Booming “middle-skill” careers
The South Carolina Department of Education and Workforce (SC DEW) has identified the fastest-growing jobs in the state economy. Those in the “middle skill” category – occupations that need workers who have more than a high-school diploma but less than a four-year degree – are growing especially fast. York Technical College offers a wide range of program options that will best prepare you for one of these high-growth careers!
1. Medical Secretaries
Projected growth: +36.7%
Average hourly wage (2013): $10.77
York Tech program:
Medical Office Certificate
Medical Secretaries perform administrative duties using specific knowledge of medical terminology and hospital, clinic, or laboratory procedures. Responsibilities may include scheduling appointments, billing patients, and compiling and recording medical charts, reports, and correspondence.
2. Construction Managers
Projected growth: +25.3%
Average hourly wage (2013): $26.80
York Tech program:
Building Construction Management Certificate
Construction Managers plan, direct, or coordinate activities concerned with the construction and maintenance of structures, facilities, and systems. They participate in the development of projects and oversee their organization, scheduling, budgeting, and implementation.
Contact the Construction Trades program today.
“Middle-skill jobs are key to our nation’s health, its infrastructure and its economic growth. Many of these jobs cannot be outsourced… Middle-skill jobs can provide good wages and career paths for America’s and South Carolina’s workers.”
– National Skills Coalition
3. Carpenters
Projected growth: +35.3%
Average hourly wage (2013): $17.97
York Tech program:
Residential/Commercial Carpentry Certificate
Carpenters construct, erect, install, and repair structures and fixtures of wood, plywood, and wallboard, using carpenter’s hand tools and power tools.
4. Computer Support Specialists
Projected growth: +21.4%
Average hourly wage (2013): $20.86
York Tech program:
PC Tech Support Certificate
Computer support specialists provide help and advice to people and organizations using computer software or equipment. Some support information technology employees within their organization, while others assist non-IT users who are having computer problems.
5. EMTs and Paramedics
Projected growth rate: +20.2%
Average hourly salary (2013): $15.09
York Tech program:
EMT and Emergency Responder programs through Corporate & Continuing Education
Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. They respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.
6. Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Projected growth rate: +18.8%%
Average hourly salary (2013): $18.71
York Tech program:
Truck Driving courses through Corporate & Continuing Education
Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers transport goods from one location to another. Most are long-haul drivers and operate trucks whose gross vehicle weight exceeds 26,000 pounds. Requires commercial drivers’ license.
Learn more and register for truck driver training today.
7. Bookkeeping Clerks
Projected growth rate: +16.18%
Average hourly salary (2013): $16.18
York Tech program:
Accounting Clerk Certificate; Payroll/Income Tax Certificate
Bookkeeping Clerks compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. They may perform routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records.
8. Team Assemblers
Projected growth rate: +12.1%
Average hourly salary (2013): $15.06
York Tech programs:
Depends on the industry and area of interest; options include Industrial Maintenance Technology, Welding, Electricity, or Machine Tool
Team assemblers and fabricators put together finished products and the parts that go into them. They work as part of a team having responsibility for assembling an entire product or component of a product.
9. Customer Service Representatives
Projected growth rate: +11.4%
Average hourly salary (2013): $14.31
York Tech programs:
Depends on the industry and area of interest; options include Financial Services, General Business, Management, Administrative Office Technology
Customer service representatives handle customer complaints, process orders, and provide information about an organization’s products and services. They should be good at communicating with people and have basic computer skills.
Source: S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Business Intelligence Department, August 2014