Career Paths. The Advantages of a Technically Oriented Career Path LESSON. Quick Write. Learn About...

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1 Career Paths LESSON 2 The Advantages of a Technically Oriented Career Path Some people follow career paths that require a college or university education. Lesson 3 will cover these kinds of careers and the education you would need to be successful in them. But what if you don t think that college is right for you, at least at this point in your life? You have many other options, as you re about to learn. You can choose a technically oriented career path, or a career path focused on mastering technical skills that do not require a college or university education. A technically oriented career path has at least three important advantages: It provides a way to earn a good living without spending time and money pursuing a college education It gives you an opportunity to learn a trade that can benefit both you and society It can enable you to develop your knowledge of science and technology, which are so important in today s world. Many people who follow a technically oriented career path achieve success. Those who do best have thought about their choice, defined their goals, and then worked hard to achieve them. You might be one of them. Quick Write Based on what you ve read in previous lessons, which factors do you think a person should consider in deciding whether to choose a technically oriented career or one that involves getting a college degree first? Learn About... B the advantages of a technically oriented career path job classifications associated with technically oriented career paths earning potential of a technically oriented career path four ways to pursue a technically oriented career path LESSON 2 Career Paths 79

2 Vocabulary B technically oriented career path technical training program cooperative education vocational school internship volunteer reference mentor apprenticeship Job Classifications Associated with Technically Oriented Career Paths If you decide to enter a technically oriented career, you ll have many job classifications from which to choose. Table 2.3 lists some of the technically oriented career paths, or career fields, and it s just the beginning. That s because each of the fields in Table 2.3 has dozens of possible careers within it. As an example, Table 2.4 shows a few of the types of jobs you can pursue in just five of the career paths listed in Table 2.3. TABLE 2.3 Examples of Technically Oriented Job Classifications Agriculture Auto Body Repair Automotive Service Technology Aviation and Aerospace Broadcast Media Business Carpentry and Construction Child Care and Education Computer Information Cosmetology Criminal and Legal Culinary Arts Electrical Occupations Electronics Energy and Power Engine Technology Engineering Entrepreneur Environment Food Science Graphic Arts Health Horticulture and Landscape Design Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioner Repair Journalism Machining Manufacturing Masonry Military Service Painting and Repair Performing Arts Photography and Film Plumbing Printing Protection and Investigation Security and Risk Management Telecommunications Transportation Visual Arts Welding and Metal Arts 80 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

3 TABLE 2.4 Examples of Jobs within Five Different Technically Oriented Career Paths Automotive Service Technology Alternative Fuels Vehicle Technician Diesel Mechanic Dispatcher Truck Driver Culinary Arts Baker Butcher Waiter or Waitress Wedding Cake Designer Health Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Aerobics Instructor Bus Driver Hotel Detective Public Relations Specialist Telecommunications Frame Wirer Line Installer or Repairer Radio Mechanic Telecommunications Equipment Technician Dental Hygienist Home Care Aide Massage Therapist Medical Laboratory Technician To find more-detailed information about these career paths and jobs, or about job classifications in other fields, you can check the Occupational Outlook Handbook at or visit the following websites: Vocational Information Center at America s Career Resource Network at Career Voyages at A technically oriented career path can allow you to make a good living without going to college, as well as pursue a trade that can benefit both you and society. Courtesy of Don Mason/Corbis Images LESSON 2 Career Paths 81

4 TABLE 2.5 Earnings Potential for Six Technically Oriented Career Paths Position Butcher Bus Driver Disc Jockey Flight Attendant Pipe Fitter Small Engine Mechanic Earning $15,800 $42,400/year $8.66 $23.53/hour $6.14 $24.92/hour $23,450 $95,850/year $23,800 $69,200/year $15,300 $38,200/year Earning Potential of a Technically Oriented Career Path If you decide on a technically oriented career path, you probably won t get rich, but you can earn a decent living. If you continue to gain new skills and advance in your work, your earnings can be even higher. How much can you earn? Table 2.5 shows the earning potential for six technically oriented career paths. These figures are based on earnings from 2004 and They won t be current by the time you enter the field, but they still provide good estimates of relative earnings in these six areas. Also, these are salary ranges. Some people earn more than the highest figure, and others earn less. How much you ll earn depends on many factors, such as where the job is, how much experience you have, and how hard you are willing to work. You ll notice that some of the earnings in Table 2.5 are yearly salaries and some are hourly wages. You can employ your math skills to compare them. For example, a typical workweek is 40 hours, and a year has 52 weeks. If you multiply the hourly earnings of the highest-paid bus driver $23.53 by 40 and then by 52, you ll get $48,942. So you can see that a well-paid bus driver who works full time for a year will probably make more than the best-paid butcher will. 82 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

