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for Which You Can Qualify If You’re Not a High School Graduate 4 } UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATI CINCINNATI. OHIO JUN 26 1980 U. S. DEPOSITORY No. 46! Jobs for Which You Can Qualify If You’re Not a High School Graduate Are you worried about your chances of finding a job because you don’t have a high school diploma? While graduation from high school has become almost stand ard in recent years, practical experience and personal qualities are more important for many jobs than formal education. And if you’re willing to get some additional training—through an apprenticeship program for ex ample—you can learn a skill that can provide relatively high earnings. This pamphlet contains a list of occupations— selected from the 1980-81 Occupational Outlook Handbook of the Bureau of Labor Statistics—for which a high school diploma is not required. It highlights the job qualifications for each. Included are occupations such as welder, mail carrier, retail trade sales worker, drywall in staller, and social service aide. You should recognize, however, that employers strongly prefer to hire graduates for some of the occupations in this pamphlet, and that a diploma may be required for advancement or entry into a training program. These summaries cannot provide all the information you need, however. Information has been omitted on special talents, aptitudes, or interests a job may require. So too are details on the content of training programs. For more information about an occupation, look in the Occupational Outlook H andbook. It describes the nature of the work, working conditions, places of em ploym ent, job qualifications and advancem ent prospects, employment outlook, and earnings for hundreds of occupations. It also lists related occupa tions and other helpful sources of career information. The H andbook 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 o f Labor Statistics. A list o f offices and their addresses appears at the back o f this pam phlet. 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 of 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 ou’re a High School Graduate; Jobs fo r Which You Probably Will Need Some College or Specialized Training; and Jobs fo r Which You Proba bly Will Need a College Education. Industrial Production and Related Occupations Foundry Occupations 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 Machine to o l 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. Other Industrial Production and Related Occupations Assemblers. Training varies according to the level of skill required. Most inexperienced persons can be 1 trained on the job in a few days or weeks, but, for some types of com plicated assembly work, training lasts m uch longer. job, although most training authorities recom m end a 4y ea r a p p ren ticesh ip . For all th re e o cc u p atio n s, em ployers prefer high school or vocational school g ra d uates. Automobile painters. Most of these workers acquire their skills by working for 3 to 4 years with experienced painters. A small num ber learn through a 3-year a p prenticeship. Blacksmiths. M any blacksm iths are trained by working as helpers in blacksm ith shops or industrial firms that employ blacksm iths. Some enter through 3- or 4-year apprenticeship program s. 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 horse shoeing schools. At least 3 to 5 years of special train ing or experience are needed to learn to shoe racehorses. F arriers who wish to work at racetracks must pass a licensing exam ination. Boilermaking occupations. This group includes layout workers, fitters, and boilerm akers. Most layout w orkers and fitters are hired as helpers and learn the craft by working with experienced em ployees for at least 2 years. M any boilerm akers also learn their trad e on the Boiler 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. A pplicants for a license m ust 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 program s. Applicants for apprenticeships usually must be high school graduates. A few take 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. G enerally, they start as helpers or heaters on ham m er or press crews. W orkers advance to more skilled occupations as they gain experience and as openings occur. Some forge shops offer 4-year ap prenticeship program s for skilled jobs, such as die sinker and heat treater. High school graduation m ay be preferred for more skilled occupations. Inspectors (manufacturing). Inspectors generally learn their skills on the job. D epending on the skill required, training m ay last from a few hours to several months. Some em ployers hire applicants who do not have a high school diplom a but who have related experience. Millwrights. G enerally, these workers start as helpers and rotate from job to job for 6 to 8 years to acquire the necessary skills. M illwrights also are trained through 4year apprenticeship program s. Motion picture projectionists. Most motion picture theaters in urban areas are unionized and projectionists in these theaters m ust m eet union m em bership re q u ire ments. Some union locals accept only persons who have experience running theater projectors. O ther locals conduct training program s for inexperienced persons. In these program s, trainees work with a variety o f p ro je c tio n e q u ip m e n t u n d e r the su p erv isio n o f e x perienced projectionists and may take courses in basic electronics and m echanics. In a nonunion theater, a trainee may start as an usher or helper and learn the trad e by working with an experienced projectionist. A high school diplom a is preferred by em ployers and may be required by union locals. Experience acquired while serving in the A rm ed Forces is helpful. Local govern m ents m ay require projectionists to be licensed. Photographic laboratory occupations. Most photo graphic laboratory w orkers learn their skills through 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. on-the-job training. Employers generally prefer high 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. 