Debt forgiveness was a welcome relief for many student borrowers, but for many, it won’t wipe out all their college debt. The rising cost of college and the burden of debt incurred to pay for it has many people wondering if college is worth it.
For many, it is—higher education leads to higher paying jobs—but not always. If you’re eager to start a career and begin earning money in a real job, consider these careers you can train for without a college degree.
Skilled Trades
Electricians, plumbers, and carpenters earn good money without needing a college degree. But you can’t just jump into these jobs; they all require substantial training time and apprenticeships. Training can take place at trade schools devoted to one or more of these skilled jobs, and these schools should also provide access to required apprenticeships. Another way to complete an apprenticeship is through the labor union that represents workers in the trade you’re pursuing.
Sales
Soft skills, like communication, and an approachable, attractive demeanor are more important in sales positions than formal education. While some employers may require college degrees, many won’t. They’ll be more interested in your drive, persistence, and ability to overcome objections to convince prospective purchasers to buy. Employers need salespeople because, without the staff to find and cultivate new customers and develop relationships with existing clients, they can’t make money. Also, employers may offer their own training programs.
Pilots
It may surprise you that you don’t need a college degree to become a general aviation or commercial pilot. You’ll need only training for the required number of hours as set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to earn your pilot’s license.
It’s important to choose your flight training program thoughtfully, especially when you’re choosing a flight instructor who will work with you. You want someone with substantial experience, a history of satisfied and successful students, and someone who you feel cares about you and your success.
Dental Hygienist
Two years of training in an accredited dental hygienist program plus passing a licensing exam could earn you a good salary. Your state licensing requirements may include continuing education classes, but everyone in a health-care profession needs to stay up-to-date with the latest research and technological advances. As a dental hygienist, you’ll be a respected health-care professional with good career prospects, as more people have come to realize how important oral health is to their overall physical condition.
Software or Web Developer
Many highly successful technologists are self-taught. You don’t need a college degree to build a website, and you can learn programming and software development on your own or at an intensive coding camp. Learning software and network operations skills can lead to a high-paying career and job security (if you keep ahead of advances in the field).
Following your passions and interests, from computers to aircraft, can lead you toward good careers you can train for without a college degree, which are both satisfying and high paying.
