The world changes, but transportation just keeps rolling on. To be sure, one industry that seems to be perpetually hungry for tradespeople is the transportation industry. The power sources may be changing from fossil fuels to electrical and hydrogen “clean” energies. Still, the base trade remains the same: Servicing, repair, and preventative maintenance and these are still in-demand jobs.
With an always-on job demand, this industry encourages prospective tradespeople to join a trade school followed by an apprenticeship or on-the-job training with an established professional in the field who can guide graduates in applying their skillset in practical ways in the field.
By no means a comprehensive list, we have taken a cursory look at the sorts of jobs and trades for the transportation industry, exploring a few below. These trades all seem to require a year of study followed by some on-the-job training in order for students to become qualified. Most of the in-demand trade career paths in the transportation industry include the following trades jobs:
In-demand Jobs: Automotive technicians
Automotive technicians repair and maintain almost any kind of automobile or vehicle you can imagine. Therefore, opportunities in this space can be niched (e.g., motorcycle technician, mechanic). However, there are great job openings in this field worth seeking out. With some basic training, prospective automotive technicians can be ready to start as a junior in this trade within a year. What better way t start your career in an in-demand job like this?
In-demand Jobs: Computer Numerical Control Machinists
CNC machinists create parts and components for machines. This particular trade can be utilized in a very broad range of job settings certainly making it an in-demand job. Therefore, it may be important to find an area of interest and to niche your skillset for this particular trade as you study and practice in a training program.
In-demand Jobs: Welders
Used across many industries and applications, welders and the welding profession remains an important in-demand job. Some projections suggest that there are around 40,000 new welding jobs openings seeking fulfillment each year for trades like welding, cutting, soldering, and brains. So again, seek to niche yourself – for example, Incas metal or flux-cored arc welding. Alternatively, acquire a broader skillset by mastering each type of niche as a way to offer your customers a range of skills within your trade.
Diesel technicians
Diesel technicians love a bit of grease under their fingernails. Diesel engines run all kinds of industrial power generators, shipping, and transportation engines. A diesel tech program of study would be the best place to start with a trade like this, followed by on-the-job training. Although the world is moving toward alternative power sources–especially for transportation engines, there is still a great deal of scope for this particular trade-in industry.
Motorcycle mechanic
After a short (no more than one year for most courses) training program, motorcycle mechanics and enter the workforce as tradespeople. Training usually includes the basics of maintaining engines, electrical systems, and vehicle functionality.
Marine technicians
If you have a love for the ocean and ocean craft, a trade qualification as a marine technician may be just the thing for you. A short course of study is usually required at a marine technology program that will involve a hands-on training element to prepare students for work as technicians, riggers, and even work in dealership settings, maintaining and repairing all forms of watercraft.