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Jobs for Which You Can Qualify If You’re a High School Graduate U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics May 1980 liVERSm _____ POSITORY No. Jobs for Which You Can Qualify If You’re a High School Graduate Whether you’re looking for your first job or planning to change careers, as a high school graduate you have a wide variety of occupations from which to choose. Your diploma qualifies you for jobs such as correction officer, physical therapist aide, autom obile sales w orker, and lo co m o tiv e e n g in e er. With som e specialized training, you can become a computer operator, chef, or real estate sales worker. Or you can learn a trade either on the job or through an apprentice ship program and become a machinist, lithographer, plumber, or other skilled worker. This pamphlet contains a list of occupations— selected from the 1980-81 O ccupational O u tlo o k H a n d b o o k of the Bureau of Labor Statistics—that are open to high school graduates. It highlights the qualifications needed for each. These summaries cannot provide all the information you need, however. Details on the content of an ap prenticeship or other training program are omitted. So too is information on special talents, aptitudes, or in terests a job may require. For more information about an occupation, look in the Occupational O utlook H a ndbook. It describes the nature o f the work, working conditions, places of employment, job qualifications and advancement prospects, employment outlook, and earnings for hundreds of occupations. It also lists re lated occupations and other helpful sources of career in formation. The H a n d b o o k is available in offices of school guid ance counselors and employment counselors and in school and public libraries. Or it may be purchased for $8 by check or money order from the nearest regional office o f the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A list of offices and their addresses appears at the back of this pamphlet. Reprints from the H andbook also are available, each containing information about several related oc cupations. At the end of this pamphlet is a list of reprints along with an order form that includes infor mation on prices. This pamphlet is one in a series of five prepared by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each pamphlet dis cusses a group o f occupations for which a particular educational or training background is applicable. The other titles in the series are: Jobs fo r Which You Can Train Through Apprenticeship; Jobs fo r Which You Can Qualify I f Y o u ’re N ot a High School Graduate; Jobs fo r Which You Probably Will N eed Som e College or Specialized Training; and Jobs fo r Which You Probably Will N eed a College Education. Industrial Production and Related Occupations Foundry Occupations Patternmakers. A 5-year apprenticeship is considered the best way to learn this trade. Vocational school courses in patternmaking, metalworking, and machin ing may be credited toward completion of the appren ticeship. Because of the precise skills needed, appren ticeships for wood and metal patternmaking are separ ate. A high school diploma generally is required. M olders. Completion of a 4-year apprenticeship is the recommended way to learn skilled hand molding. Workers who have this training also are preferred for some kinds of machine molding. Less skilled hand molding jobs can be learned on the job in 2 to 6 months. An eighth grade education usually is the minimum re q u irem en t for ap p ren ticesh ip ; h ow ever, m any employers prefer high school graduates. Coremakers. Completion of a 4 -year apprenticeship is the recommended way to learn skilled hand coremak ing. Workers with this training also are preferred for the more difficult machine coremaking jobs. Although the minimum requirement for apprenticeships is an eighth grade education, most employers prefer high school graduates. Inexperienced workers may learn less skilled coremaking on the job. Machining Occupations A ll-ro u n d machinists. A 4-year apprenticeship is the best way to learn the trade; however, some companies have training programs that require less than 4 years for machinists who specialize in one type of product or 1 and-die work. High school graduates are preferred for apprenticeships. Printing Occupations C ompositors. All-round compositors usually train through a 4-year apprenticeship program. The program may be shortened for apprentices with previous ex perience or schooling. Applicants for apprenticeships generally must be high school graduates. An increasing number of people learn their skills on the job by work ing as helpers for several years. Lithographers. Although most lithographers learn their trade on the job by helping experienced lithographers, employers recommend a 4- or 5-year apprenticeship program. These programs, which may emphasize a specific craft such as camera operator or platemaker, attempt to introduce all lithographic operations. Appli cants for apprenticeships usually must be high school graduates. Photoengravers. Most photoengravers learn their skills through a 5-year apprenticeship program. Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be high school or vocational school graduates. machine. Many machinists learn their skills on the job. A high school diploma is strongly recommended. Instrum ent makers (mechanical). Many instrument makers learn their trade through 4-year apprentice ships. Others advance from machinists or skilled machine tool operators after 1 or 2 years of shop ex perience. Employers generally prefer high school grad uates, especially for apprenticeship programs. M achine tool operators. These workers are classified as either semiskilled or skilled operators. Most are trained on the job. Semiskilled operators may learn their trade in just a few months, but skilled operators often require 1 to 2 years. Some companies have formal training programs for new employees. Setup workers (machine tools). Setup workers usually must be all-round machinists. To make metal parts ac cording to specifications, they must know how to oper ate more than one type of machine tool and be able to plan the sequence of a machining operation. Tool-and-die makers. The best way to learn this trade is through a 4-year apprenticeship, but many workers learn in vocational school programs or on the job. Several years of experience often are required after completing an apprenticeship for more difficult tool- Electrotypers and stereotypers. Although a 4-year ap prenticeship is the usual preparation for these trades, apprenticeships have not been available in the last several years due to the declining dem and for electrotypers and stereotypers. M any experienced electrotypers and stereotypers are being retrained for other jobs. Printing press operators and assistants. Apprenticeship is the recommended way to learn the trade. The program in commercial printing shops lasts 2 years for press assistants and 4 years for press operators. Appli cants for apprenticeships usually must be high school graduates. Many workers learn their skills by working as helpers or press assistants, or by combining work ex perience and training in vocational schools. B ookbinders and bindery workers. A 4- or 5-year ap prenticeship is recommended for skilled bookbinders. Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be high school graduates. Because bindery workers may be less skilled than bookbinders, most learn their trade by working informally on the job from several months to 2 years. Some, however, complete formal apprentice ships. Other Industrial Production and Related Occupations Assem blers. Training varies according to the level of skill required. Most inexperienced persons can be trained on the job in a few days or weeks, but, for some types of complicated assembly work, training lasts much longer. A u to m o b ile painters. Most of these workers acquire their skills by working for 3 to 4 years with experienced painters. A small number learn through a 3-year ap prenticeship. Blacksm iths. Many blacksmiths are trained by working as helpers in blacksmith shops or industrial firms that employ blacksmiths. Some enter through 3- or 4-year apprenticeship programs. Blacksmiths who shoe horses are called farriers. Most farriers learn their craft by assisting experienced workers. Others take a 3- or 4week course in horseshoeing before gaining experience on their own or as a farrier’s assistant. These courses are taught in several colleges, as well as at private horseshoeing schools. At least 3 to 5 years of special training or experience are needed to learn to shoe racehorses. Farriers who wish to work at racetracks must pass a licensing examination. ) B lue-collar worker supervisors. Most workers who are promoted to blue-collar supervisor jobs are high school graduates who have risen through the ranks and learned their skills on the job. Supervisors sometimes are former union representatives who are familiar with grievance procedures and union contracts. To supple ment work experience, most employers have training programs to help develop supervisory skills. Although few supervisors are college graduates, a growing num ber of employers are hiring supervisor trainees who have college backgrounds. This practice is most prevalent in industries with highly technical production processes, such as the chemical, oil, and electronics in dustries. Boilerm aking occupations. This group includes layout workers, fitters, and boilermakers. Most layout workers and fitters are hired as helpers and learn the craft by working with experienced employees for at least 2 years. Many boilermakers also learn their trade on the job, although most training authorities recommend a 4year apprenticeship. For all three occupations, employers prefer high school or vocational school grad uates. B oiler tenders. Most learn their skills by working as helpers in boiler rooms. Some large cities and a few States require boiler tenders to be licensed. Applicants for a license must pass a written test. Electroplaters. Most learn their trade on the job as helpers to experienced workers, but some learn through 3- or 4-year apprenticeship programs. Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be high school graduates. A few ta*ke 1- or 2-year courses in electroplating at junior colleges, technical institutes, and vocational schools. Forge shop occupations. Most workers learn these trades on the job. Generally, they start as helpers or heaters on hammer or press crews. Workers advance to more skilled occupations as they gain experience and as openings occur. Some forge shops offer 4-year ap prenticeship programs for skilled jobs, such as die sinker and heat treater. High school graduation may be preferred for more skilled occupations. Inspectors (manufacturing). Inspectors generally learn their skills on the job. Depending on the skill required, training may last from a few hours to several months. Some employers hire applicants who do not have a high school diploma but who have related experience. M illwrights. Generally, these workers start as helpers and rotate from job to job for 6 to 8 years to acquire the necessary skills. Millwrights also are trained through 4year apprenticeship programs. M otion picture projectionists. Most motion picture theaters in urban areas are unionized and projectionists in these theaters must meet union membership require ments. Some union locals accept only persons who have experience running theater projectors. Other locals conduct training programs for inexperienced persons. In these programs, trainees work with a variety of pro jection equipm ent under the supervision of e x perienced projectionists and may take courses in basic electronics and mechanics. In a nonunion theater, a trainee may start as an usher or helper and learn the trade by working with an experienced projectionist. A high school diploma is preferred by employers and may be required by union locals. Experience acquired while serving in the Armed Forces is helpful. Local govern ments may require projectionists to be licensed. O phthalm ic laboratory technicians. Most learn their skills on the job, but ^some learn through 3- or 4-year apprenticeship programs. Some technicians receive training while in the Armed Forces. Others attend com munity colleges or vocational or technical schools where they receive certificates, diplomas, or associate degrees in programs varying from 9 months to 3 years. Employers prefer high school graduates; applicants for apprenticeships usually must be graduates. Some states require technicians to be licensed. Applicants for a license must pass an examination. Photographic laboratory occupations. Most photo graphic laboratory workers learn their skills through on-the-job training. Employers generally prefer high Office Occupations school graduates. Applicants who specialize *in a par ticular laboratory procedure are in training from a few weeks to several months. All-round technicians learn their trade in about 3 years. Clerical Occupations Bookkeeping workers. High school graduates who have taken business arithmetic, bookkeeping, and basic accounting meet the minimum requirements for most bookkeeping jobs. Some employers prefer applicants who have completed business courses at a junior col lege or business school and have had some work ex perience. General knowledge of how computers are used for bookkeeping transactions is very helpful, as is the ability to type and use various office machines. In a few States, a license is required to work on tax returns. Power truck operators. Newly hired operators usually are trained on the job. Most workers can learn how to operate a power truck in just a few days, but it may take several weeks to learn the physical layout and opera tion of a plant and the most efficient way o f handling the materials to be moved. Some power truck manufac turers conduct short training courses for operators employed by their customers. Production painters. New workers usually learn their skills on the job by helping experienced painters. Training may vary from a few days to several months. Cashiers. Many cashiers are trained on the job. In large firms, training often includes classroom instruction in the use o f electronic or computerized cash registers and other phases of the job. Cashier training also is availa ble in many public school vocational programs. Stationary engineers. Many start as helpers or oilers and acquire their skills informally during many years on the job. Technical or other training in vocational schools or home study can supplement this experience. A good background also can be obtained in the Navy or Merchant Marine. Most training authorities, however, recommend completion of a 4-year apprenticeship. Employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Many States and larger cities require stationary engineers to be licensed. Generally a stationary engineer may qualify for one of several classes of licenses—each specifying the steam pressure or horsepower of the equipment the engineer may operate. A high school diploma may be required for higher class licenses. Collection workers. Newly hired workers are trained on the job. A high school diploma generally is required. Training also is available through the educational branch o f the American Collectors’ Association. File clerks. Newly hired workers usually receive several weeks or months of on-the-job training. A high school diploma generally is required. Most employers seek applicants who can type and have som e knowledge of office practices which can be learned in high schools, vocational schools, private business schools, and community and junior colleges. In addi tion, many States and localities sponsor programs that provide training in basic clerical skills. Wastewater treatm ent plant operators (sewage plant operators). Trainees usually start as helpers and learn their skills on the job. Some States require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some larger cities and towns which are covered by civil service regulations require applicants to pass exam ina tions on elementary mathematics, mechanical aptitude, and general intelligence. In 42 States, operators who are supervisors or responsible for a plant’s operation must pass an examination certifying that they are capa ble of overseeing treatment operations. H otel fron t office clerks. High school graduation is the usual requirement for front office jobs. Newly hired workers generally are trained on the job as mail, infor mation, or key clerks. Some clerks may need additional training in data processing and office machine opera tion. Most hotels fill front office jobs by promotion from within, so that a key or mail clerk may be promoted to room clerk, then to assistant front office manager, and eventually to front office manager. Welders. Training varies for the several levels of skill within this occupation. Less skilled jobs can be learned on the job in a few months, but a skilled welder generally needs several years of training and ex perience. Many large companies train their own welders. Many employers prefer to hire applicants who have high school or vocational training in welding for entry to skilled jobs. A few companies have apprentice ship programs. An employer or government agency may require welders to pass a qualifying examination for work where the strength of the weld is highly criti cal. Office machine operators. These workers generally are trained on the job. Training can range from a few days for duplicating machine operators to several weeks of training at a manufacturer’s school for bookkeeping and billing machine operators. Employers prefer to hire high school or business school graduates. Postal clerks. Applicants must be at least 18 except for high school graduates, who must be at least 16. Ap plicants must pass an examination for clerical accuracy and the ability to read, do simple arithmetic, and 4 memorize mail sorting systems. Applicants also must pass a physical examination and may have to show that they can handle mail sacks weighing up to 70 pounds. These workers are trained primarily on the job. S ta tistica l clerks. A high school diplom a or its equivalent is required for most jobs. Newly hired workers are trained on the job. In some instances, in dividuals are hired as general office clerks before being promoted to statistical clerk. R eceptionists. This occupation is a good choice for many persons without prior work experience. Recep tionists are trained on the job. A high school diploma generally is required. Stock clerks. There are no specific educational re quirements for beginning stock clerks, although employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Newly hired workers learn their skills on the job. Basic duties usually are learned in a few weeks. Stock clerks who handle jewelry, liquor, or drugs must be bonded (which requires good character references). Secretaries and stenographers. High school graduation is the minimum requirem ent for practically all sec reta ria l and sten ograp h ic p o sitio n s. M any employers prefer to hire applicants who have had addi tional training at a public or private vocational school or in college. These courses range in length from several months’ instruction for shorthand and typing to 1 or 2 years for specialized skills, such as legal or m edi cal secretarial work. Employers generally test appli cants to see that they meet minimum standards of typ ing and stenographic speed. Persons seeking a job as a shorthand reporter should transcribe 225 words per minute. Typists. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates who can type at least 50-60 words per minute. Most typists learn their skills in high schools or take courses lasting several months at public or private vocational schools or at community or junior colleges. Computer and Related Occupations Computer operating personnel. High school gradua tion is the minimum requirement for computer operat ing jobs such as keypunch operator, auxiliary equip ment operator, and console operator. Many employers prefer console operators to have some community or junior college education. Beginners usually are trained on the job. Auxiliary equipment operators can learn their jobs in a few weeks, but console operators require several months of training before they are sufficiently familiar with the equipment to be able to trace the causes of breakdowns. Shipping and receiving clerks. High school graduates are preferred for beginning jobs. Newly hired workers are trained on the job. Banking Occupations Bank clerks. These workers are trained on the job and generally learn their skills in just a few days or weeks. A high school diploma definitely is preferred. Bank tellers. These workers learn their skills on the job. Training may last from a few days to 3 weeks or longer. Generally, banks prefer to hire high school graduates who have some experience in office work. Insurance Occupations Claim representatives. A growing number of insurance companies prefer to hire college graduates for positions as claim representatives (examiners and adjusters). College training is not always necessary, however. Per sons experienced in automobile repair work might be hired as auto adjusters, and those who have had cleri cal experience might get jobs as inside adjusters. About three-fourths of the States require adjusters to be licensed. State licensing requirements vary, but appli cants usually must complete an approved course in in surance or loss adjusting, and pass a written examina tion. They should be bonded which requires good 5 character references and should be at least* 20 years old. Service Occupations Cleaning and Related Occupations Building custodians. Most building custodians are trained on the job. Training in custodial skills is availa ble through government training programs and labor unions. H otel housekeepers and assistants. Employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Experience or training in hotel housekeeping also is helpful in getting a job. Several colleges, junior colleges, and technical in stitutes have programs in hotel administration that in clude courses in housekeeping. The Educational In stitute of the American Hotel and Motel Association offers courses for either classroom or home study. Pest controllers. Most begin as helpers to experienced pest controllers and can do routine pest control work after 2 or 3 months of on-the-job training. