Vocational Careers May Be Right for You

Exciting vocational careers are available across a span of industries.  Preparing for one typically requires completing a post-secondary training and education program, either through a vocational school or a two-year community college.  These programs provide practical, hands-on training and equip students with employable skills that can be applied almost immediately upon entering the workforce.
 
Top Vocational Options
Many young high school graduates overlook their vocational or technical career options. Some may even have misperceptions regarding the associated job growth and income potential and miss out on many rewarding vocational career opportunities, including those listed below.  Note: Salary and job growth information is based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data as published in its Occupational Outlook Handbook and available within Gale’s “Career Transitions” portal.

Computer Support Specialists provide computer equipment and software assistance to organizations and their employees.  This is one of the higher paying vocational careers, with a median annual salary of $46,240, and jobs are expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 through 2020. 

Licensed Practical or Licensed Vocational Nurses practice basic patient care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They monitor blood pressure and other vital signs, insert catheters, change bandages, and more.  The median annual salary is $40,380, and jobs are forecasted to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020.  


Legal Assistants and Paralegals help lawyers prepare for court trials and legal hearings, often researching legal cases and identifying how laws may apply.  The annual median salary is $46,680, and jobs are projected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020. 


A selection of other top vocational careers with positive job growth and competitive annual median salaries include dental hygienists; diagnostic medical sonographers; heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers; respiratory therapists; environmental science and protection technicians; and medical equipment repairers.  These are all great vocational careers, but the important takeaway is an awareness of vocational careers as a viable option.  Researching your vocational options is well worth your time, and you may just conclude that there is one perfectly suited for you.