Career Paths

Career Paths

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Lesson Overview

• The advantages of a technically oriented career path

• Job classifications associated with technically oriented career paths

• The earning potential of a technically oriented career path

• Four ways to pursue this career path

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Lesson Objectives• Know the advantages of a

technically oriented career path• Know the types of Job

classifications associated with technically oriented career paths

• Know the earning potential of a technically oriented career path

• Know the different ways to pursue this career path

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

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?

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Advantages of a Technically Oriented Career Path

– Provides a way to earn a good living– Gives you an opportunity to learn a

trade– Enables you to develop your

knowledge of science and technology

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Job Classification Examples

• Auto Body Repair• Auto 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

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Job Classification Examples

• Environment• Food Service• Graphic Arts• Health • Horticulture and

Landscape• Hospitality, Recreation,

and Tourism• Heating, Ventilation/Air

Conditioner Repair• Journalism

• Machining, Manufacturing, and Masonry

• Military Service• Painting and Repair• Performing Arts• Photography and Film• Plumbing• Printing• Protection and

Investigation

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Job Classifications

Examples of Jobs Within Five Career Paths

Automotive Service TechnologyAlternative Fuels Vehicle TechnicianDiesel MechanicDispatcherTruck Driver

Health Dental HygienistHome Care AideMassage TherapistMedical Laboratory Technician

Culinary Arts BakerButcherWaiter or WaitressWedding Cake Designer

Hospitality, Recreation, and Tourism Aerobics InstructorBus DriverHotel DetectivePublic Relations Specialist

TelecommunicationsFrame WirerLine Installer or RepairerRadio MechanicTelecommunications Equipment Technician

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Job Classifications

• To find out more information:– Occupational Outlook Handbook at

www.bls.gov/oco

– Vocational Information Center at www.khake.com

– America’s Career Network at www.acrenetwork.org/students.aspx

– Voyages at www.careervoyages.gov/

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Earning Potential for Six Career Paths

Earnings Potential for Six Career Paths

PositionButcherBus DriverDisc JockeyFlight AttendantPipe FitterSmall 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

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

An Example

• A typical work week 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 (hours) and then by 52 (weeks), you’ll get $48,942. That’s the driver’s annual earnings

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Four Ways to Pursue This Path

1. A technical training program

2. An internship

3. An apprenticeship

4. A pre-apprenticeship program

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Technical Training Program

• A technical training program is a learning experience that will give you the knowledge and skills you need to start a technically oriented career.

Chapter 2, Lesson 2


Mostly cover: – Agriculture– Business– Family and consumer sciences– Health occupations– Retail sales– Trade and industry– Technology

Photo courtesy of Clipart.com

Chapter 2, Lesson 2


• Cooperative education

(co-op) programs

• Vocational schools

• Private organizations


Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Internship

• A low-paying or volunteer job in a field that interests you

• Gives you work experience• Boosts your self-esteem• Makes you more responsible• Gives you references• Helps you meet a mentor

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Apprenticeship

• An opportunity to learn a trade on the job while also learning in class

• Programs vary in length from 1 to 6 years

• Lets you work and learn as an employee

• Available in more than 850 occupations

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Rank Occupation Total Active

Enrolled

Number of Active

Programs

Average Enrollment/

Program

1 Electrician 38,706 3,280 11.8

2 Carpenter 22,434 481 46.6

3 Plumber 15,787 2,353 6.7

4 Pipe Fitter (construction)

8,460 794 10.7

5 Sheet Metal Worker

7,629 582 13.1

6 Structural-Steel Worker

4,724 131 36.1

7 Elevator Constructor

4,475 55 81.4

8 Roofer 4,397 140 31.4

The 25 Most Popular Apprenticeships, 2005, at http://www.dolets.gov/atels_bat/top-25-occupations-2005.cfm

Chapter 2, Lesson 2


Rank OccupationActive

EnrolledActive

ProgramsAverage

Enrollment

9 Sprinkler Fitter 4,271 85 50.2

10 Bricklayer (construction) 4,148 217 19.1

11 Construction Craft Laborer 4,136 71 58.3

12 Painter (construction) 3,937 245 16.1

13 Operating Engineer 3,370 126 26.7

14 Child Care Development

Specialist 2,953 1,017 2.9

15 Boilermaker 2,556 31 82.5

16 Heating/Air-Conditioner-

Installer 2,442 622 3.9


Chapter 2, Lesson 2


Rank OccupationActive

EnrolledActive

Programs

AverageEnrollmen

t

17 Powerline Maintainer 2,418 268 9.0

18 Powerline Installer and

Repairer 2,289 78 29.3

19 Correction Officer 2,269 55 41.3

20 Millwright 2,261 438 5.2

21 Cook (Hotel and Restaurant) 1,837 404 4.5

22 Electrician maintenance 1,828 915 2.0

23 Machinist 1,739 1,346 1.3

24 Tool and Die Maker 1,733 1,486 1.2

25 Insulation Worker 1,732 104 16.7


Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Apprenticeship OccupationsWith Highest Earnings

Occupation Median Annual Earnings, 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 powerline installer and repairer 45,780

Petroleum pump system operator, refinery operator, and gauger

45,180

Gas plant operator 44,730

Commonly Apprenticed Occupations with the Highest Earnings, at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/employ/apprentice/apprentice.htm

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Apprenticeship OccupationsWith Highest Earnings

Occupation Median Annual Earnings, 2000

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

Commonly Apprenticed Occupations with the Highest Earnings, at http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov/cic_text/employ/apprentice/apprentice.htm

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

How to Locate an Apprenticeship

• Visit career-counseling offices

• Look in newspapers and on job boards

• Contact the Bureau of Apprenticeship or the US Department of Labor

• Consult the US Department of Labor’s apprenticeship website: http://www.doleta.gov/atels_bat/ Photo courtesy of Goodshoot Images

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Applying for an Apprenticeship

• Once you find a good apprenticeship program, you have to apply for entrance

• Most programs require:– minimum 18 years old– high school diploma– an interview


Chapter 2, Lesson 2

The Interview

– 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 5 or 10

years?– How dependable and resourceful are you?

For example, how would you get to work if your car broke down?

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Take a Tour

Look for the following:• Is the equipment modern?• Is the work site comfortable and safe?• Do the workers seem willing to teach skills?• What would the work schedule look like?• How would you get to the work site?• A tour is an excellent opportunity to ask

employees questions about their jobs

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Pre-apprenticeship Programs

School-to-apprenticeship program:• Allows high school students to begin their

apprenticeships as juniors and seniors• Work part-time• Earn school credit• After graduation, become a full-time

apprentice• To learn more, ask your guidance

counselor or call your school district office

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Review

Advantages to pursuing a technically oriented career path:

• Earn a good living

• Learn a trade

• Develop your knowledge

Photo courtesy of Photos.com

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Review

• Includes jobs in agriculture, business, manufacturing, and telecommunications

• The earning potential varies from job to job

• There are several training programs you can take advantage of now, even in high school!

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Summary

• The advantages of a technically oriented career path

• Job classifications associated with technically oriented career paths

• The earning potential of a technically oriented career path

• Four ways to pursue this career path

Chapter 2, Lesson 2

Next

• Today we’ve learned about the advantages of a technically oriented career path

• Next we’ll learn about career paths that require a college or university education


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Career Paths