By Debra Gisler

Tomorrow's Vocational Jobs: Serve and be rewarded

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 20.8 million of the 21.6 million new wage and salary jobs generated over the 2002-2012 period will be in the service-providing vocations. More and more vocational jobs are shifting away from producing goods and the need for services is growing. This great demand for people who can provide services is precipitated by population growth and the ever-changing technology. With the right vocational skill set you could be heading for a rewarding and lucrative career, tomorrow!

Today's Opportunities:

Qualify and be in demand
From auto and aviation mechanics to massage therapy to broadcasting, many vocational opportunities exist for the prospective student. Other popular vocational programs include healthcare, IT, design, and beauty. Some vocational schools offer vocational programs that allow you to plunge into the workforce in a matter of months. You can take your pick from a diploma, associate’s, bachelor’s, or certificate vocational program from several vocational schools. Many of the vocational schools mentioned in this article have several campus locations across the country.

Vocational Program areas are:
1. Auto, marine, aviation
2. HVAC/R
3. Multimedia editing & production
4. Healthcare (medical & pharmacy)
5. Massage & beauty

Auto, Marine, Aviation Vocations

Opportunities for professionally trained mechanics are at an all-time high. These in-demand technicians could work in a variety of fields: NASCAR, motorcycle, marine, automotive, and aviation mechanics, to name a few. According to salary.com, automotive mechanics can earn up to $49,000, and an aircraft mechanic can earn on average $60,000.

HVAC/R Vocations

There is a growing need for people skilled in the vocational areas of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC/R) installation and maintenance. Salaries for HVAC/R technicians range from $29,000 to $39,000, depending upon experience and region.

Multimedia Editing and Production Vocations

1) Broadcast Media Technicians
Another exciting vocational career opportunity is that of an editing or broadcasting technician. You can obtain the digital media editing & production skills necessary to produce and edit radio and television broadcast as well as Internet media. Broadcast media employers are always seeking talented individuals who are able to integrate the latest vocational technology in television and radio. A vocational technician program in radio or television broadcast can provide the necessary and cutting edge skills that are desired by many employers.

2) CAD Designers
Construction vocations are growing, and so is the demand for individuals with vocational Computer Aided Drafting and Design (CAD) skills. According to salary.com, entry-level vocational CAD designers can expect to earn between $31,000 and $41,000 annual salary.

Healthcare (Medical & Pharmacy) Vocations

One of the fastest growing service providing vocations of the economy is that of health related services. Both Pharmacy and Medical technician vocations are in great demand now and the demand is expected to continue to grow over the next decade. Salary.com reports that the median salary for a Pharmacy technician with 0-3 years of experience is $23,000; the median salary for a Surgical Technician with 0-2 years of experience is $35,000.

Massage & Beauty Vocations

How would you like to work in a luxurious spa environment or high-end salon? Now you can learn all the different techniques and aspects of massage therapy. The vocation of natural health and healing is very popular. Vocational Massage therapists can work in a traditional healthcare, spa or health club settings. Many vocational massage therapists choose to set up a private practice for greater flexibility and earning potential.

Setting the Course for Vocational Training

Statistics show that the higher the vocational education you have, the greater your future earning potential. Tomorrow’s job market will require education and skills acquired through quality vocational programs and vocational college degrees. According to the Employment Policy Foundation, Washington DC; Dec. 19, 2001, individuals who hold a two-year degree will have an average of $38,000 in annual earnings. In contrast, individuals with only a High School Diploma will earn an average of approximately 20% less annually.

It’s hard to ignore the evidence. Opportunities, good salaries and a secure future in the service industry are likely if you qualify in the right area, right now. CAD, automotive or aviation, health service, massage or broadcast media; there’s something for everyone. What are you waiting for?

About the author

A freelance writer, Debra Gisler is based in the San Francisco Bay Area. She works for a financial services company as a human resource administrator writing corporate policy and communications. As a poet, she has been published in a variety of literary anthologies. Debra holds a B.A. in Social Work from California State University, Fresno.