There is a high demand for skilled trade school graduates in the workplace. While many high school graduates opt for college degrees for corporate jobs, many young people head to trade school programs to start a vocational or skilled trade career. Is learning a trade your true path to career success? Here are the top trade school programs that might just convince you to rethink your career choice.
Plumbing
Plumbing is a time-honored trade that always seems to be in demand. Licensed plumbers can offer their skills to different industries, from commercial to residential. Plumbers are trained to read blueprints, understand HVAC systems, troubleshoot, and install pipes and fixtures. They also need to understand local codes to ensure that the materials and procedures they use are compliant to local and national codes.
Estimated average salary: $55,000
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) Technician
An HVAC technician installs, repairs, and maintains heating and air conditioning equipment, refrigeration systems, humidifiers, and furnaces. Most HVAC technicians do not work independently and instead are hired by an HVAC company or contractor. Technicians can apply their skills to both residential and commercial industries. They usually keep an on-call workday schedule but within a specified number of hours per day.
Estimated average salary: $60,000
Electronics Engineer
Electronics engineers design and develop electronic equipment. They test and maintain the equipment, and investigate the efficacy and reliability of systems that are currently in use. They may also recommend and perform modifications to the system, and perform repairs. Engineers may also work with computers, often repairing components and building circuit boards. Electronics engineers can expect a wide range of industries where their skills are in demand. They can work for private companies, electronic instrument manufacturers, or the government.
Estimated average salary: $72,000
Home Inspector
Home inspectors perform an important job in ensuring the safety and integrity of a residential structure or building. They inspect and assess a house to determine its condition, safety, and value. They may also perform an inspection to assess the damage to a structure and determine if the building is compliant to local, state, and national codes. Home inspectors often work in real estate, insurance, construction, and banking.
Estimated average salary: $54,000
Construction Manager
Construction managers play a key role in a construction project. They budget, plan, coordinate, and oversee construction projects from the start until completion. They are in charge of identifying the best approaches and strategies for construction and prepare budget and work progress reports. They work closely with construction specialists, including architects and engineers.
