Online Vocational Certifications and Programs

Search online career training and degree programs in applied technology, auto repair, cosmetology, HVAC, electrician, plumbing, welding and more.

The skilled trades may not get as much attention as high-profile careers in law or medicine, but there is never any shortage of demand for plumbers, welders, HVAC maintenance specialists, telecom and electronics technicians--the list goes on and on. If you're good with your hands, a career in applied technology, maintenance, or repair provides steady and potentially lucrative work.

In spring 2008, for example, a Canada newspaper profiled a female truck mechanic in Calgary who earns six figures. While that's not a typical mechanic's wage, it is nevertheless clearly possible. And while jobs in many fields--retail, travel, and entertainment to name a few--rely on the disposable income that comes with a healthy economy, those in the skilled trades are often insulated from the ups and downs of the economy because the jobs they do are needed whether times are lean or lavish.

Vocational Careers You Can Count On

Job opportunities are numerous and diverse in the vocational fields. The telecommunications industry is growing in leaps and bounds as technology advances; it is in constant need of installation, maintenance and repair specialists. As cable and satellite TV providers offer more and more high definition (HD) channels, the need for skilled professionals to install upgraded transmission lines and HD reception boxes continues to rise.

Auto repair and cosmetology jobs are both expected to grow by 14 percent in the next few years, says the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Careers in aviation science have taken off as high fuel costs and environmental concerns force airlines to seek new technologies. And as fuel costs continue to remain at or near historically high levels, transportation companies are spending more on maintenance to keep their vehicle fleets running at peak efficiency.

Get Your Foot in the Door with Vocational Training

In most of the skilled trades, the key to success is experience. But how do you get the experience that leads to your first job? In general, the answer is at technical or vocational schools. Many community colleges also offer certification programs in the skilled trades. In some cases these programs will include apprenticeships that give you real world experience and boost your career.

If time and transportation issues are keeping you from attending vocational education classes, consider an online program. There are numerous online certification and degree programs that can give you the education and credentials you need to start a career in such fields as automotive repair, HVAC, beauty and cosmetology, computer and appliance repair, plumbing, and welding. These programs are often less expensive than on-campus programs, allow you to study from home, and can help you make the jump from a job to a career.

Online Technical & Vocational Career Training

• Vocational