| In this economy, many of us are thinking about going | | | | to repair and replace outdated HVACR systems, as |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