Great local jobs are out there. Lots of them. In fact, local companies are planning to add over 1,000 highly-paid employees over the next five years. And most of these good careers in the new economy DON’T require a four-year college degree—or four years of college debt. What they DO require is advanced training and specialized skills beyond your high-school degree. Maybe that’s a certificate, or maybe a two-year degree at LBCC, or maybe employer-sponsored training—Pipeline will help you find the sweet spot that puts you on the most direct line from high school to a rewarding job with a bright future.

First things first, take this Career Assessment

This Career Assessment is from Linn-Benton Community College’s Career Coach page. There are two assessments: the Quick Start Assessment (6 questions) and the Detailed Assessment (60 questions).

The assessment will help you find out what your interests are and how they relate to the world of work. Get started with your assessment here.

Why Pursue Skilled Jobs?

Less Time In School

Skilled careers are those that require some education and training beyond high school but less than a four-year degree. You spend less time in school and get to work sooner.

Avoid Massive Debt

Less time in school means less debt after college. LBCC is approximately 1/3 the tuition at OSU. Earning a four-year degree is an expensive commitment, and for many careers it’s simply not necessary. Watch highlights from the documentary Broke, Busted & Disgusted to learn more about the current state of student debt in America.

Get Hired

Pipeline affiliated businesses are hiring and there are currently not enough applicants with the education and skills to fill vacancies. Currently over 80% of students who complete Pipeline connected training and certificate programs at LBCC are being hired upon completion of their work.

Live Comfortably

Skilled jobs pay well, more than minimum wage, and may offer benefits and opportunities for advancement. As of September 2019, the average manufacturing worker in Oregon earns $52,083/year.

What You Can Do

No matter your age or amount of experience, there are things you can do now to help prepare for your future career.

• Be a good student and community member:
• Show up
• Get along with others
• Be a team player
• Do your best
• Don’t give up when school gets hard
• Be on time with assignments
• Develop strong communication skills
• Take all the math you can and don’t skip a year without it

Real Life Experience

Whether you want to learn more about a career, network with employers, or gain some skills, it helps to get hands-on experience in the field.

Learn Skills

Career and Technical Education (CTE) classes give you the chance to get a head start on preparing for college and careers. CTE programs help you gain the skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation, and real-world experience you need to prepare for high-skill, high-demand, high-wage careers.

• Hands-on, project-based learning approaches in STEM and CTE improve graduation rates. In 2014, 85.7 percent of Oregon students who took one or more CTE credit graduated from high school compared to 72 percent in the overall student population.⁴
• 15 of the top 20 of the fastest growing occupations involve STEM/CTE skills. These occupations boast high-wage jobs and create important opportunities for both individuals and communities to prosper.⁴

Internships

Internships are an arrangement between you and a business, that outlines the skills you are expected to learn and demonstrate for the benefit of the company and your education.  These experiences can be paid or unpaid, and your school may allow you to receive academic credit with additional paperwork.  The hours worked, and goals and objectives are determined by you and your supervisor.

Volunteering

Volunteering allows you to “try on” various roles while providing services to the community.  It demands responsibility and commitment, and it challenges you to participate in and contribute to the welfare of your community. And in some situations volunteering can lead to a future job offer.

Next Step

• Connect and stay informed by signing up for our newsletter.
• Keep an eye on upcoming events.

Resources

Linn Benton Community College – Career Coach
Discover majors and in-demand careers and education based on your interests! Take a career assessment, browse careers and programs, and even build a resume.

Linn Benton Community College – Programs of Study
Learn about LBCC’s programs, the classes you can take, and the careers they can prepare you for.

Linn Benton Community College – STEP (SNAP Training and Employment Program)
If you are a SNAP recipient, the STEP Program offers an opportunity to get job training through LBCC’s short-term certificate programs, allowing one to enter the workforce with the necessary skills to succeed in a fulfilling, family-wage career.

WorkSource Oregon
Oregon’s system to help you get a job, increase your skills, and explore training options.

Learn About Trade Jobs
Information provided by Direct Energy and Mike Rowe (Dirty Jobs, mikeroweWORKS Foundation) about the high demand, salary, and training for trade jobs like HVAC, plumber, and electrician.

Manufacturing Day – Scholarship Database
Browse MFG Day’s list of scholarships for students interested in manufacturing.

James Beard Foundation – Scholarships and Grants
Learn more about the scholarship and grant opportunities from the James Beard Foundation.

References

¹ America’s Skills Gap
² NSC – Middle-Skill Jobs Fact Sheets
³ QualityInfo.org
⁴ STEM/CTE – Chief Education Office