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates who are licensed to drive. Food Service Occupations Bartenders. Most bartenders learn their trade on the job. Experience as a bartender’s helper, dining room attendant, waiter, or waitress is good training. Some schools offer short courses in bartending. Generally, bartenders must be at least 21 years old; some employers prefer persons who are 25 or older. Some States require bartenders to have health certificates showing they are free from contagious diseases. In some instances, bartenders must be bonded. tificates showing that they are free of contagious dis eases. Food counter workers. Most counter workers learn their skills on the job. M anagers o f fast-food restaurants often hire high school students as part-time counter workers. State laws often require counter workers to obtain health certificates showing that they are free of contagious diseases. Cooks and chefs. Most cooks acquire their skills on the job as kitchen helpers, although cooks increasingly have high school or post-high school vocational training in food preparation. Cooks and chefs may also be trained as apprentices under trade union contracts, by professional associations, or as part of employee train ing program s co n d u c ted by large h o tels and restaurants. Employers usually prefer high school grad uates, and applicants for apprenticeships generally must be graduates. The Armed Forces also are a good source of training and experience in food service. Most States require cooks and chefs to have health certifi cates showing that they are free o f contagious diseases. M eatcutters. Although many learn their skills infor mally on the job, most meatcutters complete a 2-year apprenticeship program. A few attend private schools that specialize in meatcutting. At the end of the train ing, apprentices are given a meatcutting test that their employers observe. Employers prefer high school grad uates. Some States require meatcutters to have health certificates showing that they are free of contagious dis eases. Waiters and waitresses. Although most waiters and waitresses start as dining room attendants, carhops, or food counter workers, or learn their skills on the job, some attend training courses offered by public and pri vate vocational schools, restaurant associations, or large restaurant chains. Expensive restaurants that take pride in the quality o f their service often hire only e x Dining room attendants and dishwashers. These o c cupations can be learned on the job with very little for mal training. Many employers will hire applicants who do not speak English. State laws often require dining room attendants and dishwashers to obtain health cer 6 perienced waiters and waitresses. Knowledge of a foreign language is helpful in restaurants specializing in food of a foreign country. State laws often require waiters and waitresses to obtain health certificates showing that they are free of contagious diseases. Firefighters. In most communities, qualifying examina tions are open to high school graduates who are at least 18. Those who score the highest on these examinations have the best chances for appointment. Experience as a volunteer firefighter or in the Armed Forces may help chances for appointment, too. Beginners in large fire departments generally are trained for several weeks at the city’s fire school before assignment to local fire companies. Small communities either train firefighters on the job or hire experienced workers. A small num ber of fire departments have 3- to 4-year apprentice ship programs. Personal Service Occupations Barbers. All States require barbers to be licensed. To obtain a license, applicants must graduate from a Stateapproved barber school and be at least 16 years old (in some States 18). Educational requirements in States vary— some require graduation from high school, while others have no requirement at all. Many States require an examination for an apprentice license and a second examination, after 1 or 2 years of work, for a license as a registered barber. Many public and private schools and a few vocational schools offer a 9- to 12-month train ing course. Because some States do not recognize outof-State training, apprenticeship work, or licenses, per sons who wish to become barbers should review the laws of the State in which they wish to work before en tering barber school. Guards. Employers prefer high school graduates; ap plicants who have not completed high school may be tested for their ability to read, write, and follow written and oral instructions. Police experience gained in the Armed Forces or in State or local police departments is helpful. Most newly hired guards receive on-the-job training combined with formal instruction. Police officers. Most large cities and many smaller communities fill police jobs by competitive examina tion. Candidates usually must be at least 21 years old, high school graduates, in good health, and meet height, weight, hearing, and vision requirem ents. Police departments in some large cities generally require 1 or more years of college, and a growing number of police departments hire students in college-level law enforce ment programs as police interns. Police departments in some small cities consider applicants who have not finished high school but who have experience in law enforcement. Small communities often train police officers on the job; large cities have formal training ranging from a few weeks to several months at a police academy. Bellhops and bell captains. Bellhops are trained on the job. Although not required, a high school diploma im proves chances for promotion to bell captain or to front office clerk. Opportunities for advancement to bell cap tain are limited, however. Cosmetologists. All States require cosmetologists to be licensed. Most States require applicants for a license to be at least 16 years old and pass a physical examina tion. Educational requirements for licensure vary among States—some have no requirement, while others require graduation from high school. Successful com pletion of a State-approved cosmetology course is ap propriate preparation to take an examination. In some States, completion of a 1- or 2-year apprenticeship program can substitute for graduation from cos metology school, but few cosmetologists learn their skills this way. Both public and private vocational schools offer training in cosmetology. A daytime course usually takes 6 months to 1 year; an evening course takes longer. State police officers. State civil service regulations govern the appointment of State police officers; a com petitive examination generally is required. In most States, the examination is open to high school gradu ates, or to persons who have an equivalent combination of education and experience. State police officers must be at least 21, in good health, and must meet height, weight, hearing, and vision standards. Tests of strength and agility often are required. The character and back ground of candidates usually are investigated. In some States, high school graduates who are under 21 may enter State police work as cadets. They attend classes, are assigned nonenforcement duties, and, if they qualify, may be appointed officers at age 21. States re quire that recruits enter a formal training program of several months for classroom instruction. Protective and Related Service Occupations Correction officers. Most State and local governments prefer individuals who are high school graduates and are at least 21 years old. Many require applicants to pass a physical examination and meet standards of height, weight, vision, and hearing. Some State and local governments require applicants to qualify through a written examination that tests general intelligence. Although some correction officers attend training academies, most are trained on the job. Construction inspectors (government). These workers receive most o f their training on the job. Generally, ap 7 Education and Related Occupations plicants must have several years of experience as a con struction contractor, supervisor, or craft worker. Pre vious experience as an electrician, plumber, pipefitter, or carpenter is particularly helpful. A high school diploma is required by Federal, State and most local governments. Many employers prefer inspectors who have graduated from an apprenticeship program or have had college courses in architecture, engineering, mathematics, or construction technology. Teaching Occupations Teacher aides. Requirem ents vary w idely. Some schools hire high school graduates; some do not require a diploma. Others want aides to have some college training or a bachelor’s degree. Teacher aides may be trained on the job or through a formal training program. Schools may prefer individuals who have ex perience working with children. Some schools have regulations regarding the hiring of aides. For example, applicants may be required to have a family income below a certain level or to be parents of children in the school district. In addition, health regulations may re quire teacher aides to pass a physical examination. Other Service Occupations M ail carriers. Applicants must be at least 18 except for high school graduates, who must be at least 16. They also must pass an examination that tests clerical ac curacy and the ability to read, do simple arithmetic, and memorize mail sorting systems. If the job involves driving, an applicant must have a driver’s license and pass a road test. Applicants also must pass a physical examination and may be asked to show that they can handle mail sacks weighing up to 70 pounds. These workers are trained primarily on the job. Library Occupations Library technicians and assistants. These workers may receive training either on the job or in a formal postsec ondary training program. Some libraries require only graduation from high school for library clerks, who, after a few years of training on the job, may advance to technician positions. Other libraries hire only techni cians who have formal training. Telephone operators. After 1 to 3 weeks of on-the-job training, operators are assigned to regular jobs and receive further instruction from supervisors. PBX operators may have a somewhat shorter training period than telephone company operators. High school grad uation is generally required. Sales Occupations A utom obile parts counter workers. These workers learn on the job. Generally 2 years of work experience are needed before a person becomes thoroughly familiar with most types of parts and accessories. Employers usually prefer to hire high school graduates. A utom obile sales workers. Most beginners are trained on the job, although large dealers sometimes provide formal classroom training. Many employers require beginning sales workers to be at least 21 years old and high school graduates. A u to m o b ile service advisors. These workers are trained on the job. Trainees usually are selected from among personnel already employed in the organiza tion—for example, an experienced mechanic or parts counter worker. Generally, 1 or 2 years of training are needed before a new service advisor can handle all aspects of the job. Some advisors attend training programs conducted by automobile manufacturers. A high school diploma is preferred. Gasoline service station attendants. These workers are trained on the job. A high school diploma usually is not required and students often are hired for these jobs. Applicants for attendant jobs should have a driver’s license. 