What engineering jobs can I get right out of high school?

I'm thinking about starting a career in engineering straight out of high school. Are there any jobs in the engineering field that hire high school grads? I'm open to various roles and just want to get my foot in the door.

While it's generally the case that many positions in the engineering industry require a Bachelor’s degree at minimum, there are some entry-level positions that you may qualify for right after high school. These typically fall under the umbrella of engineering technicians or technologists.

1. Engineering Technician: This is a role where you'd usually assist engineers with designing and developing products, or maintaining and repairing equipment. You might work in fields like civil engineering, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering, among others. It should be noted that this role often requires some level of technical training—getting a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree in a related field can give you a competitive edge.

2. Drafter: In this position, you'd use software to convert design specifications from engineers into technical drawings. Drafters often specialize in a particular type of engineering, like electrical, civil, or mechanical. As with engineering technicians, obtaining a post-secondary certificate or associate's degree in drafting can improve your job prospects.

3. Surveying and Mapping Technicians: These individuals assist surveyors, cartographers, and photogrammetrists. They collect data and help create maps of the Earth's surface. Some training, possibly on-the-job, would usually be involved, and sometimes technicians have an associate's degree in surveying technology.

4. Machinery Maintenance Workers: They are responsible for checking, repairing, and maintaining machinery in a wide array of industries. On-the-job training is often provided.

Keep in mind that while entering the engineering field without a degree is plausible, advancement opportunities can be limited without further education. Many individuals in these roles eventually pursue additional education to broaden their career prospects.

Remember to explore apprenticeship opportunities, as well! These provide you with paid, on-the-job training and can be a valuable stepping stone into the industry. The specifics of these programs vary, but they could be an excellent way to get hands-on experience while receiving training.