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 of handling the materials to be moved. Some power truck manufac turers conduct short training courses for operators employed by their customers. Postal clerks. Applicants must be at least 18 except for high school graduates, who must be at least 16. Appli cants must pass an examination for clerical accuracy and the ability to read, do simple arithmetic, and 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. 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. Shipping and receiving clerks. High school graduates are preferred for beginning jobs. Newly hired workers are trained on the job. 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. Mqst 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. Stock clerks. There are no specific educational re quirem ents 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). Banking Occupations 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. 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. Service Occupations Cleaning and Related Occupations Building custodians. Most building custodians are trained on the job. Training in custodial skills is avail able 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. Office Occupations Clerical Occupations 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 avail able in many public school vocational programs. Pest controllers. Most begin as helpers to experienced pest controllers and can do routine pest control work 3 Dining room attendants and dishwashers. These oc cupations can be learned on the job with very little for m al training. M any em ployers will hire applicants who do not speak English. State laws often require dining room attendants and dishwashers to obtain health c e r tificates showing that they are free of contagious dis eases. Food counter workers. Most counter workers learn th e ir skills on th e jo b . M an a g ers o f fast-fo o d restaurants often hire high school students as part-tim e counter workers. State laws often require counter workers to obtain health certificates showing that they are free of contagious diseases. Meatcutters. Although m any learn their skills infor m ally on the job, most m eatcutters com plete a 2-year apprenticeship program . A few attend private schools that specialize in m eatcutting. At the end of the tra in ing, apprentices are given a m eatcutting test that their em ployers observe. Em ployers prefer high school g ra d uates. Some States require m eatcutters to have health certificates showing that they are free o f contagious dis eases. Waiters and waitresses. Although most waiters and waitresses start as dining room attendants, car hops, or food counter workers, or learn their skills on the job, some attend training courses offered by public and p ri vate vocational schools, restaurant associations, or large restaurant chains. Expensive restaurants that take pride in the quality o f their service often hire only ex perienced w aiters and waitresses. Knowledge of a foreign language is helpful in restaurants specializing in food of a foreign country. State laws often require w aiters and waitresses to obtain health certificates showing that they are free of contagious diseases. after 2 or 3 months of on-the-job training. Em ployers 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 b arte n d er’s helper, dining room attendant, w aiter, or waitress is good training. Some schools offer short courses in bartending. G enerally, bartenders m ust be at least 21 years old; some em ployers prefer persons who are 25 or older. Some States require bartenders to have health certificates showing that they are free from contagious diseases. In some instances, bartenders m ust be bonded. Personal Service Occupations Barbers. All States require barbers to be licensed. To obtain a license, applicants m ust graduate from a Stateapproved barber school and be at least 16 years old (in some States 18). E ducational requirem ents in States vary—some require graduation from high school, while others have no requirem ent at all. M any States require an exam ination for an apprentice license and a sec ond 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 training course. Because some States do not recognize out-of-State training, apprenticeship work, or licenses, persons who wish to becom e barbers should review the laws of the State in which they wish to work before e n tering barber school. 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 un d er trad e union contracts, by professional associations, or as part of em ployee tra in in g p ro g ra m s c o n d u c te d by la rg e h o te ls a n d restaurants. Em ployers usually prefer high school g ra d uates, and applicants for apprenticeships generally must be graduates. The A rm ed 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 of contagious diseases. Bellhops and bell captains. Bellhops are trained on the job. Although not required, a high school diplom a im 4 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 exam ina 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. Private Household Service Occupations Private household workers. Most jobs require no for mal education. Instead, the ability to cook, sew, wash and iron, clean house, and care for children is impor tant. Many of the necessary skills are learned in the home; more advanced skills can be learned in home economics courses in junior colleges, high schools, vocational schools, and through government and pri vate training programs. Protective and Related Service Occupations 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. 