8 « employers prefer to hire college graduates for these jobs. Useful experience may be gained by working as a reservation clerk or receptionist in a travel agency or as an airline reservation or passenger agent. M odels. The most important asset for a model is a dis tinctive and attractive physical appearance. Size re quirements for certain assignments are rigid. There are no educational requirements for models; some have limited formal education, others have completed high school and modeling school, and others have had col lege training. Many sales jobs in department stores pro vide useful experience in selecting and coordinating fashions, experimenting with makeup and occasionally, modeling. Developing a portfolio is very important. The overwhelming majority of models work through modeling agencies. Wholesale trade sales workers. Employers generally require applicants to be high school graduates, although college training is increasingly important. The background a sales worker needs depends mainly upon the product line and the market. Selling certain prod ucts, such as pharmaceuticals, may require a back ground in chemistry, biology, or pharmacy, for exam ple. High school graduates may begin in a nonselling job and work their way up or may be hired as a sales trainee. Usually it takes 2 years or longer to prepare trainees for sales positions. College graduates enter the sales force directly out of school. Real estate agents and brokers. All States require real estate agents and brokers to be licensed. To obtain a license as an agent, an individual must be a high school graduate, be at least 18 years old, and pass a written test. Many large firms prefer to hire college graduates. However, most employers consider personality traits as important as academic training and seek applicants who have maturity, tact, and sales ability. Most States require candidates for the general sales license to have completed 30 hours of classroom instruction in the fun damentals and legal aspects of real estate transactions. High schools, vocational schools, and colleges and universities offer courses to prepare candidates for the real estate sales examination. Many real estate firms also offer these preparatory courses. Basic training re quirements for brokers are similar to those for agents. However, in addition to the requirements listed, most States require that candidates for the real estate broker’s license complete 90 hours of classroom in struction in real estate and have 1-3 years of experience selling real estate. Construction Occupations Bricklayers, stonemasons, and marblesetters. Most bricklayers learn their trade on the job, usually in 3 to 5 years. But some bricklayers and most stonemasons and marblesetters learn their skills through a 3-year ap prenticeship program. Employers usually prefer appli cants who have a high school diploma or its equivalent for apprenticeship programs. Carpenters. The recommended way to learn this trade is to complete a 4-year apprenticeship. Most workers learn on the job, however, often by beginning as a helper to experienced carpenters and gradually acquir ing skills. It takes much longer to become a skilled car penter in this way than it does through an apprentice ship. Some knowledge of the trade also may be ob tained through vocational school courses. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates. R etail trade sales workers. Most sales workers learn their skills on the job. In large stores, training programs usually begin with several days of classroom instruc tion, which are followed by on-the-job training. In small stores, an experienced worker or, in some cases, the proprietor trains new sales workers. Employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Thousands of high schools offer distributive education programs that allow students to work part time at local stores while taking courses in merchandising, accounting, and other aspects of retailing. Some of these programs are in tended for adults as well. Cement masons and terrazzo workers. Most learn their trade informally on the job in 2 to 3 years. Others com plete a 2- or 3-year apprenticeship. Employers prefer to hire high school graduates. Construction laborers. Most laborers are trained on the job as this work does not require specific skills. Generally, applicants must be at least 18 years old and in good physical condition. R oute drivers. Although some large companies have classes in sales techniques, most route drivers are trained on the job. Employers generally prefer high school graduates. Most States require route drivers to have a chauffeur’s license. D ryw all installers and finishers. These workers usually start as helpers and learn their skills on the job in 2 to 3 years. Some employers, in cooperation with unions, supplement on-the-job training with classroom instruc tion in subjects such as tool use and care. High school graduates are preferred. Travel agents. Although no specific educational back ground is required to become a travel agent, some 9 school graduates. A pplicants for apprenticeships generally must have a high school diploma. Glaziers (construction). Most glaziers learn their trade through 3-year apprenticeships. Others learn on the job and a few pick up the skills while working in another industry where glass is installed. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates. Insulation workers. Most insulation workers learn their trade on the job. Others learn through a 4-year “im prover ship”program that is similar to an apprenticeship. A few insulation workers pick up their skills while working in another trade or in a manufacturing plant where applying insulation is part of their job. Employers prefer high school graduates who are licensed to drive. Ironw orkers (structural, ornam ental, and reinforcing ironworkers; riggers; and m achine movers). Most learn their skills on the job; however, completion of a 3-year apprenticeship program is recommended. Employers generally prefer high school graduates. Lathers. Although many lathers acquire their skills in formally on the job, completion of an apprenticeship is recommended. Depending on the local union operating the program, apprenticeships last 2, 3, or 4 years. Employers generally prefer high school graduates, and a diploma is required for an apprenticeship. Electricians (construction). Completion of a 4-year ap prenticeship is the recommended way to learn the trade. Many electricians learn their skills on the job, however. Employers prefer high school or vocational school graduates who have 1 year of algebra. Appli cants for apprenticeships must be high school gradu ates. Many cities require electricians to be licensed; ap plicants must pass a written test and may have to demonstrate their skill. Operating engineers (construction m achinery opera tors). Completion of a 3-year apprenticeship program including related classroom instruction is recom mended. Some engineers who learn their skills on the job start as helpers or oilers and then progress from operating light equipment to highly complex construc tion machinery. A few individuals learn their skills while serving in the Armed Forces or through special heavy-equipment training{schools. Most employers prefer high school graduates; a diploma may be re quired for entry into apprenticeship programs. Elevator constructors. Almost all elevator constructors learn their trade on the job by working with ex perienced workers and through classroom instruction. A newly hired worker usually can become a fully qualified constructor within 4 years. A high school diploma is required. Some localities require elevator constructors to be licensed. To obtain a license, appli cants may have to pass a written test and sometimes may have to demonstrate their skills. Painters and paperhangers. Although completion o f a 3-year apprenticeship is recommended, apprenticeship opportunities are very limited. Informal on-the-job training is available through local contractors, however. Employers prefer to hire applicants who have a high school education. Floor covering installers. Most of these workers learn their skills on the job, usually beginning as helpers to experienced workers. Others qualify through 2- to 4year apprenticeship programs. Individuals also may learn the basic skills as part of an apprenticeship in car pentry, tilesetting, bricklaying, or stone and marblesetting. Employers prefer to hire high school or vocational Plasterers. A 3- to 4-year apprenticeship is the recom mended way to learn the trade. Many plasterers learn the trade on the job, however, by working as plasterers’ helpers or laborers. Employers generally prefer to hire high school graduates. 10 Plumbers and pipefitters. Although many learn their trade informally on the job, completion of a 4- to 5-year apprenticeship is recommended. Employers prefer high school graduates. Some localities require workers to be licensed; applicants must pass a written examination. pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administra tion (FAA). To obtain a license, applicants must be at least 18, have at least 250 hours of flight experience, and pass a strict physical examination. Applicants also must pass a written test and demonstrate their flying ability to FAA examiners. For bad weather, pilots also must be licensed to fly by instruments which requires 40 hours of experience using instruments, passing a written test, and demonstrating their ability to FAA ex aminers. New pilots, usually hired as flight engineers, already have fulfilled the added requirements. Airline captains must have a transport pilot’s license requiring even more flight experience. Flying can be learned in military or civilian flying schools, but the airlines and many businesses prefer pilots trained in the Armed Forces. Airline pilots must be high school graduates, however, most airlines require 2 years of college and prefer college graduates. Roofers. The majority o f roofers begin as helpers and learn their skills on the job. Completion of a 3-year ap prenticeship is recommended, however. Employers prefer high school graduates. Sheet-metal workers. Although many learn the trade informally on the job, completion o f a 4-year appren ticeship program is recommended. A high school diploma is preferred by employers and is required for entry to apprenticeship programs. Tilesetters. The best way to learn this trade is through a 3-year apprenticeship program. H ow ever, many workers acquire their skills on the job as helpers. When hiring apprentices or helpers, employers usually prefer high school or vocational school graduates. Flight attendants. Most large airlines train their own flight attendants; those that do not operate schools usually send their trainees to another airline’s school. Training programs generally last about 5 weeks. Appli cants must be high school graduates. Individuals who have 2 years or more of college or experience dealing with the public are preferred. Occupations in Transportation Activities Air Transportation Occupations A ir traffic controllers. Trainees are selected through the competitive Federal Civil Service System. Appli cants must be not more than 30 years old, pass a written test, and have either a college degree or 3 years of work experience that demonstrates their potential. Newly hired controllers receive 16 weeks of formal training as well as on-the-job training. Reservation and passenger agents. Most agents receive several weeks of classroom instruction and on-the-job training. A high school diploma generally is required, and some college training is preferred. Experience dealing with the public is desirable. Merchant Marine Occupations Merchant marine officers. Candidates must either ac quire at least 3 years o f appropriate sea experience or graduate from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, from one of six State merchant marine academies, or from a trade union training program. Candidates also must pass a Coast Guard examination to obtain a license. Usually, applicants who have sea experience but are not graduates o f academies must obtain train ing to pass the examination. A irplane mechanics. Most mechanics learn their job through 2-year programs offered by trade schools cer tified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). A