Page 53 - Stuff Made and Built in Delaware 2020

YOU DON'T NEED A
FOUR-YEAR DEGREE
to Do These Jobs
BY TODD KARPOVICH AND MARY MAUSHARD
Earning a four-year degree at a college or university can be expensive, and it’s just not the best option for everyone. Luckily, there are plenty of well-paying jobs for high school graduates that serve as stepping stones to rewarding careers.
Many of these positions come with on-the-job training that provides valuable skills for the future.
Here’s a look at just some of the options out there in construction, manufacturing, health care and financial services.
CONSTRUCTION
POSITION: MASON
What makes this job exciting/worthwhile? You’ll get to work on new and exciting projects that could create additional jobs or attract tourists to your city. The work environment is often different every day as the projects evolve. The pay is also attractive, with salaries ranging in the mid-$50,000s.
What would you be doing each day? Masons can expect to work in all weather and with various materials, lift and carry heavy objects, and read and assess technical drawings. Their responsibilities include texturing and polishing blocks of stone, installing dressed stone, mixing cement and mortar, and restoring old and damaged masonry works.
How would you be making a difference? Sometimes, you will be working on projects that have historical significance and you will help preserve them for future generations.
MANUFACTURING
POSITION: ELECTROMECHANICAL TECHNICIAN
What makes this job exciting/worthwhile? You get to
work closely with electrical and mechanical engineers to help develop projects. Electromechanical technicians also have the opportunity to work in a wide range of environments, including energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, and aerospace.
What would you be doing each day? Electromechanical technicians operate, test and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic or electromechanical equipment. The median annual wage for electromechanical technicians is $58,350.
How would you be making a difference? You’d play a crucial part in the development of new products that change the way the entire world operates.
POSITION: MILLWRIGHT
What makes this job exciting/worthwhile? These professionals get to install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment using blueprints, drawings or other designs. These jobs are critical to any construction project and pay in the mid to high $60,000s.
What would you be doing each day? You will read and interpret blueprints, schematics and detailed repair drawings related to construction equipment and machinery.
How would you be making a difference? Millwrights work in one of the oldest and most respected trades in the world. This job also struggles with an aging workforce. As older millwrights retire, talented young workers are needed to replace them.
POSITION: ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN
What makes this job exciting/worthwhile? Electronics technicians have a lot of responsibility for the development of vital equipment. You also work closely with customers to provide back-up assistance relating to service inquiries or problems.
What would you be doing each day? You’d play a huge role in the assembly, calibration, repair, troubleshooting and testing of electromechanical processes. You can earn up to $60,000 per year.
How would you be making a difference? You get to work
in several different industries, such as architectural, manufacturing, electromedical and other areas. There is also high potential for job growth due to the increasing demand for portable devices and integrated systems that are vital to the production of key products.
S12 STUFF | DelawareBusinessTimes.com