at all times.
Diesel service technicians are skilled trade jobs for the engine maintenance and repair of diesel vehicles. If you want to work in the automotive industry but don't want to go to school to become an auto mechanic, a job as a diesel service technician could be the ideal choice for you.
You need to have outstanding communication skills, critical thinking skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the self-confidence to operate with heavy equipment in order to work as a diesel repair technician. As you will be dealing with heavy equipment, it is essential to be safety-focused and adhere to all safety standards at all times.
Naval architects design, construct, and maintain ships and other watercraft. If you desire a profession in the engineering field but don't want to go to school for engineering, a job as a naval architect could be the right match for you.
You need to have good people skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the self-confidence to deal with sophisticated technology if you want to work as a naval architect. You will be dealing with sophisticated equipment. Thus it is essential that you adhere to all of the safety regulations at all times.
Petroleum technicians are responsible for the upkeep and repair of equipment that is used in the oil and gas sector. A job as a petroleum technician might be the ideal choice for you if you want a career in the engineering sector but don't want to go to school for engineering.
These specialists need to be great with people, at least an associate degree, have the capacity to pay strict attention to detail, and have the confidence to deal with potentially dangerous materials. Petroleum technicians are required to constantly follow safety regulations since, as one would expect, safety is one of the biggest concerns in their line of work.
Real estate brokers assist customers in buying and selling property. If you want to work in real estate but don't want to go to real estate school, being a real estate broker might be the right option for you.
You must have outstanding people skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the confidence to cope with difficult documentation to operate as a real estate broker. Because you will be dealing with intricate documentation, it is essential that you adhere to all legal requirements at all times.
School counselors assist students with personal, social, and academic concerns. If you want to work in the area of education but don't want to go to a teacher's college, school counseling may be the right option for you.
Working with children requires confidence, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to pay great attention to detail. This kind of work also requires strict adherence to all applicable safety regulations.
Social workers help people who are experiencing challenging life circumstances, such as poverty or unemployment. If you are interested in pursuing a career in social work but do not want to attend a four-year college, a job as a social worker may be the ideal option for you.
You need to have competitive people skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the self-assurance to interact with individuals who are going through terrible life situations if you want to work as a social worker.
In addition, you need to be well-organized, since social workers often have to deal with a large caseload.
Landscape painters often feature scenic landscapes through artistry expertise. If you want to work in the art sector but don't want to go to art school, landscape painting might be suitable employment for you.
Good communication skills, the ability to pay strict attention to detail, and the confidence to interact with customers are essential for success as a landscape artist. In addition, you must have creativity and skill as an artist.
Database administrators are one of the highest paying trade school jobs. They help businesses manage their data. If you're interested in a career in the computer technology field but don't want to go to a four-year college, a job as a database administrator might be the perfect fit for you.
To work as a database administrator, you need to have excellent people skills, the ability to pay close attention to detail, and the self-assurance to work with complex software. In addition, you also need the ability to understand and use complicated software.
Financial analysts provide advice and assistance to organizations about important financial choices. If you want to work in the financial industry but don't want to go to school for it, a trade job as a financial analyst can be the ideal choice for you. This kind of work does not need formal training in finance.
You need to have good people skills, the ability to pay careful attention to detail, and the self-confidence to deal with statistics and financial reports if you want to work as a financial analyst. These are the three most important qualities.
Human resources generalists assist companies in managing their workforce. If you want to work in human resources but don't want to earn a university degree, a position as a human resources generalist might be ideal for you.
To operate as a human resources generalist, you must have strong interpersonal skills, the ability to pay great attention to detail, and the confidence to interact with a wide range of individuals.
Event planners assist firms and individuals with the planning and execution of events. They are also tasked with responsibilities like finding the ideal location for the event, compiling the list of attendees, and ensuring that each and every aspect of the occasion is properly attended to.
You need to have great social skills, the ability to pay meticulous attention to detail, and the self-assurance to interact with a range of individuals if you want to work as an event planner. You also need excellent organizational and planning skills, as well as strong communication skills.
Animators are artists who create animated sequences for movies, video games, and TV programs.
To be successful in the field of animation, you need to have strong interpersonal skills, a keen eye for detail, and the confidence to collaborate with a wide range of individuals.
Cardiovascular technicians manage cardiovascular equipment for hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They also do maintenance and repairs on cardiovascular equipment.
You need to have good people skills if you want to work as a cardiovascular technician. You also need to be able to pay careful attention to detail and have the self-assurance to deal with a range of different individuals. The fact that you will be dealing with medical equipment makes it very necessary for you to adhere to all of the safety standards at all times.
Film editors oversee the assembly of a motion picture. Their responsibility is to piece together all of the individual shots that make up a movie.
You need to work well with others, have an excellent eye for detail, and be confident in your ability to communicate if you want to pursue a career as a film editor. You also need to have strong videography and technical editing skills.