few learn on the job. The majority of mechanics who work on civilian aircraft are licensed by the FAA as “airframe mechanics,” “powerplant mechanics,” or “aircraft inspectors.” Airframe mechanics work on the structural parts of the plane; powerplant mechanics work on the engine. Some mechanics and all aircraft inspectors must have both licenses. At least 18 months of work experience are required for an airframe or powerplant license; at least 30 months of experience working with both engines and airframes are required for a combined license. To obtain an inspector’s license, a mechanic must have held an airframe-andpowerplant license for at least 3 years. Applicants for all licenses must pass written and oral tests and demon strate their ability to do the work. Employers prefer high school graduates. Merchant marine sailors. Most sailors learn on the job, although previous sea experience in the Coast Guard or Navy is helpful. Applicants must obtain a doctor’s certificate stating that they are in excellent health, and, if they do not have previous sea experience, a letter from an employer stating that they will be hired if a job becomes available. In addition, they must acquire special identification papers, “merchant mariner’s documents,” from the Coast Guard. Several training programs help experienced sailors upgrade their skills, but only the school operated by the Seafarer’s Interna tional Union of North America trains inexperienced sailors. A irplane pilots. Pilots who are paid to transport passengers or cargo must have at least a commercial 11 Railroad Occupations least 21, pass a physical exam ination, and pass a writ ten test on m otor vehicle regulations. Most States re quire a chauffeur’s license. Bus com panies generally have even higher requirem ents. Most prefer applicants who are at least 25 years old; some prefer those who have truck or bus driving experience. A high school diplom a is preferred. Brake operators. On some railroads, operators receive a few days of training, but most learn their skills on the job. It usually takes a year to learn the job thoroughly. Employers prefer applicants who have a high school diplom a. A pplicants m ust have good eyesight and hearing. Conductors. C onductors are prom oted from the ranks of qualified brake operators by seniority. To qualify, a brake operator m ust pass a comprehensive exam ina tion. L ocal transit busdrivers. New drivers receive several weeks of classroom and driving instruction. Applicants m ust be at least 21, have a chauffeur’s license, and have good eyesight—with or without glasses. Most em ployers require applicants to pass a physical ex am ination and a written test. A high school diplom a is preferred by many employers. L o co m o tive engineers. Openings in engineer jobs usually are filled by training and promoting engineer helpers according to their seniority. Applicants for helper jobs must be at least 21 years old and have good eyesight, hearing, and color vision. High school g rad u ates are preferred. H elpers are placed in engineer training program s within a year after they are hired. They qualify for prom otion to engineer by proving their ability to operate locomotives and by passing a com prehensive exam ination. L ocal truckdrivers. New drivers usually are trained on the job. M any drivers begin by working as freight h an dlers on a loading dock. In most States, applicants must have a chauffeur’s license. The am ount o f driving ex perience required often depends on the size of truck to be driven and value of the cargo. L ong-distance truckdrivers. M inim um qualifications set by the U.S. D epartm ent of Transportation require drivers to be at least 21, pass a physical exam ination, and pass a written test on m otor carrier safety reg u la tions. Most States require drivers to have a chauffeur’s license. Em ployers m ay have even higher standards. M any specify height and weight requirem ents for driv ers and some hire only applicants who have several years’ experience driving trucks. Most truckdrivers start as freight handlers on a loading dock, advance to local truckdriver, and then to long-distance driver. Shop trades. Com pleting a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship program is the most com m on way to enter shop trades, although some helpers and laborers are upgraded to these jobs. A high school diplom a is preferred. Signal departm ent workers. These workers begin as helpers and are trained on the job. After 60 to 90 days of training, they may advance to assistants; after 2 years’ additional training and experience, they may be prom oted to signal installers or m aintainers. R ailroads prefer high school or vocational school graduates. Parking attendants. These w orkers are trained on the job from a few hours to a week. A pplicants m ust have a driver’s license and be able to drive all types of cars. Com pletion of a driver’s education course is an asset. G enerally, em ployers prefer high school graduates. Station agents. These w orkers rise from the ranks of other railroad occupations. Experienced telegraphers, telephoners, tower operators, and clerks may become agents in sm all stations and may be promoted to larger stations as they gain seniority. Taxicab drivers. In most cities, taxi drivers m ust have a chauffeur’s license and pass a written test on taxicab and traffic regulations to obtain a special license from the local police or safety departm ent, or Public Utilities Commission. Some com panies teach drivers taxicab regulations and the location of streets. A large num ber of com panies hire only applicants who are at least 21 and some require drivers to be 25 or older. Telegraphers, telephoners, and tower operators. C leri cal w o rk ers u su ally fill these jobs according to seniority. Upon prom otion, workers receive on-the-job training. Before the prom otion is final, workers m ust pass exam inations and show that they can use all the equipm ent. A high school diplom a generally is p re ferred and m ay be req u ired by some railroads. Scientific and Technical Occupations Driving Occupations Intercity busdrivers. M ost com panies conduct 2- to 8week training program s for new employees. M inimum qualifications established by the U.S. D epartm ent of Transportation require intercity busdrivers to be at Conservation Occupations Forestry technicians. Most persons qualify for begin ning jobs by com pleting a specialized 1- or 2-year 12 4 postsecondary program , or by working on firefighting crews, in tree nurseries, or in other forest work. Other Scientific and Technical Occupations Broadcast technicians. Persons who have earned the first-class radiotelephone operator license from the F ederal Com munications Commission have the best chances of getting a job in this very competitive field. To obtain the first-class license, applicants must pass a series of written tests covering subjects such as the con struction and operation o f transmission and receiving equipm ent. Courses in m athem atics, science, and electronics, and special courses that are designed to prepare students for the FC C ’s license test are good preparation. Most persons begin their careers in small stations; larger stations often seek experienced person nel. Drafters. Specialized training in technical institutes, ju n io r and com m unity colleges, extension divisions of universities, and vocational and technical high schools generally provides the best preparation for beginning drafters. The necessary skills also may be acquired by com bining on-the-job training program s with part-tim e schooling, th ro u gh 3- o r 4 -y e ar ap p ren ticesh ip program s, or in the A rm ed Forces. A high school diplom a usually is required. panies. Because electrical wires usually are color coded, applicants must not be color blind. Engineering and science technicians. M any com bina tions of education and work experience qualify in dividuals for these occupations, but most employers prefer applicants who have had some specialized tech nical training. This specialized training consists of 1 to 4 years of full-time study at a technical institute, junior or com m unity college, extension division o f a college or university, or vocational-technical high school. T rain ing also can be acquired on the job, through part-tim e courses in postsecondary schools, or through corre spondence school courses. Experience in technical jobs in the Arm ed Forces also can be good preparation. A high school diplom a usually is required. Central office equipm ent installers. These workers learn their skills on the job. New em ployees attend classes the first few weeks to learn basic installation and then begin on-the-job training. It usually takes several years to become a skilled installer. A high school diplom a generally is preferred. Because electri cal wires are color coded, applicants must not be color blind. L ine installers and cable splicers. These workers usu ally are tra in e d on the jo b . C lassroom s are equipped with actual telephone apparatus, including poles and other fixtures to sim ulate working conditions. After several weeks, trainees generally are assigned to a crew for on-the-job training under a line supervisor. Some small independent telephone com panies, p a r ticularly in rural areas, rely on local vocational and technical schools for classroom training. State em ploy ment agencies provide classroom training for a few 4year apprenticeships. Training in installing telephone systems in the Arm ed Forces is helpful. Because wires are color coded, applicants m ust not be color blind. Mechanics and Repairers Telephone Craft Occupations Central office craft occupations. Though employees such as telephone operators or line installers generally fill trainee jobs, occasionally workers are hired from outside. New craft workers receive both classroom in struction and on-the-job training. Some vocational schools, particularly those in rural areas served by sm all independent telephone com panies, also offer training. A few people learn these crafts through ap prenticeship program s designed by State employm ent agencies in conjunction with local telephone com Telephone and P B X installers and repairers. These workers are trained on the job. Telephone com panies 13 provide several weeks of classroom instruction supple mented by on-the-job training. M any small independ ent telephone com panies, particularly in rural areas, rely on local vocational and technical schools to train workers. State em ploym ent agencies provide classroom training for a few 4-year apprenticeships. Because telephone wires are color coded, applicants must not be color blind. A high school diplom a is preferred. Other Mechanics and Repairers A ir -c o n d itio n in g , refrig era tio n , and heating m e chanics. Most w orkers start as helpers and learn their skills on the job in about 4 years. A few learn the trade through a 4-year apprenticeship program. In a d dition, m any high schools, vocational schools, and ju n io r colleges o ffer courses in air-co n d itio n in g , refrigeration, and other subjects that prepare students for entry jobs. M any em ployers prefer graduates of these program s because they require less on-the-job training. W hen hiring helpers, employers generally prefer high school graduates. A diplom a is required for entry into apprenticeship programs. A ppliance repairers. Form al training in appliance rep air is available in some vocational and technical schools and com m unity colleges. G raduates of these program s still need about 3 years of on-the-job ex perience to