5 Four Ways to Pursue a Technically Oriented Career Path If you plan to follow a technically oriented career path, there are several types of training programs you can take advantage of some while you are still in high school: technical training programs internship programs apprenticeship programs pre-apprenticeship programs. Technical Training Programs A technical training program is a learning experience that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to start a technically oriented career. Technical training programs most commonly cover these career areas: agriculture (careers related to food and fiber production, and agricultural business) business (office administration and entrepreneurship) family and consumer sciences (culinary arts, family management, and life skills) health occupations (nurse, dental assistant, and medical technician) retail sales trade and industrial (skilled trades such as automotive technician, carpenter, and computer technician) technology (transportation, manufacturing, electronics, communications, aviation, computer graphics, and construction). The Association for Career and Technical Education estimates that there are about 11 million technical-education students in the United States. These students are enrolled in a variety of programs. Some high schools offer technical-education and cooperative education (co-op) programs. In a co-op program you can work part-time in a career field you are interested in, while taking job-related courses at school. You receive school credit for both your work-related class work and your real-world work experience. Two-year community colleges also provide technical education. Another option is a vocational school, a school that offers courses to prepare students for a technically oriented career. Most of these schools offer technical programs together with work-based experiences such as internships or apprenticeships (see below). LESSON 2 Career Paths 83

6 Most high school technical-education programs last at least two years. They are usually designed for high school juniors and seniors, although some programs accept high school sophomores and other programs begin in the ninth grade. Sometimes high school technical courses are linked to community college programs. In such cases, students can earn college credit while they re still in high school. Community and technical college programs also generally last two years. These programs can be shorter for students who earn college credits while still in high school. Many private organizations also offer technical training. Courses can last anywhere from two weeks to several years. For example, one company in California trains workers for the construction industry. At locations around the state, it offers courses for carpenters, painters, plumbers, electricians, and other workers. These courses include everything from job skills to safety rules. Another company, with locations in Arizona, Texas, California, and Illinois, gives courses for people aiming for careers in the automotive industry. Courses cover such topics as automotive and diesel technology. Before you enroll in a school run by a private company, check its background with your state board of education. Community colleges, vocational schools, and programs offered by private organizations usually charge fees for trainees. To find out more about costs or other information about technical training programs, see your high school guidance counselor or go to the website of the Association for Career and Technical Education at If you have a specific career path in mind, such as construction or auto repair, you can also contact a company or an industry association in your area to ask about where to get training. Internship Programs Once you ve narrowed your decision about which technically oriented career to pursue after high school, think about an internship. An internship is a low-paying or volunteer job in a field that interests you. For example, if you think you might want to be a plumber, contact a local plumbing company and see if you can arrange a part-time internship with the company while you re in school. The company may pay you a small wage. Or you might be a volunteer, or unpaid worker. Although making money may seem important, a volunteer internship could be very beneficial in the long run. Whether you re a paid worker or volunteer, an internship gives you real-life experience that can help you decide whether a career is right for you. If you are in school while you are an intern, a teacher may supervise your experience, and you may be required to submit a paper after the internship is over. 84 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

7 An internship can: give you work experience boost your self-esteem and make you more responsible give you references a reference is a person whom future employers can contact to ask about what kind of worker you are give you the chance to meet a mentor, or a life coach who guides, advises, and advocates for you in your individual life path help you grow and learn your true interests and talents. To see if you qualify for an internship, contact the company, organization, or government agency you re interested in. Many of these maintain websites where you can learn how to apply for an internship. A high school internship can give you the chance to meet a mentor. Courtesy of Peter Mason/Getty Images Apprenticeship Programs An apprenticeship is an opportunity to learn a trade on the job while also learning in class. Apprenticeship programs vary in length from one to six years. Throughout that time, apprentices work and learn as employees. Apprenticeships are available in the United States for more than 850 occupations. Construction and manufacturing apprenticeships are most common, but apprenticeships are available in many other fields as well, including computers. Possibilities include anything from telecommunications, environmental protection, and pastry making to health care, child care, and the arts. Table 2.6 lists the 25 apprenticeships that attracted the most workers in the United States in 2005, according to the US Department of Labor. Table 2.7 shows apprenticeship occupations with the highest earnings in Table 2.8 shows apprenticeships that will have the most openings between 2000 and Although most apprenticeships are in the civilian sector, the military also offers apprenticeships. People who enlist in certain occupations, such as cook or engine mechanic, can complete registered apprenticeships during their military training. That experience may have a civilian equivalent, which means that you can carry the skills and experience you ve gained in the military into a successful career elsewhere. LESSON 2 Career Paths 85

