Fewer Americans are enrolling in traditional four-year colleges, and more are seeking affordable paths to careers.
Freshman enrollment this year is down 5% compared to last fall, according to new national data. A Pew Research Center poll found that more men than women are dropping out of college.
Many careers that don’t require a degree offer a livable wage but require an apprenticeship or training program to acquire technical skills.
USA TODAY looked at some of the jobs that the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics says are in high demand. Here’s a glimpse at some of those fields and what it takes to pursue them.
There are fewer students of color. Few students from disadvantaged backgrounds wish to attend university. The reason is as follows
Installation and repair of elevators and escalators
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a need for people who can install and repair elevators and escalators. Most states require these employees to be licensed.
Those interested in this job can enroll in a four-year apprenticeship program to learn the necessary skills.
Training programs offered by unions teach skills such as safety, elevator and escalator parts, electrical and digital theory, according to data from the bureau.
As of May 2023, the average median wage for these workers was $102,420.
The job often requires employees to “work in confined spaces in crawlspaces and mechanical rooms,” or at heights in elevator shafts, and may require overtime, according to the agency’s data. .
Operators of subways and trams
America’s workforce needs people who can drive the subways and trains that carry passengers. People in this job earned an average median wage of $84,270 last year, according to federal data.
According to the job site O*NET OnLine, mastering the skills to operate a subway or streetcar requires preparation for several months to a year of on-the-job training.
People participating in the training program learn how to drive and control a vehicle, control opening and closing of doors and speed regulation. They also learn about safety precautions, according to a description on the career website.
costumer
Demand for costume attendants is also increasing.
The role could be suitable for people interested in helping “select, adjust and care for cast members and entertainers’ costumes” at plays and performances, according to the department’s job description.
Work in this field typically does not require formal training or apprenticeships.
People often learn these job skills while working in performing arts companies, high school or college theater or film departments, or in the film, television, and video industries.
Professional costumers earned an average wage of $52,370 last year, according to federal data.
Forest fire watchers and prevention experts
Forest fire prevention and inspection is also a lucrative field for those without a college degree. Skills for this job include detecting fire hazards, identifying fire protection measures, and investigating the cause of fires.
It is important to first gain experience as a firefighter. People pursuing these careers typically receive on-the-job training after being hired, according to the department’s data. Certification may also be required.
Last year, wildfire wardens and prevention specialists earned an average of $71,420, according to the data.
Airline Operations Specialist
Airlines are also looking for people to help ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial aircraft.
According to the agency’s role description, airline operations specialists help “maintain flight records and apply knowledge of weather information.”
Learning the skills needed for the job typically requires completing an apprenticeship program, such as airfield management or operational resource flight or jump management, according to a description provided by career website O*NET OnLine.
Those workers earned a median annual wage of $51,140 in May 2023, according to federal data.
Contact Kayla Jimenez at kjimenez@usatoday.com. Follow @kaylajjimenez on X.