learn the trade. A high school diplom a usually is required. com panies that m anufacture pinsetters. It usually takes 1 to 2 years of experience to learn the job thoroughly. Em ployers prefer to hire high school graduates. A u to m o b ile body repairers. Although most repairers learn this skill inform ally through 3 to 4 years of onthe-job training, com pletion of a 3- or 4-year appren ticeship is recom m ended. High school graduation is considered an asset. Business m achine repairers. These workers usually are hired as trainees and taught their skills on the job. T rainees who work in a m anufacturer’s branch office or for a franchised d ea le r usually receive several weeks to several months of training at a school sponsored by the m anufacturer. Training offered by independent repair shops generally is less form al, with trainees com pleting a self-study course and receiving on-the-job training from an experienced repairer. Applicants m ust be high school graduates, and some em ployers require at least 1 year of technical training in basic electricity or electronics. Em ployers agree that electronics training received in the A rm ed Forces is excellent preparation. G ood eyesight, including color vision, and good h e a r ing are im portant. A u to m o b ile mechanics. Most autom obile mechanics learn their trad e through 3 to 4 years of on-the-job ex perience, but additional tim e may be needed to learn a difficult specialty such as autom atic transmission repair. Training authorities usually recom m end com pletion of a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship program . A utom obile m echanic training received in the Arm ed Forces is good preparation. A high school diplom a is preferred. Boat-engine mechanics. Most m echanics learn on the job. G enerally 2 to 3 years of experience are required to becom e skilled in repairing both outboard and in board motors. A high school diplom a is preferred by employers. E lectric sign repairers. Most are trained inform ally on the job. Some learn their skills through 4-year app ren ticeship program s as a sign repairer or electrician. Em ployers prefer high school graduates. M any cities require repairers to be licensed; applicants must pass an exam ination on electrical theory and local electric codes. B o w lin g -p in -m a c h in e m echanics. T hese w orkers usually start as assistant m echanics or pinchasers and learn their skills on the job. Bowling alleys sometimes send their m echanics to training seminars conducted by 14 Farm equipm ent mechanics. Most begin as helpers and learn their skills on the job. Employers generally prefer high school graduates who have a farm background. Usually, at least 3 years of on-the-job experience are necessary to becom e fully skilled. Some m echanics com plete a 3- or 4-year apprenticeship program , while others learn through a vocational program. training lare needed to qualify as a piano or pipeorgan technician. A pplicants for jobs as electronic organ tech nicians usually need form al training in electronics which is available in technical schools, junior colleges, and the Arm ed Forces. A sm all num ber of technical schools and colleges offer courses in piano technology. Home study (correspondence school) courses in piano technology also are available. Employers prefer high school graduates. Furniture upholsterers. The most common way to learn this trade is to work as a helper in an upholstery shop for about 3 years. V ocational or high school courses in upholstery provide a good background, but experience still is necessary to refine one’s skills. Shoe repairers. These w orkers generally start as helpers and are trained on the job in shoe repair shops. It takes up to 2 years to learn all aspects of the job. Some repairers learn the trad e in vocational school but a d d i tional training under an experienced shoe rep airer generally is helpful. Industrial m achinery repairers. Most begin as helpers and rotate from job to job for several years. Others le a rn th e ir tra d e th ro u g h 4 -y e ar a p p ren ticesh ip program s. A high school diplom a is preferred. Television and radio service technicians. Em ployers usually hire persons who have had form al training in electronics while in high school, vocational school, or junior college. A rm ed Forces electronics training is useful, although em ployers may require additional training in television electronics. Up to 4 years of onthe-job training are necessary to become skilled in most types of repair work. A high school diplom a generally is required. Some States have licensing requirem ents. Jewelers. These workers generally learn the jew elry trad e on the job or in technical schools. In precious jewelry factories, 3- to 4-year apprenticeships are a v a ila b le fo r m an y s k ille d o c c u p a tio n s . Som e m a n u fa c tu re rs sponsor train in g courses for th e ir em ployees at local vocational schools. V ocational school courses in jew elry m aking and jew elry repair are a good source of training for someone outside the in dustry. Em ployers prefer high school graduates. Truck mechanics and bus mechanics. Most learn their skills on the job in 3 to 4 years, but completion o f a 4year apprenticeship program is recom m ended. A high school diplom a is preferred by em ployers and strongly recom m ended for applicants for apprenticeships. For some jobs that require drivers, m echanics m ust have a chauffeur’s license. Locksm iths. O n-the-job training lasting up to 4 years is the recom m ended way to learn this trade. A dditional training is necessary to service electronic security systems. Com pletion of a 1- or 2-year vocational or cor respondence school course is an advantage. W hen hir ing trainees, em ployers prefer high school graduates. Some cities require locksmiths to be licensed. Vending machine mechanics. Most m echanics learn their trade while working as general shop helpers or vending machine route drivers. U p to 3 years of on-thejob training are required to becom e a skilled m echanic. Some m echanics train through 3-year apprenticeships. A high school diplom a is preferred by employers. A commercial driver’s license and a good driving record are necessary. M aintenance electricians. Most acquire their skills on the job or through 4-year apprenticeship program s. It m ay take more than 4 years to learn the trad e infor mally. A high school diplom a usually is required. M any cities and counties require electricians to be licensed; an applicant m ust pass a written exam ination and may have to dem onstrate skills. Watch repairers. Most learn their trade through 1- to 3year courses offered by watch repair schools. Others learn on the job in about 3 years. A high school diploma is preferred. A few States require w atch repairers to be licensed; applicants must pass a written test and a bench exam ination. M otorcycle mechanics. Most motorcycle m echanics learn their trade on the job. G enerally, 2 to 3 years of on-the-job training are necessary to become skilled in all aspects of m otorcycle repair. Although a high school diplom a is often preferred, m any em ployers will hire trainees who have m echanical aptitude or who exhibit a genuine interest in m otorcycles and in learning the work. Health Occupations Dental Occupations D ental assistants: Most learn their skills on the job, but an increasing num ber are trained through 1- or 2-year Piano and organ tuners and repairers. Most learn their trad e on the job. G enerally, 4 to 5 years of on-the-job 15 train most E E G technologists and technicians on the job, training authorities recom m end completion of a form al 1- to 2-year training program at a college, junior college, m edical school, hospital, or vocational or tech nical school. High school graduation is required for this work. Em ergency m edical technicians (E M T ’s). Applicants m ust complete the 81-hour program designed by the U.S. D epartm ent of Transportation or its equivalent offered in all States by police, fire, and health d ep a rt ments; in hospitals; and in m edical schools, colleges, and universities. A high school diplom a and a valid driver’s license are required to enter such a program . “ M edic” training in the A rm ed Forces also is good preparation. M ed ica l la b o ra to ry w orkers. M ed ical la b o ra to ry assistants usually are trained on the job. In recent years, however, an increasing num ber have com pleted 1-year training program s at a hospital, junior college, or vocational school. M any o f these schools also offer 2-year training program s for technicians. Som e workers are trained in the Arm ed Forces. Most technologists have com pleted 4 years of college, including 12 months in m edical technology. M edical record technicians and clerks. High school graduates who have basic secretarial skills can enter the m edical record field as clerks. About 1 month of on-the-job training is needed to learn routine tasks. T he Am erican M edical R ecord Association (A M R A ) offers a correspondence course in m edical transcrip tion; the certificate aw arded upon successful com ple tion of the course is helpful in applying for a job as a clerk. Most em ployers prefer to fill technician positions with graduates of 2-year associate degree program s in m edical record technology. program s offered in ju n io r and community colleges and in vocational and technical schools. A high school diplom a is required. T raining also is available in the A rm ed Forces. Individuals who have had formal train ing generally have an advantage when seeking a job. D ental laboratory technicians. Many technicians learn their skills on the job, usually in 3 to 4 years. High school graduates are preferred. Persons who receive d ental laboratory training in the Arm ed Forces usually qualify for civilian jobs as technicians. After com plet ing a 2-year training program in a junior college, col lege, or vocational or technical school, the trainee may need about 3 years of experience to become fully qualified. Some technicians complete apprenticeship programs. Operating room technicians. Most operating room technicians are trained in vocational and technical schools, hospitals, and com m unity and junior colleges. G enerally these program s last from 9 months to 1 year, but some junior college program s last 2 years and lead to an associate degree. Some technicians are trained on the job. Depending on the individual’s qualifications and the extent and difficulty o f the work assigned, training ranges from 6 weeks to 1 year. Applicants who have worked as nursing aides or practical nurses may be preferred. Some operating room technicians are trained in the A rm ed Forces. A high school diplom a generally is required. Medical Technologist, Technician, and Assistant Occupations Electrocardiograph (E K G ) technicians. G enerally, EK G technicians are train ed on the job for 1 month to 1 year by an E K G supervisor or a cardiologist. V oca tional schools and ju n io r and community colleges offer formal 1- to 2-year training program s. Training also is available in the A rm ed Forces. Generally, a high school diplom a is required. Opto m etric assistants. Most optom etric assistants are trained on the job, but training also can be acquired through 1- or 2-year courses in ju n io r colleges. A high school diplom a or its equivalent is preferred. E le c tro e n cep h a lo g ra p h ic (E E G ) tech n o lo g ists and technicians. A lthough experienced E E G personnel 16 R espiratory therapy workers. T here are three levels of workers—therapists, technicians, and assistants. For