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. Sales Occupations G asoline 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. 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, experim enting with makeup and, o cca sionally, modeling. Developing a portfolio is very im portant. The overwhelming majority of models work through modeling agencies. Retail 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. 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. Construction Occupations Bricklayers, stonemasons, and m arblesetters. 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. 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. high school graduates; a diploma may be required for entry into apprenticeship programs. 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. Painters and paperhangers. Although completion of 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. 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, sup plement on-the-job training with classroom instruction in subjects such as tool use and care. High school grad uates are preferred. 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 school graduates. A pplicants for .apprenticeships generally must have a high school diploma. Insulation workers. Most insulation workers learn their trade on the job. Others learn through a 4-year “improvership” program that is similar to an apprentice ship. 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. Ironworkers (structural, ornamental, and reinforcing ironworkers; riggers; and machine m overs). Most learn their skills on the job; however, completion o f 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. Operating engineers (construction m achinery opera tors). Completion o f 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 com plex construc tion machinery. A few individuals learn their skills while serving in the Armed Forces or through special heavyequipment training schools. Most employers prefer 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. R oofers. 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. 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. Occupations in Transportation Activities Merchant Marine Occupations M erchant marine officers. Candidates must either ac quire -at least 3 years of appropriate sea experience or graduate from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, from one o f six State merchant marine academ ies, 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 of academies must obtain train ing to pass the examination. Merchant m arine 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. Railroad Occupations Shop trades. Completing 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 department workers. These w orkers begin as helpers and are trained on the job. A fter 60 to 90 days o f training, they may advance to assistants; after 2 y ears’ additional training and experience, they m ay be prom oted to signal installers or m aintainers. R ailroads prefer high school or vocational school graduates. Station agents. These w orkers rise from the ranks of o ther railroad occupations. Experienced telegraphers, telephoners, tower operators, and clerks may become agents in small stations and may be promoted to larger stations as they gain seniority. Telegraphers, telephoners, and tower operators. C leri c a l w o rk ers u su a lly fill these jo b s acco rd in g to seniority. Upon prom otion, workers receive on-the-job training. Before the prom otion is final, workers must pass exam inations and show that they can use all the equipm ent. A high school diplom a generally is p re ferred and may be required by some railroads. Track workers. Most w orkers are trained on the job for several months. The ability to perform heavy work is essential. Driving Occupations Intercity busdrivers. Most com panies conduct 2- to 8- Long-distance truckdrivers. M inim um qualifications week training program s for new em ployees. M inimum qualifications established by the U.S. D epartm ent of T ransportation require intercity busdrivers to be at least 21, pass a physical exam ination, and pass a writ ten test on motor vehicle regulations. Most States re quire a ch auffeur’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. 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 motor carrier safety reg u la tions. Most States require drivers to have a ch au ffeu r’s license. Employers may have even higher standards. M any specify height and weight requirem ents for d riv 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. Local transit busdrivers. New drivers receive several Parking attendants. These workers are trained on the job from a few hours to a week. Applicants 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. weeks o f classroom and driving instruction. Applicants m ust be at least 21, have a chauffeur’s license, and have good eyesight—with or w ithout 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 m any em ployers. 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 o f 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. Local truckdrivers. New drivers usually are trained on the job. M any drivers begin by working as freight h an d lers on a loading dock. In most States, applicants must have a chauffeur’s license. The am ount of driving ex perience required often depends on the size of truck to be driven and value of the cargo. 