8 TABLE 2.6 The 25 Most Popular Apprenticeships in 2005 Average Total Active Number of Enrollment/ Rank Occupation Enrolled Active Programs Program 1 Electrician 38,706 3, Carpenter 22, Plumber 15,787 2, Pipe fitter (construction) 8, Sheet metal worker 7, Structural-steel worker 4, Elevator constructor 4, Roofer 4, Sprinkler fitter 4, Bricklayer (construction) 4, Construction craft laborer 4, Painter (construction) 3, Operating engineer 3, Child care development specialist 2,953 1, Boilermaker 2, Heating/air-conditioner installer 2, Power-line maintainer 2, Power-line installer and repairer 2, Correction officer 2, Millwright 2, Cook (hotel and restaurant) 1, Electrician (maintenance) 1, Machinist 1,739 1, Tool and die maker 1,733 1, Insulation worker 1, Taken from 86 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

9 TABLE 2.7 Apprenticed Occupations with the Highest Earnings in 2000* Median Annual Earnings Occupation 2000 Power distributor and dispatcher $48,570 Electrical and electronics repairer, powerhouse, substation, and relay $48,540 Ship engineer $47,530 Elevator installer and repairer $47,380 Power plant operator $46,090 Electrical power-line installer and repairer $45,780 Petroleum pump system operator, refinery operator, and gauger $45,180 Gas plant operator $44,730 Telecommunications equipment installer and repairer, except line installer $44,030 Avionics technician $41,300 Tool and die maker $41,110 Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assembler $40,850 Chemical plant and system operator $40,750 Aircraft mechanic and service technician $40,550 Stationary engineer and boiler operator $40,420 *Includes apprenticeable occupations for which long-term on-the-job training or a postsecondary vocational award is the most common form of training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Taken from LESSON 2 Career Paths 87

10 TABLE 2.8 Apprenticed Occupations Expected to Have the Most Openings, * Total Job Openings for Workers New to the Occupation Occupation Projected Cook, restaurant and cafeteria 502,435 Automotive service technician and mechanic 349,049 Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurse 321,841 Carpenter 301,791 Police and sheriff s patrol officer 268,745 Electrician 251,152 Hairdresser, hairstylist, and cosmetologist 237,720 Maintenance and repair worker, general 221,172 Welder, cutter, solderer, and brazer 211,365 Plumber, pipe fitter, and steam fitter 134,007 Machinist 127,139 Bus and truck mechanic and diesel engine specialist 113,581 Emergency medical technician and paramedic 97,499 Firefighter 89,574 Computer-controlled machine tool operator, metal and plastic 89,390 Heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer 79,485 Telecommunications line installer and repairer 76,170 Automotive body and related repairer 69,430 Cabinetmaker and bench carpenter 66,263 *Includes apprenticeable occupations for which long-term on-the-job training or a postsecondary vocational award is the most common form of training, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Taken from 88 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

11 What Apprentices Do Apprentices start by learning simple, repetitive tasks, then gradually progress to duties that are more complex. Electrician apprentices, for example, might begin by learning to cut and install wire. Eventually, they learn to plan projects; set up, wire, and test entire construction sites; and diagnose and fix electrical problems. In addition to learning by doing, apprentices take classes to learn the basics in their field. The first class might teach the names and uses of the equipment a student will see on a job site. Later, students learn skills such as drafting, estimating costs, or reading blueprints. A beginning apprentice generally earns about one-third to one-half of what an experienced, fully trained worker in that field earns. For example, the average electrician earns about $20.33 per hour. Depending on experience, Apprenticeship programs give you apprentices usually start at around $6.09 an opportunity to learn a trade to $10.16 per hour. on the job and in the classroom. Courtesy of Ken Chernus/Getty Images Finding an Apprenticeship Program Apprenticeship programs are popular. Finding a program that has openings can be a challenge, especially in occupations that don t employ large numbers of workers. To locate an apprenticeship program, check several sources. For information on any type of apprenticeship, visit career-counseling offices. Many apprenticeship sponsors publicize openings at career centers and local high schools, and career counselors usually know about the programs in their community. You can also find information on apprenticeships in newspapers and on job boards. You might also contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship or the office of the US Department of Labor in your state. These agencies keep lists of current programs. You might also want to consult the US Department of Labor s apprenticeship website at Trade unions and industry associations have information on apprenticeships, too. These organizations often recruit apprentices once or twice a year. You can get information about applying for such an apprenticeship from a local union office, the national union headquarters, or the national industry association headquarters. If you are interested in an apprenticeship in the armed forces, contact your local recruitment office or check out the military branch s website. Each branch of the military has its own rules about apprenticeships. LESSON 2 Career Paths 89