m al training beyond high school which is required for therapists and technicians may be obtained in colleges an d u n iv ersities, ju n io r colleges, an d hospitals. G enerally, training program s for technicians last 12 m onths while program s for therapists last 18 to 24 months or longer. Assistants are trained on the job. Some em ployers prefer applicants who have a high school diplom a. Social Service Occupations H om em aker-hom e health aides. H om em aker-hom e health aides must be able to read and write but high school graduation generally is not required. Some employers hire only experienced nursing aides; others require at least a y ear’s experience as a nursing aide in a hospital or nursing hom e. Social service aides. Social service aides are trained on the job. An aid e’s education usually determ ines the level of responsibility. For exam ple, persons who have a grade school education may become clerks while those who have a college degree may assume some d u tie s n o rm a lly p e rfo rm e d by s o c ia l w o rk e rs . Employers also consider an applicant’s desire to help people and his or her ability to com m unicate with com m unity agencies and clients. An individual’s potential for advancem ent and need for work also may be con sidered. Nursing Occupations Licensed practical nurses. All States require applicants for licenses as practical nurses to com plete a S tateapproved course in practical nursing and to pass an ex am ination. E ducational requirem ents for enrollm ent in these courses vary by State and range from completion o f eighth or ninth grade to high school graduation. G enerally, junior colleges, local hospitals, health agen cies, and vocational schools offer the 1-year course. N ursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. Although some em ployers prefer high school graduates, a diplom a is not required. Training usually is acquired on the job, often in com bination with classroom instruc tion. Performing Arts, Design, and Communications Occupations Performing Artists A ctors and actresses. Form al training in acting is in creasingly necessary to enter the field. Training can be obtained at dram atic arts schools, located chiefly in New York, and in hundreds of colleges and universities throughout the country. Experience is im portant; p a r ticipating in school or com m unity productions is ex cellent preparation. Therapy and Rehabilitation Occupations Occupational therapy assistants and aides. Most oc cupational therapy assistants graduate from 1- or 2year junior college program s or com plete a program in the A rm ed Forces. Some learn their skills in vocational an d te c h n ic a l program s. A pplicants for train in g program s m ust have a high school diplom a or its equivalent. Hospitals and other health care facilities train occupational therapy aides on the job. Dancers. Serious training at a dance school or through private lessons should begin at age 12, especially for b allet dan cers. T ra in in g an d p ra ctice co n tin u e throughout a d an cer’s career. M any colleges and universities offer dance instruction. P hysical th era p ist assistants and aides. P hysical therapist assistants must graduate from an approved 2year associate degree program and pass a written ex am ination. Physical therapist aides train on the job and generally m ust be high school graduates or the equivalent. Musicians. Studying an instrum ent, either through school or private lessons, should begin at an early age. More advanced training can be acquired through further study under an accom plished m usician, in a college or university which has a strong music program , or in a music conservatory. Other Health Occupations Singers. As a rule, intensive voice training should not begin until after the individual has m atured physically. Voice training can be obtained through private lessons or in a music conservatory or departm ent of music in a college or university. A background in music theory and history is helpful for persons interested in singing professionally, although form al voice training is not es sential for a successful career in popular music. D ispensing opticians. Most learn their skills on the job. Em ployers prefer high school graduates, and g ra d u a tion is required for form al training program s. Some dis pensing opticians learn their skills through 2- to 4 -year apprenticeship programs. In 1978, dispensing opticians in 20 States had to pass an exam ination to obtain the req u ired license. 17 Design Occupations reprints follows. A flyer that cross-references all Oc cupational O utlook H andbook occupations and indus tries to the reprints in which they appear may be o b tained by using the reprint order form on the back page of this leaflet. Display workers. Most display workers learn their trad e on the job in 1 or 2 years. A high school diploma usually is required, and some employers prefer appli cants who have studied interior decorating, fashion design, or art. M any high schools, vocational schools, and ju n io r colleges offer these courses. Occupational Outlook Reprints, 1980-81 Edition Floral designers. Although there are no minimum educational requirem ents, most employers prefer high school graduates. Training usually takes place on the job. However, an increasing num ber of these workers attend adult education program s, junior colleges, or com m ercial floral design schools. Bulletin No. 2075-1 2075-2 2075-3 2075-4 2075-5 2075-6 Ordering Occupational Outlook Handbook Reprints T here are 42 reprints from the Occupational O ut lo o k H andbook, 1980-81 Edition, available for order. Each reprint contains a group of related occupational an d in d u stria l statem en ts. For exam ple, re p rin t 2 0 7 5 -3 5 , C o m m u n icatio n s O ccupations, includes statem ents on broadcast technicians, new spaper report ers, photographers, public relations workers, radio and television announcers, the radio and television broad casting industry, and technical writers. A list of all 2075-7 2075-8 2075-9 2075-10 2075-11 2075-12 2075-13 2075-14 2075-15 2075-16 2075-17 2075-18 2075-19 2075-20 2075-21 2075-22 2075-23 2075-24 2075-25 2075-26 2075-27 2075-28 2075-29 18 Title Tom orrow ’s Jobs M etalworking O ccupations Printing and Publishing Occupations Factory Production Occupations C lerical O ccupations Office M achine and C om puter O c cupations Banking and Insurance O ccupations Business O ccupations Service Occupations Food M erchandising O ccupations Protective and R elated Service O c cupations Education and R elated O ccupations Sales O ccupations Construction O ccupations — Struc tural Construction O ccupations — Finish ing Air and W ater Transportation O c cupations R ailroad O ccupations Driving O ccupations Environm ental Scientists and C on servation O ccupations Engineering and R elated O ccupa tions Physical and Life Scientists M athem atics and R elated O ccupa tions Public Utilities O ccupations M o to r V e h ic le a n d M a c h in e ry R epairers M achine R epairers and O perators Small Business O ccupations H ealth Practitioners H ealth O ccupations D e n ta l a u x i l i a r i e s , n u r s i n g , therapy and rehabilitation, health services adm inistration H ealth O ccupations M edical technologists, technicians, an d assistan ts, d isp en sin g o p ti cians, ophthalm ic laboratory tech nicians, m edical record personnel A 2075-30 2075-31 2075-32 2075-33 2075-34 2075-35 2075-36 2075-37 2075-38 2075-39 2075-40 2075-41 2075-42 Bookbinders and bindery w orkers................................ 3 Bookkeeping w orkers........................................................ 5 Bowling-pin-machine m ech a n ics................................ 25 Brake o p e ra to rs .............................................................. 17 Bricklayers, stonemasons, and m arblesetters................................................................. 14 Broadcast tech n ician s......................................... 20 or 35 Building c u sto d ia n s.......................................................... 9 Business machine r e p a ir e r s ................................ 6 or 25 C arp en ters......................................................................... 14 C a sh ie rs............................................................................. 10 Cement masons and terrazzo w o rk e rs ..................... 14 Central office craft occupations.................................. 23 Central office equipm ent in stalle rs............................ 23 Claim representatives........................................................ 7 Collection w o rk e rs ............................................................ 8 Com positors......................................................................... 3 Computer operating p erso n n el...................................... 6 C onductors....................... ................................................. 17 Construction in sp ecto rs................. ................................ 11 Construction labo rers...................................................... 14 Cooks and c h e fs .............................................................. 10 C orem akers.............................................................. 2 or 39 Correction o ffic e rs.......................................................... 11 Cosmetologists...... ............................................................ 26 D a n c e rs ............................................................................. 33 D ental assistants.............................................................. 28 D ental laboratory te c h n ic ia n s .................................... 28 Dining room attendants and d ish w a sh e rs................................................................. 10 Dispensing o p tic ia n s ...................................................... 29 Display w o rk e rs .............................................................. 34 D ra fte rs ............................................... ............................. 20 Drywall installers and fin ish e rs.................................. 15 EEG technologists and te c h n ic ia n s................................................................... 29 EKG technicians.............................................................. 29 Electric sign re p a ire r s .................................................... 25 Electricians (c o n stru c tio n )........................................... 15 E le c tro p la te rs..................................................................... 4 Electrotypers and stere o ty p e rs....................................... 3 Elevator constructors...................................................... 14 Emergency m edical technicians.................................. 29 Engineering and science technicians.......................... 20 Farm equipm ent m e c h a n ic s......................................... 24 File c l e r k s ........................................................................... 5 Firefighters......................................................................... 11 R ight atten d an ts.............................................................. 16 Floor covering in s ta lle rs ............................................... 15 Floral d e s ig n e rs .............................. ............................... 34 Food counter w o rk e rs .................................................... 10 Forestry technicians............................................. 19 or 36 Forge shop occupations............... .................................... 