7 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 w orkers 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 employment agencies in conjunction with local telephone com panies. Because electrical wires usually are color coded, applicants m ust not be color blind. Central office equipment installers. These workers learn their skills on the job. New employees 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 m ust not be color blind. Line installers and cable splicers. These workers u su 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 simulate 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 companies, particularly in rural areas, rely on local vocational and technical schools for classroom training. State employment agencies pro vide classroom training for a few 4-year apprenticeships. Training in installing telephone systems in the Armed Forces is helpful. Because wires are color coded, appli cants must not be color blind. Automobile mechanics. Most autom obile m echanics learn their trad e through 3 to 4 years of on-the-job ex perience, b u t additional tim e may be needed to learn a difficult specialty such as autom atic transm ission 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 A rm 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 em ployers. Telephone and PBX installers and repairers. These workers are trained on the job. Telephone com panies provide several weeks of classroom instruction supple m ented by on-the-job training. Many sm all 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. Bowling-pin-m achine mechanics. T h ese w o rk e rs usually start as assistant m echanics or pinchasers and learn their skills on the job. Bowling alleys sometimes send their m echanics to training sem inars conducted by com panies that m anufacture pinsetters. It usually takes 1 to 2 years o f experience to learn the job thoroughly. Em ployers prefer to hire high school graduates. Other Mechanics and Repairers Automobile body repairers. Although most repairers Farm equipment mechanics. M ost begin as helpers and 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. learn their skills on the job. Em ployers generally prefer high school grad u ates who have a farm background. U sually, at least 3 years of on-the-job experience are 8 necessary to become fully skilled. Some mechanics complete a 3- to 4-year apprenticeship program, while others learn through a vocational program. of eighth or ninth grade to high school graduation. Generally, junior colleges, local hospitals, health agencies, and vocational schools offer the 1-year course. Furniture upholsterers. The most common way to learn this trade is to work as a helper in an upholstery shop for about 3 years. Vocational or high school courses in upholstery provide a good background, but experience still is necessary to refine one’s skills. Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants. Although some employers prefer high school graduates, a diploma is not required. Training usually is acquired on the job, often in combination with classroom instruc tion. Industrial m achinery repairers. Most begin as helpers and rotate from job to job for several years. Others learn their trade through 4-year apprenticeship programs. A high school diploma is preferred. Social Service Occupations Homemaker-ho m e health aides. Homemaker-home 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 year’s experience as a nursing aide in a hospital or nursing home. Locksmiths. On-the-job training lasting up to 4 years is the recommended way to learn this trade. Additional training is necessary to service electronic security systems. Completion of a 1- or 2-year vocational or cor respondence school course is an advantage. When hir ing trainees, employers prefer high school graduates. Some cities require locksmiths to be licensed. Social service aides. Social service aides are trained on the job. An aide’s education usually determines the level of responsibility. For example, persons who have a grade school education may become clerks while those who have a college degree may assume some d u ties norm ally p erform ed by s o c ia l w orkers. Employers also consider an applicant’s desire to help people and his or her ability to communicate with com munity agencies and clients. An individual’s potential for advancement and need for work also may be con sidered. M otorcycle mechanics. Most motorcycle mechanics learn their trade on the job. Generally, 2 to 3 years of on-the-job training are necessary to become skilled in all aspects of motorcycle repair. Although a high school diploma is often preferred, many employers will hire trainees who have mechanical aptitude or who exhibit a genuine interest in motorcycles and in learning the work. Shoe repairers. These workers 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 trade in vocational school but addi tional training under an experienced shoe repairer generally is helpful. Performing Arts, Design, and Communications Occupations Performing Artists A ctors and actresses. Formal training in acting is in creasingly necessary to enter the field. Training can be obtained at dramatic arts schools, located chiefly in New York, and in hundreds o f colleges and universities throughout the country. Experience is important; par ticipating in school or community productions is ex cellent preparation. Truck mechanics and bus mechanics. Most learn their skills on the job in 3 to 4 years, but completion of a 4year apprenticeship program is recommended. A high school diploma is preferred by employers and strongly recommended for applicants for apprenticeships. For some jobs that require driving, mechanics must have a chauffeur’s license. Dancers. Serious training at a dance school or through private lessons should begin by age 12, especially for ballet dancers. Training and practice continue throughout a dancer’s career. Many colleges and universities offer dance instruction. Health Occupations Nursing Occupations Musicians. Studying an instrument, either through school or private lessons, should begin at an early age. More advanced training can be acquired through further study under an accomplished musician, in a college or university which has a strong music program, or in a music conservatory. Licensed practical nurses. All States require applicants for licenses