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Although the economy has been heading toward a recession, unemployment rates remain low. This means there are more jobs available than before. This presents an opportunity for many people who want to get a job or learn trade skills.
Now is the time to get your resume up to date and polished. Get ready for interviews and tests if necessary so that you’re ready when someone calls with an offer. But what trade skills training should you partake in? Well, if you live in California, there are plenty of great options- here are just a few.
Electrician Jobs
Becoming an electrician is a great career choice for those looking to make a change in their lives. It’s one of the most in-demand jobs in California. There are plenty of opportunities for advancement along the way.
Electrical workers are also well paid compared to other careers. This makes it an even more attractive option for people who want to make money and grow their careers.
If you enjoy working with your hands, have an interest in science and technology, or perhaps enjoy troubleshooting when trying to solve a problem. Electrical work may be right up your alley. Consider a trade school over an apprenticeship to get started.
Local Market
There are currently over 10,000 electrician jobs in California. Plus, the entire U.S market for electricians is expected to grow by about 14% by 2024.
The most common type of electrician job in California is residential work. That means working on homes and apartments. However, there are also many opportunities for commercial and industrial electricians. They work in larger buildings or industrial settings.
If you are interested in becoming an electrician in California, consider enrolling in our electrical training program.
HVAC Jobs
HVAC is a skilled trade that deals with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. In other words, it’s the process of maintaining indoor environments. This can be done by running fans or using refrigerants to cool/heat a building.
HVAC is a growing field because homes are becoming more expensive to heat and cool due to stricter regulations on energy consumption (CF energy.ca.gov). It’s a good option for people who like working with their hands and minds.
Are you interested in HVAC jobs? Then do consider our HVAC certificate program.
The Local Market
HVAC jobs in California are available across the state in all kinds of settings: from small business owners who need to maintain their own buildings’ HVAC systems to large corporations that rely on hundreds of HVAC technicians to keep their facilities running efficiently.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), as of 2021, there are approximately 39,570 HVAC jobs in California. This is out of around 380,000 nationwide. These jobs fall under two categories: service technician and installer/repairer.
Service technicians provide repair or maintenance services for residential or commercial heating equipment, while installers/repairers install new heating equipment and perform repairs on existing systems.
The BLS has projected that these jobs will grow by 14% by 2024. This is much faster than average for most occupations throughout the U.S., mainly due to increased demand for energy efficiency measures among homeowners and businesses alike—not just because it saves them money on energy bills but also because it’s better for the planet as well!
Cybersecurity Specialist or Information Security Analyst
Cybersecurity is a fast-growing field, and the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to increase by over 30% between now and 2022. This is according to the BLS. If you’re looking for a way to break into the cybersecurity field, look no further than California.
California has plenty of opportunities for cybersecurity specialists. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California employs around 100,000 people in this field. This makes up about 9% of all cybersecurity jobs in the country. This is not surprising given the number of high-tech global companies working in Silicon Valley.
The Difference Between Cybersecurity and Information Security
The two terms are often used interchangeably, but they refer to two different job roles. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Information security analysts can be employed by a wide range of organizations, from small to large companies, government agencies, and military services.”
The key difference between the two is that information security analysts work on a team to assess vulnerabilities in an organization’s network. Cybersecurity specialists, on the other hand, work independently. They design and implement solutions for those vulnerabilities.
Both positions require a bachelor’s degree in computer science or information technology. You also need experience working with IT infrastructure (e.g., networks).
Additionally, it’s helpful if you have experience in one or more areas of IT security. These include:
- Identity management systems (IAM)
- Incident response teams (IRTs)
- Mobile device management (MDM) systems
- Monitoring systems, e.g., intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS),
- Physical security systems, e.g., access control devices and biometrics scanners
- Software development lifecycle, e.g., secure coding practices (SCPs).
Choose whatever job suits your skillset more. If you love big data and are interested in keeping information secure, then information security could be more for you. Apply for our Cybersecurity Specialist Certificate today to get a head start in the sector.
High-Demand Trade Skills in 2022
California is a great place to be if you’re looking for a good job. Many high-demand trades provide good income and job security.
There are many resources to help you get started. This includes apprenticeships and trade school programs.
InterCoast partners with an accredited high school under the eligible career pathway program. This allows you to earn a high school diploma while pursuing vocational training at InterCoast.
For more about the trade skills or programs on offer or to make a suggestion, contact us today.