It\’s no secret that today\’s job market is difficult, but that doesn\’t mean that there aren\’t opportunities out there for people with the right skills. The even better news for current and future students at trade schools and technical colleges is that many of the most-popular vocational careers are also among the professions projected to see the greatest growth in the years ahead. Given these circumstances, it should come as no surprise then to find out that vocational education enrollment in America is booming.
We\’ve all heard the reports on how the Technology and Medical fields are projected to dramatically expand over the remainder of the decade, but did you know that there are plenty of other professions that will be adding tons of new jobs as well? Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics\’ latest projections, the 50 fastest-growing occupations also include vocationally-trained positions in the Legal and Finance industries, as well as many of the skilled technical fields traditionally associated with trade schools (e.g. HVAC mechanics). For those people with professional certificates or degrees from accredited trade school programs, the future has never been brighter.
What Trade School Careers Are In Demand?
Those trade school careers included on the Bureau\’s list of 50 fastest-growing occupations are detailed below.
Computer Network Systems Analysts
As our world becomes increasingly integrated with computer technology and network systems in particular, the need for professionals who can design, test, analyze and evaluate these networks will explode. For those vocational students who choose to train for a career in this field, the future is expected to be extremely bright. With greater-than 50% growth in new jobs over the next seven years, Network Systems Analyst is projected to be the second-fastest growing occupation in the nation over the next seven years.
Physician Assistant
As mentioned earlier, it\’s a well-known fact that the health care industry is expected to boom over the next decade and, as it does, the demand for Physician Assistants will increase dramatically. The wide range of patient-care responsibilities held by these professionals makes them an indispensable contributor to any successful hospital, physician\’s office or other health care facility. The Physician Assistant occupation is projected to grow at the seventh-fastest rate of any profession, adding nearly 30,000 new jobs nationally over the next decade for a 39% increase.
Esthetician
Professionals who specialize in beautification and treatment of facial skin are alternately referred to as Skin Care Specialists and Estheticians. While the majority of these specialists work in either salons or spas, many of them eventually open their own practices after establishing sufficient client bases. If you\’re interested in pursuing this career, employment opportunities should be plentiful as the field\’s 38% growth makes it the nation\’s eighth-fastest growing.
Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides
An increasing demand for professionals who can help patients rehabilitate from physical injuries will make Physical Therapy Assistants and Aides the 17th and 11th-fastest growing jobs in the years ahead. Assistants earn the higher salary and carry the greater amount of responsibility between the two, often acting as the direct supervisors for Aides. Growth for these two professions will be over 33% nationally through 2018.
Dental Hygienist and Dental Assistant
Much like the physical therapy field, the need for dentistry is expected to grow dramatically over the next several years leading to a high demand for Dental Hygienists and Assistants. These two positions are vital to any successful dental practice, and represent the 12th and 14th-fastest growing occupations with growth rates of 36% each.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician
America\’s love for its pets is not expected to change anytime soon and, for that reason, the demand for professionals who can assist in the treatment and diagnosis of disease in animals will be high in the future. Veterinary Technologists and Technicians rank 13th on the Bureau of Labor Statistics list, expecting an increase of over 29,000 jobs (36%) between now and the end of the decade.
Medical Assistant
Working in both administrative and clinical capacities, Medical Assistants perform a wide range of valuable tasks at health care facilities and are increasingly in demand. Government estimates show that graduates with degrees and certifications in this popular vocational career will enter an employment market that expands by 34% (that\’s 165,000 new jobs) over the next seven years.
Occupational Therapist Aide and Assistant
The field of occupational therapy is projected to grow in a similar fashion to both dentistry and physical therapy. Occupational Therapist Aides and Assistants work under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist to help patients rehabilitate from physical or mental problems and re-enter the work force. The need for both of these occupations is expected to rise by over 30%, and both vocations can be learned during two-year trade school programs.
Fitness Trainer and Aerobics Instructor
As Americans strive to become healthier in the future, Fitness Trainers and Aerobics Instructors will be sought after in greater numbers than ever before. An estimated 77,000 new jobs will be created in this field by 2018, meaning that professionals interested in helping others achieve their fitness goals will see a 29% increase employment opportunities.
HVAC Mechanic and Installer
Mechanics and Installers for HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) with be in great demand over the next decade, which is good news for graduates in this popular vocational field. These specialists who work to make sure that heating, ventilation and air-conditioning equipment works properly, and is installed correctly, will see 86,000 new jobs created in their industry by 2018. With a growth rate approaching 28%, this occupation is expected to be the 32nd-fastest growing during the next several years.
Paralegal
For people who want to work in Law, but aren\’t interested in becoming attorneys, a career as a Legal Assistant or Paralegal is often enticing. These vocationally-trained professionals assist attorneys with the day-to-day operation of their offices by performing a wide range of supporting tasks. Increased demand for Paralegals should create 74,000 new jobs (a 28% increase) in the next decade.
Radiation Therapist
Properly known as oncology, the field of radiation therapy treats cancers and other malignant cells and Radiation Therapists assists play a vital role in this process. On a national level, demand for new professionals in this field is projected to experience a 27% increase through 2018.
If you\\\’d like to find out more about trade school careers, or any other issues related to vocational education, be sure to visit Ayla Ward\\\’s blog on trade schools in California
Buy Textbook Related Info