The most effective way to give yourself more options in today’s evolving job market is to add skills that employers want to see, but if you don’t have those skills yet what can you do?

If you’re looking to build up to either a new career or take a new direction in your field that requires a new set of skills, you’ll be happy to know that there are skill advancement programs out there for you. Check out our list of in-demand skilled jobs hiring right now and where you can get core skills that can help you land a job there.

Which in-demand skilled jobs could I train into?

Knowing where to start training new skills means knowing which skills are in-demand right now. The following jobs represent some of the most needed positions that employers are hiring for now.

1. Medical Assistant jobs - Avg hourly rate: $30/hr

Since the #coronavirus pandemic hit, the medical field has faced a shortage in medical workers to deal with the increased number of people needing medical attention. Medical Assistant jobs require a minimal amount of medical training, unlike Doctor and Nurse positions, and are tasked with providing support to busy medical staff as they attempt to treat record numbers of patients. If you want to break into the medical industry and want to provide hands-on support for medical workers, A Medical Assistant job could be a perfect fit for you.

Skills you’ll need to qualify

Even if Medical Assistant positions require a relatively smaller amount of training when compared to other medical jobs, Medical Assistants are still required to learn quite a bit to perform their best in high-stakes situations where people’s health may be on the line. Some basic skills Medical Assistants should know before they begin working would include:

• Communication skills
• Organizational and clerical skills
• Basic understanding of medical terms and human anatomy
• An understanding of how to perform some life-saving procedures, such as CPR
• Knowledge of safety and sanitation best practices
• Computer skills
• Customer service skills

Where to get trained

There are many training programs available nationwide for prospective Medical Assistants including low-cost online training programs. In order to qualify to be a Medical Assistant, applicants would first have to complete either a training or degree program. Depending on your needs, a training program may be a low-cost quicker option while a degree program offers the same subjects, just at greater depth.

2. Trucking jobs - Avg hourly rate: $30/hr

With so many now ordering almost all of their products online, those in the trucking industry have experienced an extreme increase in demand for truckers and warehouse workers who can help keep supply lines flowing under pressure.

Skills you’ll need to qualify

The skills you’ll need to qualify to become a truck driver are very reliant in possessing a CDL-A or CDL-B license. CDL schools that offer licensing training will seek to make their students proficient in the following skills to qualify for trucking jobs once they graduate:

• Map reading skills
• GPS/Digital map proficiency
• Ability to use logbooks/e-logbooks
• Understanding of the rules of the road
• Understanding of state and federal regulations
• Understanding of ideal business practices (Scheduling, routes, organization)
• Understanding of safety best practices

Where to get trained

Depending on what kind of trucking job you’re looking for, you may be required to complete what’s called CDL (or Commercial Driver’s License) training to become certified to drive certain types of trucks. Employers cannot let uncertified truckers behind the wheel of certain trucks if they don’t have the right CDL.

As a result, there are many CDL training schools available nationwide offering both licensing training and networking opportunities for affiliated trucking businesses.

3. IT Support Specialist jobs - Avg hourly rate: $30/hr

With many companies going remote or relying on more remote services through the pandemic, IT Support Specialists have been in especially high demand right now. Their expertise allows them to tackle a variety of high and low level tasks from troubleshooting issues with users to setting up complex information management systems. This field truly has a wealth of paths to choose from. If you’re interested in tech and want to break into this industry, now is the time!

Skills you’ll need to qualify

The required list of skills for an IT Specialist can vary based on the needs of a particular organization and the level they require. Many IT specialists gain the bulk of their professional knowledge and training on the job, however to be qualified for a basic IT Support Specialist position it’s helpful to start off with knowledge of or willingness to learn more about:

• Wireless modems/routers
• Popular scripting and coding languages (like Python, C++, and SQL)
• Cyber security
• Information management
• Cloud systems administration
• Cloud services

Where to get trained

For IT Specialists, completing an A+ certification program is a great way to learn about some of the above skills and get prepared to start their career in IT.

Training programs are offered nationwide from various organizations, however the A+ certification tells employers that an applicant for an IT Support Specialist job has a minimum base of knowledge about the IT field, which is why many employers prefer applicants with A+ certification.

If you are unsure which direction you would like to take your career, you may also want to consider online tools to help you skill up and land a great job!

Which of these skilled jobs would you train into?