These in-demand Michigan jobs don’t require a college degree: What to know
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If you’re looking to start a career, but hoping to avoid four years of post-secondary education, there are other pathways available, and more Americans are choosing those routes.
Fewer Americans are enrolling in traditional four-year colleges and more are seeking other routes to a career. New national data shows a 5% dip this year in freshman enrollment compared with last fall. A Pew Research Center poll found more men than women are opting out of college.
Many careers that don’t require a degree offer a livable wage, but require an apprenticeship or training program for technical skills.
Here’s a look at some of the careers the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics says are growing in demand, nationally and in Michigan.
What trade jobs are in demand nationally?
Fast-growing careers nationwide that don’t require a college degree span several industries, including construction and installation, transportation, maintenance and repair, and more, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The department projects 60% of new jobs between 2020-30 will likely not require a post-graduate degree.
What trade jobs are in demand in Michigan?
There’s a need for the trades in Michigan, particularly in the sectors such as installation and repair, construction, the automotive industry, welding and more, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
What training is needed for in-demand trade jobs in Michigan?
- A career as a machinist often requires a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Post-secondary courses may be required, and training can occur through vocational schools, community and technical colleges or apprenticeships, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Becoming a heating, ventilation and air conditioning mechanic may include obtaining a license or certification and post-secondary nondegree award, followed by on-the-job training.
- A career as a welder typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent GED. Technical and on-the-job training will provide preparation for the work.
- Becoming an automotive service technician may require completing a post-secondary nondegree award and obtaining a certification in the industry.
What do in-demand jobs pay in Michigan?
- A machinist works with machine tools to create, repair or modify metal items. The median wage of a machinist in Michigan is $20.16, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
- A heating, ventilation and air condition mechanic installs, maintains and repairs heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. The median wage of an HVAC mechanic in Michigan is $22.85.
- A welder works with equipment to assemble metal items using heat, pressure or both. The median wage of a welder in Michigan is $18.64.
- An automotive service technician maintain vehicles, including doing oil changes, checking fluid levels, rotating tires, replacing car batteries, repairing brake pads, and more. The median wage of an automotive service technician in Michigan is $19.76.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
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