Should I take a year off after high school? For some graduates, taking time off can make sense when there is a clear goal and a plan for what comes next. But waiting without a plan can make it easier to lose momentum. A year spent putting off career training may also delay the skills, experience, earnings, and career opportunities
MIG vs. TIG welding comes down to differences in speed, control, technique, equipment, and the type of project being welded. MIG welding uses a continuously fed wire electrode and is often faster and easier for beginners to learn. TIG welding uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and gives the welder greater control, making it well suited for precise, clean welds and
Do trade schools help find jobs? Many career-focused schools provide job placement assistance, career services, employer networking, and recruiting opportunities. This time, News4JAX visited J-Tech’s Summer Career Fair, where employers came directly to campus to meet students preparing for careers in the skilled trades (watch the video here). The coverage highlighted an important part of career education that students and
Why skilled trades in Jacksonville matter is becoming clearer as employers look for people who can maintain vehicles, repair essential systems, move goods, support technology, and keep businesses operating. News4JAX recently visited J-Tech to examine the local skills gap and see how students are preparing for technical careers through hands-on training. Read the full News4 JAX feature here and read
If you’re wondering how to help your teen choose a career, start by looking at today’s opportunities, not yesterday’s expectations. College costs have risen, technology and Ai is reshaping many careers, and employers continue searching for skilled workers. By exploring different career paths together and focusing on your teen’s interests and strengths, you can help them make a confident, informed
Looking for jobs AI can’t replace? Artificial intelligence is transforming how many people work, but it cannot perform every task on its own. Careers that depend on hands-on work, technical expertise, problem-solving, and real-world decision-making continue to rely heavily on skilled professionals. As AI evolves, students should look for careers that combine technical skills with the ability to adapt and
What does a welder do? Welders work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, transportation, marine, and infrastructure, helping build everything from bridges and buildings to trailers and custom metal projects. Many welders also perform fabrication work, making the profession a combination of technical skill, precision, and hands-on problem solving. If you’re exploring career options after high school, you’ve probably heard
Is HVAC a good career? For many individuals, the answer is yes. HVAC technicians work in an essential industry that combines hands-on problem solving, technology, and customer service. Homes, schools, hospitals, offices, and businesses all rely on heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, creating ongoing demand for skilled professionals who can install, maintain, and repair them. As high school
As high school graduation approaches, many students and parents are asking an important question: what are some good jobs without a four-year degree? The answer may surprise you. Many of today’s most essential and in-demand occupations do not require a traditional bachelor’s degree. Instead, they may require technical training, industry certifications, an associate degree, or a commercial driver’s license. This
If you enjoy working on engines, diagnosing mechanical problems, and getting vehicles back on the road, there is another career path you may not have considered: marine and RV technology. While many students are familiar with automotive and diesel careers, fewer realize that there are also strong opportunities for technicians who work on boats, recreational vehicles, and the complex systems