Have you ever thought to yourself, “I don’t think college is for me, but I want to find a good job?” Or did you try out a college degree but realized it didn’t help get you where you really wanted in a career? The good news is that you are not alone, and these days there are an incredible number of options for low-cost, short-term training that can get you on a career path with great potential! Breaking yourself out of the traditional mold of a four-year degree has plenty of possibilities.
However, you do need to ask yourself what it is you enjoy doing and think about things you are good at. Consider classes you have taken in the past, jobs you’ve worked and volunteer opportunities or extracurricular activities you’ve participated in, and then think about what parts of them made you happy or motivated (and what parts you didn’t care for). After tallying that up, you might find that a job, such as a profession in the trades, might be a better fit for you.
A recent survey noted almost 91% of skilled tradespeople were “very or somewhat satisfied” with their career. The Workforce Institute at Lincoln Land Community College offers many non-traditional training programs that provide hands-on learning for the trades, and classes start this fall. Maybe one of these careers is right for you?
Industrial maintenance technicians are one of the most sought-after positions in manufacturing. Skilled techs are few and far between, and the pay is outstanding, often starting around $25 per hour upon graduation for an entry level role. In this job, you troubleshoot and fix technologically advanced machinery, requiring someone who enjoys creating effective, efficient solutions and who can think critically on their feet — literally. You can finish the industrial maintenance tech program in 16 months at the Workforce Institute with classes focused on and specific to the trade. Even the technical math class relates to the skills you will use on the job.
An artificial intelligence (AI) analyst recently noted that though electricians may be impacted, they won’t be replaced by AI. In fact, most see it as a potential asset. Electricians are essential in installing, troubleshooting and fixing complex wiring systems in both residential and large commercial construction, industrial and intuitional settings. And as technology and AI advance, embracing cutting edge technology becomes a requirement for any electrician. In 2023, the median pay was $29 per hour, and Illinois has estimated a growth of 27% in this field over the next 10 years. A certificate in commercial electrical maintenance at the Workforce Institute takes just nine months to complete, offers both day and evening options, and no general education classes are required, just classes that focus on the trade.
Maybe the world of aviation interests you, but the path of a pilot or flight attendant isn’t what you imagine for yourself. If that’s the case, the 18-month aviation mechanics program at the Workforce Institute might be a fit. Grads from earlier this summer averaged over $30 an hour in their starting pay offers, with some fielding multiple offers. If you are good at a little bit of everything mechanical, this career is the perfect fit. These mechanics diagnose, troubleshoot and repair the many different complex systems on an airplane, including electrical, instrumentation, GPS navigation, structural, fuel, hydraulic and pneumatics, landing gear, propellers, and reciprocating and turbine engines. And, because this job is needed almost everywhere on earth, this career may help you travel and see the world!
If none of these seem to be that perfect fit, I encourage you to explore some our other training programs, which include commercial construction, automotive technology, and hospitality management and culinary arts, on our website at llcc.edu/workforce. Give us a call today to get started on your new career at 217-786-2750, or email us at Workforce@llcc.edu.