10 Old Professions in High Demand
In this negative economic climate with high unemployment rates, there are still several professions that are still in high demand. The greatest majority of these high demand jobs are in construction related trades but there also great needs in the medical field. In general, teachers are not in great demand but there are a couple areas where there is a shortage of applicants.
- Carpentry Even with the construction industry in a slump due to the economy, carpentry is still a great field to get into. The trade schools are not graduating enough students from their carpentry programs to replace the great number of carpenters who are now close to retirement.
- Masons This is another construction trade still has a great demand for skilled workers. Mason’s are bricklayers and blocklayers. It is a physically demanding occupation that also requires apprenticeship to learn the craft.
- Plumbers Plumbers and pipefitters also have been dwindling in numbers over the last few years. These position usually require vocational training in addition to apprenticeships to become licensed to work as a plumber.
- Electricians There never seems to be enough applicants for these job opportunities. Their skills are not limited to construction but are largely tided there. This is another profession that requires a few short years of vocational training and then an apprenticeship before being fully licensed. The pay and benefits for these jobs can provide a good living for anyone.
- Painters This is a profession that usually is learned on the job rather than through educational programs. It is also a profession that is not totally dependent on new construction. Painting is just as needed for ongoing maintenance of buildings as it is at the beginning of the project.
- Heavy Equipment Operators This profession is one of the best paying positions among the construction trades and crosses over between building construction and highway construction. A short training school can pay off in big paychecks in this trade.
- Welders This profession is utilized in a variety of ways. Welding is needed in many different types of production plants. It is also used in steel construction, ship building and the construction of pipelines.
- Nurses All medical positions continue to need workers but the need for nurses is always at the top of the list. Nursing, just like many other professions, is becoming more specialized. Having experience and training in a variety of specialized care centers can provide many open doors.
- Truck Drivers It is hard to look at job listings without seeing ads for over-the-road truck drivers. This is a job which requires an excellent driving record and the willingness to spend a lot of time away from home. Pay rates fluctuate with the economy and the amount of expenses that cut into the profits. It is one of the professions that also allows you to either be an independent operator or an employee of a trucking company.
- Math and Science Teachers Although teaching in general is over saturated with applicants, certain areas are lacking in applicants. Teachers of math and science are still in great demand at all levels of education.
The great need of workers in the construction trades is considered to be an issue more of perception than of pay scale. High school students are continually encouraged to aim for a college education and that is then translated into a ‘higher’ education, leaving vocational training with the concept of being of lesser value. More years of education doesn’t always translate into higher pay or a better opportunity of employment.
