Today’s economy and technologically driven society affords people the opportunity to earn a living without obtaining a typical four-year college degree. Teachers and parents should impress upon students the varied career paths available. Students can attend a vocational training center or become an apprentice to learn a skill that provides good wages. Three such career opportunities are HVAC technician, gas station service technician and surgical technician.

HVAC Technician

An HVAC technician installs heating and cooling equipment and keeps it running efficiently. Skilled HVAC technicians are generally in high demand. Commercial enterprises often need to cuts costs and are regularly turning to improvements in HVAC to reduce heating, cooling and refrigeration expenses. Becoming an HVAC technician often takes fewer than two years. Courses are available in both public and private post-secondary vocational schools.

Gas Station Service Technician

A gas station service technician maintains the equipment at gas stations, airports and anywhere else fuel is pumped. Hoses, nozzles, pumps and other parts of fuel pumping stations need regular maintenance and repair. Motorists depend on gas stations to dispense fuel safely, and stations must comply with regulatory standards. Gas station service technicians are needed now and will continue to be needed as long as people and goods are transported.

Surgical Technician

A surgical technician prepares operating rooms and assists doctors. Duties include arranging equipment and tools, ensuring the room is sterile, handing tools to the surgeon and related tasks. Surgical technicians help ensure surgeries are safe. Learning the career takes intense study, but it can often be completed in two years or less. Surgical technicians earn high wages and help people every day. Community colleges run by state governments, private post-secondary schools and nonprofit schools offer this curriculum. Students should look for schools that are accredited and licensed.

Whether a person is pursuing a first career path or hoping to make a career switch, opportunities abound. Learning a skill does not necessarily mean earning a bachelor’s degree. If you are looking for a good job but not four years of sitting in a classroom, do some research to discover the perfect skilled labor position for you.