Considering Trade or Certificate Jobs After High School

I'm a high school junior trying to decide my next steps. I’m interested in trade or certificate jobs because college might not be my thing. What are some good trade jobs and how should I start exploring them?

Exploring trade and certificate jobs can indeed provide rewarding career opportunities with less time investment and financial obligations than a traditional four-year college degree. That said, there are many high-demand trade jobs that can offer impressive salaries and stable job security.

1. Electrician: In order to become an electrician, you'll need to complete an apprenticeship program. These typically last 4-5 years and include both hands-on training and classroom instruction. Once the apprenticeship is over, you'll be a journeyman electrician and can work independently.

2. Plumber: This is another career option that usually requires an apprenticeship. Once you complete the necessary training, you can work on both residential and commercial projects.

3. HVAC Technician: As an HVAC technician, you'll work on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. These professionals usually attend a technical school or community college before completing an apprenticeship.

4. Welder: Welders work in various industries, welding materials together. You will usually need a high school diploma or equivalent and then you can learn through on-the-job training or a technical program.

5. Automotive Service Technicians: If you have a passion for cars, this might be a career to consider. These professionals diagnose and repair issues with cars and trucks. You can attend a technical school or community college program to get started.

6. Medical Technologist: If you're interested in the medical field but don't want to spend years in school, a career as a medical technologist might be a good fit. These professionals work in medical labs, analyzing samples and conducting tests.

To explore these jobs, consider reaching out to people working in these fields to see if they would be open to conducting an informational interview. If you're taking a relevant class in school, you could ask your teacher for advice or if they can connect you to people in your desired field. Participating in an internship or job shadowing program can also be incredibly helpful in determining if a particular trade job is right for you. Additionally, researching online can provide a wealth of information about different fields.

Finally, consider your personal strengths and interests. For example, if you enjoy working with your hands and solving problems, you might enjoy a career as an electrician or a plumber. Your future career should ideally be something you enjoy and are good at, so this consideration is very important.