| In this economy, many of us are thinking about going | | | | movement focusing on energy saving technology, it |
| back to school or expanding our skill sets to become | | | | also stands for great career opportunities. The need |
| more competitive. But before you sign up for a | | | | to repair and replace outdated HVACR systems, as |
| four-year program, consider this: some of today's | | | | well as install new, energy-saving equipment, |
| fastest growing careers don't require a Bachelor's | | | | accounts for the 28 percent percent projected job |
| degree at all. | | | | growth in this field. For more information, visit this |
| If vocational careers aren't something you've thought | | | | HVACR technician career profile. |
| about since your high school shop class, it's time to | | | | Plumber Careers |
| think again. These careers are a great option for | | | | Projected Growth: 16 percent through 2018 |
| anyone looking to specialize their skills and get an | | | | Like HVACR technicians, plumbers can thank the |
| edge on the competition. They offer a wide range of | | | | recent focus on environmental sustainability for the |
| benefits, but among some of the most noteworthy: | | | | projected job surge in their field. Water conservation, |
| • they're quick (an average of 2 years, | | | | especially in more arid parts of the country, will |
| sometimes less) | | | | depend on the work of plumbers as they retrofit and |
| • they allow you to get on-the-job experience | | | | update existing systems and structures. And along |
| while you learn | | | | with that, there are always leaky toilets and frozen |
| • they allow you to start working right away. | | | | pipes that need fixing in hundreds of households in |
| Unlike university graduates, who may have to take | | | | every community. |
| an entry-level position to get necessary job training | | | | Computer Support Specialist Careers |
| and experience, a vocational program will give you | | | | Projected Growth: 14 percent through 2018 |
| the exact skill set you need to start working the day | | | | Are you more of a self-proclaimed computer geek? |
| you graduate. | | | | If you are, good for you. Computer support |
| Still not sure how to start on a vocational career | | | | specialists—those amazingly patient people who |
| path? Below are five options to consider, along with | | | | walk us through computer crashes, software |
| their projected job growth (as estimated by the U.S. | | | | installation, and system upgrade—are in high |
| Bureau of Labor Statistics). Keep in mind that | | | | demand. And with new computer software, |
| average job growth is projected to be around 12 | | | | hardware, and computer-related devices being |
| percent, so with these careers projected to grow | | | | unveiled constantly, that demand will only continue to |
| between 14 and 20 percent, there will be lots of | | | | rise. |
| opportunity for anyone interested in these fields. | | | | Dental Lab Technician Careers |
| Hair Stylist/Hair Dresser Careers | | | | Projected Growth: 14 percent through 2018 |
| Projected Growth: 20 percent through 2018 | | | | Beyond brushing, flossing, xrays and regular cleanings, |
| Also known as cosmetologists or beauticians, these | | | | there's a branch of dental care that requires a whole |
| professionals are the ones that help us feel, well, | | | | different set of skills. That's where dental lab |
| beautiful. They know just how to cut, color, style | | | | technicians come in. In the case that an accident, |
| and arrange hair so that we leave the salon feeling | | | | illness, or aging causes irrevocable damages to your |
| like a million bucks. For more information on this | | | | teeth, dental lab technicians are the ones who create |
| career, including job duties and starting salaries, visit | | | | the crown, bridge, brace or denture that repairs it. |
| this cosmetologist career profile. | | | | They use their skills to create pieces that not only |
| HVACR Technician CareersProjected Growth: 28 | | | | work and fit correctly, but that look just how they're |
| percent through 2018 | | | | supposed to. For more information, visit this dental |
| Heating. Ventilation. Air-Conditioning. Refrigeration. | | | | lab technician career profile. |
| That's what HVACR stands for. And with the green | | | | |