Some certifications and qualifications are better than others. The right one can help you to secure that job you were looking for and gain entry into rewarding careers. While pursuing a certification might not be for everyone, it can be a good fit for many who might not want to go directly to college or pursue a traditional degree. Certifications can open a whole new world of opportunities for you and there are many options to choose from. In order to pick a program that is a good fit for you, you should consider your skills, whether you want a desk job or something more physical, and what kind of activities would be of interest to you over the longer term.
In this article, we have highlighted four certifications that you might want to consider.
Web Development
An online presence is a must for every business as well as individuals want to promote their personal brands or products through blogs and other platforms. So it is no surprise that web development is one of the most sought-after skills.
A web developer designs and creates the look of the website, handles its performance, capacity, speed, and performs routine check-ups to ensure that it is running smoothly. Moreover, with ongoing technological advancements, new tools and platforms, there is a need to keep websites updated routinely in order to have a website that performs well and are secure from threats. A web development certificate can open the door to many job opportunities in-person as well as remote.
Web developers may work as independent contractors, internally within companies, or own their own businesses. To become a web developer, you will need to acquire a certificate. You can do this online or offline – there are different certificates that you can get, so it is best to do a bit of research to find out what certification works best for you. There are general web development certificates and more specialized ones that focus on a specific programming language, UX (user interface), security, or other data aspects.
According to the Bureau of Labor, web developers can make over $73,000 a year. Demand for web developers is expected to see continued growth in the coming years as more people turn to the internet to start businesses.
HVAC Certificate
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) certificates have become incredibly popular over the last few years. In the short term, the demand for air-conditioning and ventilation units is skyrocketing due to the virus pandemic. In the long term, there is always demand to manage heating and air conditioning and many buildings are moving to greener solutions for their climate control needs. In order to work in this area, you will need to obtain relevant qualifications and an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 certification, which is a mandatory requirement under the law for many types of work. Acquiring this certificate will help you to become an HVAC specialist and practitioner.
As temperatures have been rising recently in many parts of the world, the demand for air-conditioning has been going up, and there is also a particular need for expertise in this area now as a result of the concern with airborne COVID-19 virus and proper ventilation system. At this time, many public and private establishments such as schools, restaurants, transportation systems, and entertainment venues are looking at installing and upgrading their air filtration and ventilation systems. A degree in this area can take advantage of the rising demand for this specialized career.
Architecture
Architectural drafters are responsible for the planning of big buildings and developments. They create drawings and blueprints of the structure and features of buildings, and some even work for local councils to create road maps or engineering projects.
To become an architectural drafter, you will need to have a certificate or some formal training in computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), as well as mechanical drawing, engineering, and other types of design. The training to become an architectural drafter/planner can take up to over two years. It is hard work to gain the necessary skills, but worth it as you can earn a salary of over $55,000 a year.
Building Inspections
As our cities and communities are shaped by buildings and residential units, there is a strong demand for building inspectors. A building inspector regulates and controls a construction site and project to ensure that the structure meets all required safety regulations, codes, and functions.
Building inspectors only require a local or community college certificate, though you can get a two-year degree in the field which can improve your opportunity for finding a job. With this expertise, you can potentially secure a higher pay and enjoy greater job security as experience and knowledge of the regulations are localized.
These are some of the certificates you might want to consider straight from high school or later in life if you want to change your career. We hope you find the type of career that is the best fit for you.