If you’ve decided that a four-year college isn’t right for you, a career in the Trades might be a great alternative—especially now. Because a lot of people in the Trades are retiring, and not so many people are replacing them, there is demand for skilled Trades workers. Training for many of these careers can also be completed in as little as one year, and there will be lots of hands-on learning using real-world equipment. There are many Trades to choose from, but which one is a good fit for you?

Skilled Trades

If you like to work with your hands and also your brain, there are many careers that require both. It also helps if you’re good at solving problems. Are you? Here are a few career paths to consider:

• Electrician: As an Industrial, Commercial or Residential Electrician, you would have an important role in making sure the power gets on and stays on. Adhering to electrical safety codes, you would install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in residential and commercial buildings. Job growth for Electricians is expected to be much faster than average through 2029.
•  Plumber: If you’ve ever had a stopped-up toilet or burst water pipe, you know how critical it is to find someone qualified to come and fix the problem. What about if that someone were you? In this important career, you would install, maintain, and repair plumbing systems in existing buildings as well as new construction. And the job outlook for plumbers is steady.
• HVAC Technician: Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration systems are what keep our indoor climates safe and comfortable. As an HVAC technician, you would install and maintain these systems when they’re running well. And when the heat goes off, or the AC won’t cool, you’ll be the one who comes to the rescue. As an HVAC Tech, you could work across a range of industries or in private residences. The job outlook for HVAC Technicians is also steady.

Computer Careers

• CADD: If you love working with computers, consider Computer-Aided Drafting and Design. As a CAD Drafter, you’ll produce computer-generated drawings and designs for others to use. And you could work across a range of industries including manufacturing, architecture, and engineering.
• Computer and Network Technology: As a Computer and Network Technology Specialist, you’ll install, configure and maintain computer systems for a variety of businesses. You will be an essential member of an IT team that keeps a computer network running smoothly.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment  in computer and information technology occupations is projected to grow much faster than average through 2029.

Healthcare Careers

As the baby boomers grow older, the demand for workers in the healthcare sector is predicted to grow much faster than average.

Some skilled trades in the healthcare field include:

• Licensed Practical Nursing: As an LPN, you would work directly with patients to administer medications, change dressings, and assist with personal grooming in a variety of healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, and residential homes.
• Medical Assisting: As a Medical Assistant, you would be an important member of a healthcare team, working in large hospitals, nursing homes, hospices, and most often doctors’ offices. You would provide both administrative and clinical services. Medical Assisting ranks number two for Best Jobs Without a 4-Year College Degree category and was ranked among the 100 Best Jobs across all categories.
• Dental Assisting: If you become a Dental Assistant, you would record patient histories, take x-rays, and help the dentist with tooth fillings, oral surgery, orthodontics, and so much more. Training can be completed in as little as nine months, with lots of hands-on practice using real-world dental tools and equipment.

At Porter and Chester Institute in Massachusetts and Connecticut, you can complete hands-on training in as little as one year for preparation for a variety of Trades careers. Want to find out more? To take the next step for careers that are in demand, please fill out the form or give us a call at 800-870-6789.