2 Furniture upholsterers.................................................... 26 Gasoline service station attendants. .*>................................................................. 24 Lawyers, City M anagers, and Social Science Occupations C ounseling and R elated O ccupations Social Service Occupations Perform ing Arts and Entertainm entR elated Occupations Design Occupations Com m unications Occupations A griculture and Logging and L u m ber Mill Products Industries Energy-Producing Industries P e tro le u m R e fin in g , I n d u s tr ia l Chem ical, D rug, and Paper and Allied Products Industries A lu m in u m , Iro n an d S teel, an d F oundry Industries A ircraft, Missile, and Spacecraft, Office M achine and C om puter, Electronics, and M otor V ehicle and Equipm ent M anufacturing In dustries A pparel, Baking, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, and Textile Mill Prod ucts Industries G overnm ent Occupations T he following is an alphabetical listing of the o ccupa tions included in this leaflet. O ccupations are crossreferenced to the H an d b o o k reprint in which they a p pear. Actors and actresses............................ ........................... 33 A ir traffic co n tro llers..................................................... 16 A ir-conditioning, refrigeration, and heating m e c h a n ic s ..................................................... 15 A irplane m ech a n ics........................................................ 16 Airplane p i l o t s ................................................................ 16 A ppliance re p a ire r s ........................................................ 25 A ssem blers...........................................................................4 Autom obile body re p a ire rs........................................... 24 A utom obile m e c h a n ic s ................................................. 24 Autom obile p a in te r s ........................................................24 Autom obile parts counter w o rk e rs ............................ 24 Autom obile sales w o rk ers............................................. 13 Autom obile service advisors........................................ 24 Bank clerks . ....................................................................... 7 Bank te lle r s ......................................................................... 7 B arb e rs............................................................................... 26 B arten d e rs......................................................................... 10 Bellhops and bell c a p ta in s ............................................. 9 B lacksm ith s......................................................................... 2 B lue-collar w orker supervisors...................................... 4 Boat-engine m e c h a n ic s................................................. 24 Boilerm aking occupations............................................... 4 Boiler te n d e r s ..................................................................... 4 19 G la z ie rs ................................................................ ______ 15 G u a r d s ............................................................................... 11 H om em aker-hom e health a id e s.................................. 32 Hotel front office clerks................................................... 9 Hotel housekeepers and assistants................................ 9 Industrial m achinery re p a ire rs...................................... 4 Inspectors (m an u factu rin g )............................................ 4 Instrum ent m akers (m ech an ical).................................. 2 Insulation w o rk e rs ......................................................... 15 Intercity b u s d riv e r s ....................................................... 18 Iron w o rk ers...................................................................... 14 Je w e le rs............................................................................. 26 L a th e rs ............................................................................... 15 Library technicians and assistants............................. 12 Licensed practical n u r s e s ............................................ 28 Line installers and cable s p lic e rs ........................................................................... 23 L ith o g ra p h e rs .................................................................... 3 Local transit busdrivers................................................. 18 Local tru c k d riv e rs ......................................................... 18 Locksm iths........................................................................ 26 Locomotive e n g in e e rs ................................................... 17 Long-distance tru ck d riv e rs.......................................... 18 M achine tool o p e ra to rs ................................................... 2 Machinists, all-a ro u n d ..................................................... 2 M ail c a r r ie r s ...................................................................... 5 M aintenance electricians.................................................4 M e a tc u tte rs...................................................................... 10 M edical laboratory w o rk e rs........................................ 29 M edical record technicians and c l e r k s .................................................................... 29 M erchant m arine o ffic e rs ............................................ 16 M erchant m arine s a ilo rs .............................................. 16 M illw rights.......................................................................... 4 M o d e ls ............................................................................... 33 M o ld e rs .................................................................... 2 or 39 Motion picture p ro jectio n ists...................................... 25 Motorcycle m ech an ics................................................... 24 M usicians............................ .............................................. 33 Nursing aides, orderlies, and atten dants...................................................................... 28 O ccupational therapy assistants and a id e s ...................................................................... 28 Office m achine o p e ra to rs ...................................... 5 or 6 O perating en g in ee rs....................................................... 14 Operating room te c h n ic ia n s........................................ 29 Ophthalm ic laboratory tech n ic ia n s........................... 29 O ptom etric assistan ts..................................................... 29 Painters and p a p e rh a n g e rs .......................................... 15 Parking a tte n d a n ts ......................................................... 18 P atternm akers.......................................................... 2 or 39 Pest c o n tro lle rs.................................. ............................... 9 P h o to e n g rav e rs.................................................................. 3 Photographic laboratory o cc u p atio n s......................... 3 Physical therapist assistants and a id e s ....................................................................... 28 Piano and organ tuners and re p a ire rs ................................................................ 26 P la ste re rs........................................................................... 15 Plum bers and p ip efitters............................................... 14 Police o ffic e rs.................................................................. 11 Postal clerks......................................................................... 5 Power truck o p e ra to rs ......................................................4 Printing press operators and assistants................................................................... 3 Production p a in te r s .......................................................... 4 R eal estate agents and b r o k e r s .................................. 13 R ecep tio n ists................... ................................................... 5 Reservation and passenger agents.............................. 16 Respiratory therapy w o r k e r s ...................................... 29 R etail trad e sales w orkers............................................. 13 R o o fers............................................................................... 14 R oute d riv e r s ............................ ........................... 13 or 18 Secretaries and stenographers........................................... 5 Setup workers (m achine to o ls)....................................... 2 Sheet-m etal w o rk ers..........................................................15 Shipping and receiving c l e r k s ....................................... 5 Shoe re p a ire rs................................................................... 26 Shop t r a d e s ....................................................................... 17 Signal departm ent w o rk ers........................................... 17 S in g e rs ............................................................................... 33 Social service a i d e s ....................................................... 32 State police o ffic e rs........................................................ 11 Station a g e n ts .................................................................. 17 Stationary engineers..........................................................4 Statistical c le r k s ................................................................ 5 Stock c le r k s ......................................................................... 5 Taxicab d riv ers................................................................ 18 T eacher a id e s .................................................................. 12 Telegraphers, telephoners, and tower o p erato rs............................................................ 17 Telephone and PBX installers and re p a ire rs................................................................ 23 Telephone o p e r a to r s ...................................................... 23 Television and radio service technicians..................................................................... 26 Tilesetters........................................................................... 15 Tool-and-die m akers ..................................................... 2 T ravel agents..................................................................... 13 Truck m echanics and bus m echanics........................ 24 Typists................................................................................... 5 Vending machine m e c h a n ic s...................................... 25 W aiters and w a itre s s e s ................................................. 10 W astewater treatm ent plant operators........................................................................... 4 W atch repairers................................................................ 26 W elders.................................................................................. 2 W holesale trade sales w o rk ers.................................... 13 20 U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Washington, D.C. 20212 Postage and Fees Paid U.S. Department of Labor Third Class Mail Official Business Penalty for private use, $300 Lab-441