Applied Technologies & Professional Trades
Hands-On Careers
On This Page: Is This Path Right for You? | Careers In This Field | Career Outlook | Explore Programs
Explore programs focused on hands-on training and career-ready skills. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce quickly or build specialized expertise, this pathway prepares you for in-demand careers in technical and skilled trades.
Is This Right for You?
You may be interested in this pathway if you:
- Enjoy hands-on, practical work
- Like working with tools, equipment, or machinery
- Prefer learning by doing rather than sitting in a classroom
- Want to enter the workforce quickly
Students in this pathway are often problem-solvers who enjoy building, fixing, and working in real-world environments.
Careers in This Field
Explore some of the most common careers you can pursue within this pathway and see
where your interests can take you.
Automotive Technician
Diagnoses, repairs, and maintains vehicles using specialized tools and equipment.
Truck Driver (CDL)
Transports goods across local and national routes, supporting supply chains and logistics.
Diesel Technician
Repairs and maintains diesel engines used in trucks, equipment, and heavy machinery.
Welder
Uses specialized equipment to join metal parts for construction, manufacturing, and
repair.
Culinary Professional
Prepares and manages food in restaurants, hospitality settings, and commercial kitchens.
Trades Career Outlook
Skilled trades careers offer strong wages, hands-on work, and opportunities to enter the workforce quickly.
Median annual wage for installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (BLS)
Jobs in installation, maintenance, and repair occupations (BLS)
Median annual wage for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (BLS)
Projected job growth for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers (BLS)
Explore Trades & Technical Programs
Business and technology careers offer diverse opportunities in management, data, systems, and digital environments.
Ready to explore your options? Browse all Trades & Technical programs and take the next step.