as practical nurses to complete a State-approved course in practical nursing and to pass an ex amination. Educational requirements for enrollment in these courses vary by State and range from completion 9 television announcers, the radio and television broadcast ing industry, and technical writers. A list of all reprints follows. A flyer that cross-references all Occupational Outlook Handbook occupations and industries to the reprints in which they appear may be obtained by using the reprint order form on the back page o f this leaflet. Occupational Outlook Reprints, 1980-81 Edition B ulletin No. 2075-1 2075-2 2075-3 2075-4 2075-5 2075-6 2075-7 2075-8 2075-9 2075-10 2075-11 2075-12 2075-13 2075-14 2075-15 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 m usic conservatory or departm ent of music in a college or university. A background in music theory an d 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. 2075-16 2075-17 2075-18 2075-19 2075-20 Design Occupations Floral designers. A lthough there are no minimum 2075-21 2075-22 educational requirem ents, most employers prefer high school graduates. T raining usually takes place on the job. However, an increasing num ber of these workers attend adult education programs, junior colleges, or com mercial floral design schools. 2075-23 2075-24 2075-25 2075-26 2075-27 2075-28 Ordering Occupational Outlook Handbook Reprints There are 42 reprints from the Occupational Out look Handbook, 1980-81 Edition, available for order. 2075-29 E ach reprint contains a group of related occupational an d in d u s tria l sta te m e n ts. For exam ple, re p rin t 20 7 5 -3 5 , C o m m u n ica tio n s O ccupations, in clu d es statements on broadcast technicians, newspaper report ers, photographers, public relations workers, radio and 10 Title Tom orrow ’s Jobs M etalworking O ccupations Printing and Publishing O ccupations Factory Production O ccupations Clerical Occupations Office M achine and C om puter O c cupations Banking and Insurance O ccupations Business Occupations Service O ccupations Food M erchandising O ccupations Protective and R elated Service O c cupations E ducation and R elated O ccupations Sales O ccupations C onstruction O ccupations — S truc tural C onstruction O ccupations — Finish ing Air and W ater Transportation O c cupations R ailroad Occupations Driving Occupations Environm ental Scientists and C on servation O ccupations Engineering and R elated O ccu p a 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 Sm all Business O ccupations H ealth Practitioners H ealth Occupations D en ta l auxiliaries, nursing, therapy and rehabilitation, health services adm inistration H ealth O ccupations Medical technologists, technicians, and assistants, dispensing o p ti cians, ophthalmic laboratory tech nicians, medical record personnel 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 Cosmetologists................................................................... 26 D a n ce rs............................................. ................................ 33 Dining room attendants and dishwashers................................................................... 10 Drywall installers and finishers.................................. 15 E lectroplaters.....................................................................4 Farm equipment m ech anics......................................... 24 File c le r k s .................................. ........................................ 5 Floor covering installers............................................... 15 Floral d esig n ers.............................................................. 34 Food counter w orkers.................................................... 10 Forge shop occupations.................................................... 2 Furniture upholsterers ............................................. 26 Gasoline service station attendants....................................................................... 24 G uards............................................................................... 11 Homemaker-home health aid es.................................. 32 Hotel housekeepers and assistants................................ 9 Industrial machinery repairers.......................................4 Inspectors (manufacturing)............................................. 4 Insulation w orkers.......................................................... 15 Intercity busdrivers........................................................ 18 Ironworkers....................................................................... 14 Lathers............................................................................... 15 Licensed practical n u rses............................................. 28 Line installers and cable splicers........................................................................... 23 Local transit busdrivers.................................................. 18 Local truckdrivers.......................................................... 18 Locksmiths......................................................................... 26 Long-distance truckdrivers........................................... 18 Machine tool operators.................................................... 2 Mail carriers....................................................................... 5 M eatcutters....................................................................... 10 Merchant marine o ffic ers............................................. 16 Merchant marine sailors............................................... 16 Millwrights........................................................................... 4 M o d els............................................................................... 33 M olders..................................................................... 2 or 39 Motion picture projectionists....................................... 