Not sure if a four-year college is for you and not really sure what you want to do with your life, but you know that you need to earn income?
Have you considered a skilled trade? Women often overlook opportunities in the skilled trade sector because these careers have traditionally been considered jobs for men.
Welding
The American Welding Society expects there to be over 400,000 job openings nationally in the welding industry by 2025. Women currently constitute only 4% of the workforce.
- What does a welder do?
In its most general terms, a welder uses hand-held or remotely controlled equipment to join, repair, or cut metal parts and products.
- How do I become a welder?
A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with technical and on-the-job training, is typically required for anyone to become a welder. There are many opportunities for certification through community colleges and training programs. Becoming a certified welder leads to the potential for higher earnings.
- How much money can I make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2018, the median annual wage for a welder was $41,380.00. Further, it is not uncommon for a certified welder to earn at least $35 per hour.
Electrician
According to Upworthy, of the over 750,000 certified electricians in this country, 97% of them are male. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that employment of electricians is projected to grow 10 percent from 2018 to 2028.
- What does an electrician do?
Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
- How do I become an electrician?
A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with an apprenticeship or technical school training. Many states require electricians to be licensed.
- How much money can I make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage in 2018 for electricians was $55,190.
PLUMBER
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2010, reported that the percentage of women plumbers was only 2.5%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment of plumbers to grow 14% from 2018 to 2028. This is faster than the average for all occupations.
- What does a plumber do?
Plumbers install and repair piping fixtures and systems.
- How do I become a plumber?
A high school diploma or equivalent, combined with an apprenticeship or technical school training. Many states require plumbers to be licensed.
- How much money can I make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage in 2018 for plumbers was $53,910.
NONE OF THESE OPTIONS TICKLING YOUR FANCY? I recently took the free career assessment test on careerexplorer.com for fun. It took about 30 minutes, but it was easy to do and fun. I got a lot of great feedback about my personality, and in the end, was provided with several careers that may be suitable for my personality. You can find it at https://www.careerexplorer.com/
Much Love,
Tonza
Absolutely! I am encouraging all youth, esp black youth, to consider technical college and two year associate degrees as a great way to build wealth from day one as opposed to attending high debt college. Higher education is critical in my mind (we know my story MD JD MHA) but a delay in getting there can make you so much the wiser and wealthier. Thank you Tonza!!! In my next life, I contemplate HVAC, plumbling, cosmetology, etc. REAL TALK!!!
I totally see myself owning my own electrical company 😊