12 For general information on apprenticeships, check the Encyclopedia of Associations or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. Both are available at libraries and career centers. If you can t find an apprenticeship program that fits you, consider studying at a community college or vocational school. Later, you might be able to transfer credits you ve earned in one of these schools to an apprenticeship program. Applying for an Apprenticeship Program Once you find a good apprentice program, you have to apply for entrance. Request an application from the organization conducting the apprenticeship and follow the instructions. Qualifications Most apprenticeship programs require that applicants be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a passing score on the high school equivalency exam. Some programs require applicants to complete specific classes related to the occupation. Interview If you meet the basic qualifications, you may be invited for an interview. At that time, you ll probably meet with the head of the organization sponsoring the apprenticeship as well as a few other people. During the interview, they will ask you about your work and school experience. They may ask why you want to be an apprentice. The interviewers will also probably ask questions that will reveal your personality traits. Interviewers want to hire people who have determination and commitment to the occupation. Curiosity is also important. Interviewers might ask questions such as: Why do you think you would be good at this job? Have you ever worked as part of a team? Do you know what the work is like? What do you think you ll be doing in five or 10 years? How dependable and resourceful are you? For example, how would you get to work if your car broke down? Tour of the Work Site Before deciding to join a program, you ll want to see what life will be like on the job. Tour the worksite for clues about the quality of training and the work environment. Is the equipment modern? Is the work site comfortable and safe? Do workers seem willing to demonstrate and teach skills? What would the work schedule be like? How would you get to the work site? If you don t have a car, is public transportation available? A tour is an excellent opportunity to ask employees about their jobs. By asking questions, you can learn a lot about the occupation and the program sponsor. Dress neatly and behave professionally when visiting potential employers. Each conversation you have during a tour of the work site is like an interview. 90 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths

13 Pre-apprenticeship Programs Many nonprofit organizations, schools, and government agencies help people qualify for apprenticeships by offering pre-apprenticeship programs. The goal of these programs is to help young people get jobs and stay employed. The programs focus on specific groups, including high school students, disadvantaged youth, veterans, and women. One of the fastest-growing of these initiatives is the school-to-apprenticeship program. School-to-apprenticeships allow high school students to begin their apprenticeships as juniors and seniors. These students take occupational classes in addition to their regular high school courses. They concentrate on math, science, or other classes important to the occupation they are considering. In a pre-apprenticeship program, students take occupational classes in addition to their regular high school courses. Courtesy of Spencer Grant/PhotoEdit Students in school-to-apprenticeship programs work part-time, often earning school credit for on-the-job training. After graduation, they become full-time apprentices, with the advantage of having already completed many of the requirements. To learn more about school-to-apprenticeship programs, ask your high school guidance counselor or call your school district office. The following organizations can provide more information on work-experience options for high school students. Some of them have local high school chapters you can join. National Mentoring Center at: Job Shadowing at: National Service-Learning Clearinghouse at: Junior Achievement at: Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) at: Future Farmers of America (FFA) at: Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) at: LESSON 2 Career Paths 91

14 CHECKPOINTS Lesson 2 Review Using complete sentences, answer the following questions on a sheet of paper. 1. What are three main advantages of a technically oriented career path? 2. What are three fields in which you can have a technically oriented career? 3. Which two federal government departments are good sources of information about technically oriented careers? 4. What is the earning potential for some technically oriented careers? 5. What are the three types of programs that can prepare you for a technically oriented career? How are they similar and different? 6. Pick a technically oriented career path that you are interested in. Then find out what you could earn at the beginning of your career and what you might earn when you reach the top of your profession.you might need to do some research on the Web to find the answers. Applying Career Skills 7. Choose a technically oriented career that is available in your community. Collect as much information as you can about it: What are the advantages of a job in this field? What organizations in your area offer jobs in this field? What are some of those jobs, and what do people who hold them do? What might you earn in such a job, both as a beginner and an experienced worker? How would you train for such a job? When you finish your research, you ll have a good idea of what following a technically oriented career path means. 92 CHAPTER 2 Educational and Career Paths