Stenographers are in charge of accurately transcribing the spoken word. They are often used to create transcripts of court hearings.
You need to have outstanding listening skills, the ability to pay attention to detail, and the courage to deal with a variety of diverse people if you want to be successful as a stenographer. Since you will be dealing with sensitive information, you must be trustworthy and able to abide by privacy regulations.
The designing of maritime vessels is the responsibility of marine architects. The construction of private and commercial boats falls under their purview. This is one of the highest-paying trade jobs.
An aptitude for mathematics, an eye for detail, and the ability to think three-dimensionally are all qualities you need to have if you want to pursue a career as a marine architect. Because you will be working with sensitive equipment, it is imperative that you strictly adhere to all safety regulations at all times.
The food service industry employs many people in the United States. A food service manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a restaurant or other food service establishment.
You need to work well under pressure, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be organized if you want to pursue a career as a food service manager. The fact that you will be working with food means that you must always adhere to food safety standards.
The responsibility of agricultural scientists is to study plants and animals to improve agricultural productivity. The development of new methods of food production falls under their purview.
You need to have a strong science background, think critically, and work well independently if you want to pursue a career as an agricultural scientist. Because you will be working with sensitive equipment, it is imperative that you strictly adhere to all safety regulations at all times.
It's not true that all trade jobs are the same. Some job opportunities demand more education than others, and some may be more suitable to your hobbies and skill set than others.
Some may also require more experience than others. It's important to research your options carefully to find the career that best meets your needs.
Before you can begin working in a trade, you might be required to complete formal schooling in the form of a high school diploma, a bachelor's degree, or vocational training. However, this will depend on the specific career path that interests you.
Check that you have a solid understanding of the job's requirements so that you can become ready for them.
Apprenticeships, otherwise known as on-the-job training, are an excellent method to be paid while gaining practical experience in a field of study.
When considering your options for the future, it is essential to remember that many vocations in the trades need an apprenticeship before one can become fully qualified in that vocation.
After you have determined the path you want to pursue, you must begin obtaining an underlying level of experience in that particular industry. You should make every effort to secure shadowing or internship opportunities so that you can have a better understanding of what the work entails on a day-to-day basis.
Safety should always be your number one concern when working in the trades. To ensure that you do not put yourself in harm's way while working in your chosen profession, you must study and become well-versed in all of the relevant safety rules and procedures. Taking additional safety training can be beneficial in many ways. For starters, you will be able to better equip yourself when on the job. Alongside that, employers value employees with additional safety training in their toolbox. That being said, additional safety training is extremely beneficial.
If you want to build your resume before beginning a trade, investing in safety training is a great option.
Many jobs in the trades are physically demanding, so before beginning work in this type of career, it is crucial to make sure that you are physically capable of performing the tasks required of you.
If you have any doubt about your ability to complete a task, do not hesitate to ask for assistance from a more experienced colleague. That being said, it’s best to get a general understanding of what the physical requirements of a job will be before you commit to a career choice.
If you want to work in the trades, you must familiarize yourself with the tools and equipment you will use daily. Make sure you understand how each piece of equipment works and its purpose before attempting to use it.
Jobs in the trades often require working long hours, so it is crucial to be prepared for this before beginning work in this type of career. If you are not comfortable working long hours, it might be best to consider a different profession.
The long days will look different depending on the type of trade that one chooses. For some trades, seasons will bring longer hours and work weeks, while other trades will have ebbs and flows of long days and time off. It is all a balance that will vary from trade to trade.
Due to the nature of jobs in the trades, overtime is often an option, and at times, required. Getting an idea of what type of schedule you’re interested in working is best to do before choosing a trade. If you are not willing to work overtime, then it may be best for you to consider career options that wouldn’t require long hours or overtime. That being said, trade professionals will often have a balancing act of long work hours and time off - so keep that in mind as you determine which trade is going to be the best fit for you.
Jobs in the trades often require workers to complete tasks in harsh or challenging situations. If you are considering a trade, look into what some of the challenges of the career may be. If you are not comfortable working in challenging environments, you may need to reconsider your choices for trade school. On the plus side, there are countless trade options that will each offer different settings, so you’re sure to find a career choice that appeals to you.
Some falsely believe technical or trade schools are less valuable than university education. But in fact, a trade school education can bolster your job prospects, provide job security, ensure better starting pay, and match a range of personal working preferences.
If you are interested in having a career in a trade, you have a wide variety of options to choose from. Because there is such a wide variety of career choices, you can be confident that there is work tailored just to your needs.
Trade schools offer excellent practical training for many rewarding careers. With a trade school education, you can feel confident about your future job prospects and spend your working years in a stable, high-paying, and enjoyable career.
The best trade jobs will provide you with skills and a career that will help your employability, even when times are tough. If you’re ready to start investing in your career, it’s time to look at the various trade programs available at Pinnacle Career Institute. Learn more about our enrollment process and start the next chapter of your career, today.