Several industries in need of workers, willing to pay good money for them

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- It's hard to miss all the "help wanted" signs in our area. There are industries that need workers right now and paying good money.

From the port to the oil fields, workers can earn a good income working a trade. Area schools are trying to do their part by providing the training.

Driving an 18 wheeler is not all fun and games, but it can set you on the road to a pretty good-paying job.

"An entry-level driver can expect to make between $35,000 and $45,000 the first year," professor John Stephens said.

Stephens is the truck driving program director at San Jacinto College. He says as drivers get experience some can earn six-figures.

The school offers a six-week program that ends with a commercial driver's license.

"We can't supply enough students for the need in the industry right now," Stephens said.

Another area that can't find enough workers is welding.

"If you can weld, you can weld and make a living," said J.D. Taliaferro, director of applied technologies at San Jacinto College.

Taliaferro says welders are needed from the oil field to local construction sites. The demand is so great that the school has even added graveyard-shift classes.

"We have classes that start at 10pm and run until 2am. We have a lot of people that get off work in the evening but they want these skills because, again, the demand is great and the salaries are excellent," said Allatia Harris with San Jacinto College.

Harris helps the school tailor its programs to the job market. She says making a trade a career is paying off right now.

"The demand right now is greater than we have seen probably 30 years," Harris said.

Diesel mechanics are also in demand. Something else to keep in mind, not all trade schools are the same, some are for profit. Be sure you know what jobs the courses will prepare you for before enrolling.

Find Jeff on Facebook at ABC13JeffEhling or on Twitter at @jeffehlingabc13

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