These trucking, transportation, and mechanics careers are the ones that keep our products moving across highways, oceans, and through the air. These tradespeople, technical workers, and managers keep our transportation industry and equipment in top-notch condition and running on time.
Aircraft Maintenance
As an aircraft maintenance mechanic, you’ll be trained to work on many different types of aircrafts, from jets, to planes, to helicopters, and others. You can also choose to specialize in specific parts such as wings, motors, hydraulic systems, or any other part of an aircraft you want.
Aircraft maintenance jobs are available across the country. Find aircraft mechanic training near you.
Air Transportation
Air transportation covers a variety of careers. Flight crew members including pilots and flight attendants make up most of air transportation jobs. Also included in this industry are positions like air-traffic controllers, mechanics, and even baggage handlers. Some jobs in air transportation are entry level, but others — like pilots and mechanics — require completion of certification training or degree programs.
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Searching your favorite jobs site is a good way to see what’s out there, and finding a school is easy. Just use the ZIP Code search application at the top of any page, or find a local trade school or college now.
Automotive Technology
Automotive technicians diagnose and fix cars, light trucks, and similar types of vehicles. Auto mechanics use computerized diagnostics to identify major or minor issues. They also perform typical routine maintenance like changing the oil and checking fluid levels. Mechanics also interact with customers, explaining anything ranging from the repair process to a vehicle's diagnosis.
Automotive technicians need training before starting their jobs. Going to trade school and earning a diploma, then training for ASE certifications, will make your resume irresistible to many employers. Search for a local mechanic school now.
Aviation Electronics Technology
Trained aviation electronics technicians work specifically with electronic aircraft equipment including navigation systems, autopilot and gyroscopes, radar, drones, radio, and more. Aviation electronics technology is also known as avionics, and those working in the field have crucial quality control/safety standards to uphold.
As an aviation technician, you create the foundation for flight safety. Technicians will be familiar with FAA regulations, understand equipment and tools, troubleshooting, electronic theory, along with soldering and advanced wiring. Aviation electronics technicians ensure all electrical systems of aircrafts are functioning properly. They may be asked to repair and maintain the internal systems of aircrafts, in addition to installing them.
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Class A CDL Driver
Commercial truck drivers transport goods, products, and other materials from point A to point B. There are different types of truck driving jobs like local delivery driver, over-the-road long haul, hazardous materials driver, and many others. You’ll need to be at least 18 to drive in your state and 21 to cross state lines.
Prospective truck drivers need to earn their Class A CDL license to get an entry-level trucking job. Then, they may add more endorsements as they climb the career ladder. Find a local CDL school now.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial pilots differ from other pilots in the sense that they do not fly for airlines. They are instead responsible for different flights, such as charter flights, rescue operations, and conducting surveillance missions.
As a commercial pilot, you may fly planes, helicopters, and other aircrafts. You will be familiar with using equipment like different radar and navigation systems, along with your aircraft’s specific controls. You will need to get your CPL (commercial pilot’s license), and to have received training from an accredited flight school program.
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Diesel Mechanic
Diesel mechanics work on trucks, buses, and any other vehicle that runs on diesel fuel. Though many current diesel mechanics learned the trade through on-the-job training, today most employers expect some post-secondary education. You can find associate degrees in diesel mechanics, and the ASE also has certifications you can earn.
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Industrial Mechanics
Industrial machine mechanics repair the machines and robots found in factories. The best ones use technical manuals to their advantage to avoid issues before they arise. As an industrial mechanic, you may work with robotic welding arms, hydraulic lifts, and other types of preventative measure machinery.
To get a job in this field many companies will prefer you to have an associate degree in industrial maintenance, at minimum. Find an industrial maintenance program now.
Maintenance Technician
Maintenance technicians are responsible for the repair, inspection, and maintenance of trucks and other vehicles. Depending on your specific job title, you may be required to earn certain certifications or complete an apprenticeship before working independently.
You may have different specializations you can choose from, including but not limited to, engine repair, suspensions and steering systems, braking, manual transmissions, and electrical systems. If you enjoy working with your hands, and learning about all things mechanical, you can find a fulfilling career as a maintenance technician.
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Marine Maintenance
A marine maintenance mechanic’s job is to make sure all types of boats and watercrafts are running smoothly. Marine mechanics do the work and also and discuss the scope of work with the customer. Marine mechanic training can last up to two years depending on whether you decide to earn a certificate or an associate degree.
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Motorcycle Maintenance
Motorcycle mechanics are technically classified as a small engine mechanic. They specialize in motorcycles but may also work on mopeds, dirt bikes, and ATVs. Motorcycle mechanics may work at dealerships, service stations, or run their own business. Some small engine mechanics learn on the job but a post-secondary education that includes motorcycle technology will definitely make you more competitive in the job market.
Find a local motorcycle maintenance program now.
Operations Management
As an operations manager, you will oversee company production of goods or deployment of services. You’ll manage the day-to-day operations and ensure everything is running smoothly. This position also entails leading staff, labor union, government, or other meetings. You'll be keeping up to date with any new federal/state regulations and also could make hiring and firing decisions, along with other types of staff support. To become an operations manager, you should have a satisfactory amount of work experience, or a bachelor's degree along with some related work experience.
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Wind Turbine Technician
Main article: The Fast-Growing Career of a Wind Turbine Technician
Wind turbine technicians install, repair, and maintain wind turbines. As a wind turbine technician, you will safely scale wind towers to perform your work. You may test and troubleshoot electrical circuits to ensure the windmills are functioning properly, and have a thorough understanding of wind turbine power distribution.
An associate in wind turbine technology can take 2 years to complete and your training typically involves hands-on experience. If you are someone who is both mechanically inclined and passionate about renewable energy resources, then becoming a wind turbine technician may be a great career fit for you.
Find a wind turbine technician program now.