In a world that asks what you want to be when you grow up at the age of 12, it is hard to decide.
I wanted to study psychology and get my hairdressing licence as backup. I was told I could do anything, and I wanted to do everything! Other kids just don't do well in school; they'd rather work with their hands, build things, or do something more creative.
It's a shame more and more schools are eliminating trade classes and vocational studies, cause not everyone makes it to college, and these programs give them alternate futures. Some families think the transition from high school to a 4-year college course is less of an opportunity than it is a financial trap, or have family businesses they want their kids to take over.
Besides, there are talented students who have always wanted to be electricians, woodworkers, and beauticians, and these are just some of the careers that offer a clear, respected path to stability that you can start building right in high school.
Electrician
- High School Prep: Focus on Algebra, Physics, Shop/Industrial Arts classes.
- Pathway: Once you obtain your diploma (or GED), it is common to attend a technical trade school or become an apprentice (usually 4-5 years).
Licensing requirements vary by state, but mostly, you need to pass a written exam, accumulate classroom hours, and/or a certain amount of hours of practical experience.
- Key Point: You can earn while you learn, which is an advantage, but once you are licensed, you might start off earning $18.00/hr, but you can make as much as $100,000 per year when you accumulate working hours and upgrade your skills. There is usually a high demand for electricians, so low unemployment is a bonus.
Dental Hygienist
- High School Prep: Biology, Chemistry, Anatomy.
- Pathway: Once you leave high school, you can attend a 2-year program in your local community college and then move on to write state board exams.
- Key Point: This gives you a stable career and some basic medical knowledge if you want to go further in your education. Usually strong growth in this sector, with starting wages around $50.00/hr.
Web/Digital Media Developer
- High School Prep: Computer Science, Graphic Design, and Marketing classes.
- Pathway: Your choice of field expertise will determine your next move from high school. You can join an apprentice program, attend further education, or specialize in specific industry certifications like Google, Adobe, or expand your skill set and create interfaces, layouts, and visuals, as well as use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
- Key Point: If you build a great portfolio throughout high school, this may be enough to get you hired, and the hirer might offer on-the-job training. This is a hot career right now, so earnings often start at the $40,000/yr mark and can go over $100,00/yr or more.
If you keep your skills updated, your earnings can grow with the changes and innovations in this technology.
HVAC/R Technician
- High School Prep: Math, Physics, Electronics.
- Pathway: You can move on from high school into a technical school or an apprenticeship.
- Key Point: Heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration are becoming a big industry with all this building happening, and it's a service we simply can't go without; so they're usually in high demand. Once you have passed your EPA certification and licensing, your earnings will start at about $49,00/yr, and with advanced skills, you could earn up to $100,000/yr.
Cosmetologist / Master Stylist
- High School Prep: Double down on Art and Chemistry. Art classes develop an eye for color, shape, and design. Chemistry (or even biology) helps you familiarize yourself with the products you'll use.
If your school offers any business or marketing electives and a cosmetology program, take them as well; you can start building your brand from day one.
- Pathway: This career will require a commitment to a cosmetology program, and after you have completed your program hours and honed your skills, you'll take your state board exams for your license. But in this industry, the learning never stops.
To stay at the top of your game and maintain your license, you'll want to master new techniques, learn all the new trends, and expand your list of services you can offer with an ongoing education program.
Keep in mind that each state will have different requirements when it comes to licence renewal and the required amount of CE hours prior to renewal. Illinois cosmetology continuing-education classes will help you prepare and ace the licensing test, or they can help you every two years when you're required to retake the test for licensing renewal.
In Texas, for comparison, the licensing renewal is also biannual, but the number of hrs required is 4, instead of the 14 that you have to take in Illinois. This'll help you maintain your licence and sharpen your skills.
- Key Point: Cosmetology offers itself as a flexible/creative career where your income will be determined by your experience, your client loyalty, as well as your training (which is never-ending). The entry-level positions start at about $15-20/hr, but if you specialize and are more skilled/seasoned, your annual salary can be anywhere from $60,000- 60,000-100,000+; nothing to scoff at.
Conclusion
These options aren't plan-b options; they're practical career choices that offer solid wages, security, and could provide a long career.
It'd be nice if these trade and vocational classes returned to high schools, as they are important. Extracurricular classes would even be a nice option. Otherwise, look over all the trade schools and apprenticeship fairs if your child isn't necessarily going to follow the traditional four-year college or university path.
Also, if their school offers a work experience program, have them get involved in that and try out a vocation they are interested in as a career.
The world needs to make room for all kinds of learning and successes.
Give them a chance.
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