A request from a man who wants $120 million to build a golden statue of President Obama was among 9,200 applications from Ohio residents looking for a cut of recent stimulus money. If you're looking for your own cut of the government stimulus money, there's an easier way. Career training can put money in your pocket, no statues required.
Career Training for Stimulus Cash
Indeed, even those complaining about stimulus funds might not object to one of the millions of jobs estimated to be created by the program. Three to four million jobs are expected to be created or maintained by the stimulus package, according to economists Jared Bernstein and Christina Romer.
Which jobs will see the biggest boost, and what can you do to be prepared? Check out just a few of the fields expected to see the biggest boost from stimulus funding. After a short degree or certificate program, you could find yourself reaping the benefits of the government stimulus.
Stimulus Career #1: Construction
New roads, bridges, highways, and other infrastructure elements mean that construction jobs could rise in demand in the coming years. While laborers likely won't need much training beyond what they see on the job, supervisory and management positions could require additional study.
Salary Basics: Construction managers earned mean annual wages of $85,830 in 2007, the BLS reports. Those working for building equipment contractors earned slightly more, at $90,870.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree in construction management, construction science, or civil engineering plus job experience is your best bet.
Stimulus Career #2: Engineering
With all the infrastructure jobs in construction, it should come as no surprise that behind-the-scenes planning, architectural, and engineering jobs will see similar boosts. Aspiring civil engineers should take heart in surplus spending promises towards innovation and infrastructure.
Salary Basics: Civil engineers saw mean annual wages of $75,230 in 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those working for the federal government saw slightly higher wages, at $83,180.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree is required for all but the most basic engineering jobs. Higher level jobs and those in management may require a master's degree.
Stimulus Career #3: Health Care
Partially subsidizing COBRA, the program that allows workers to keep their health care even after they've lost their jobs, means that more people will be insured and going to the doctor, which in turn means more health care jobs across the board.
Salary Basics: Physical therapist assistants saw mean annual wages of $44,340 in 2007, the BLS reports. That same year, medical assistants earned $28,270, medical records technicians earned $31,450 and dental hygienists earned $64,910.
Career Training: Training for health care fields is generally specialized and varies widely. Expect to complete an associate's degree to become a dental hygienist or physical therapist assistant, while some medical assistants need only a certificate or diploma.
Stimulus Career #4: Education
Funding for schools, school buildings, and scholarships means this is a great time to get into teaching at all levels. Look for a particular need in subjects involving languages and technology.
Salary Basics: The BLS notes that middle school teachers earned $50,630 in 2007. That same year, preschool teachers earned $25,800, elementary school teachers earned $50,040, and teacher assistants earned $22,820.
Career Training: A bachelor's degree plus certification is necessary for all school districts across the country. If you already have a bachelor's degree, some school districts allow you to complete alternative training for certification. To work at a preschool or day care center, certification or an associate's degree may be required.
Stimulus Career #5: Green Jobs
One goal of the Obama administration has been to increase the creation and retention of so-called "green jobs," including research, technology, implementation, and upkeep of green technologies like solar power, hybrid vehicles, green buildings, and more.
Salary Basics: Salaries vary widely based on position. Environmental engineers saw mean annual wages of $74,820 in 2007, according to the BLS. That same year, conservation scientists earned $57,220.
Career Training: Training for many technical green jobs could require a bachelor's degree in engineering or similar.
While no career training program can guarantee a particular career or salary, the careers above are expected to see big boosts with stimulus dollars. Look for additional careers in management, business, and communication as the above fields expand, requiring infrastructures of their own.
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