25 Motorcycle m echanics.................................................... 24 Musicians........................................................................... 33 Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants............................................................... 28 Operating engineers........................................................ 14 Painters and paperhangers........................................... 15 Parking attendants.......................................................... 18 Pest controllers...................................................................9 Photographic laboratory occu p ation s.......................... 3 Plasterers........................................................................... 15 Postal clerks......................................................................... 5 Power truck operators......................................................4 Private household w ork ers............................................. 9 Production p a in ters.......................................................... 4 Retail trade sales workers............................................ 13 R oofers............................................................................... 14 Lawyers, City Managers, and Social Science Occupations Counseling and Related Occupations Social Service Occupations Performing Arts and EntertainmentRelated Occupations Design Occupations Communications Occupations Agriculture and Logging and Lum ber Mill Products Industries Energy-Producing Industries P etroleu m R e fin in g , In d u strial Chemical, Drug, and Paper and Allied Products Industries A lum inum , Iron and S teel, and Foundry Industries Aircraft, M issile, and Spacecraft, Office Machine and Computer, Electronics, and Motor Vehicle and Equipment Manufacturing Indus tries Apparel, Baking, Laundry and Dry Cleaning, and Textile Mill Prod ucts Industries Government Occupations The following is an alphabetical listing of the occupa tions included in this leaflet. Occupations are crossreferenced to the H andbook reprint in which they ap pear. Actors and actresses........................................................ 33 Assem blers........................................................................... 4 Automobile body repairers........................................... 24 Automobile m ech a n ics................................................. 24 Automobile painters........................................................ 24 Bank te lle r s......................................................................... 7 Barbers............................................................................... 26 Bartenders......................................................................... 10 Bellhops and bell ca p tain s............................................. 9 Blacksm iths......................................................................... 2 Boat-engine m echanics................................................. 24 Boilermaking occupations............................................... 4 Boiler ten d ers.....................................................................4 Bowling-pin-machine m echanics................................ 25 Bricklayers, stonemasons, and m arblesetters...........14 Building cu stod ians.......................................................... 9 Carpenters......................................................................... 14 C ashiers............................................................................. 10 Cement masons and terrazzo w ork ers..................... 14 Central office craft occupations.................................. 23 Central office equipment installers............................ 23 Construction laborers...................................................... 14 Cooks and c h e fs .............................................................. 10 Coremakers.............................................................. 2 or 39 11 Route d riv ers........................................................ 13 or 18 Shipping and receiving c le r k s ...................................... 5 Shoe repairers.................................................................. 26 Shop tr a d e s....................................................................... 17 Signal department workers.......................................... 17 S in gers............................................................................... 33 Social service a id e s ....................................................... 32 Station a g e n ts .................................................................. 17 Stationary engineers......................................................... 4 Stock cler k s......................................................................... 5 Taxicab drivers................................................................ 18 Telegraphers, telephoners, and tower operators............................................................ 17 Telephone and PBX installers and repairers................................................................ 23 Tilesetters........................................................................... 15 Track workers.................................................................. 17 Truck mechanics and bus m e ch a n ics..................................................................... 24 Waiters and w a itresses................................................. 10 Welders......................................................................... 2 12 U.S. Departm ent of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics W ashington, D C 20212 Postage and Fees Paid U S Department of Labor Third Class Mail Official Business P e n a lty for p riv a te use $ 3 0 0 Lab-441
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