What is STEM? – Science, technology, engineering, and math, the four building blocks of the STEM careers. STEM is everywhere; but, what is it and why is STEM so important? Oh, and while we’re asking questions, what skilled trade careers would also be considered STEM?

Facts About STEM

  • Mechanical engineering is the No.1 chosen STEM career.
  • Most women interested in STEM focus on sciences.
  • Of under-represented ethnic groups in the US, American Indians are most interested in STEM.
  • The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that in the next 20 years, 80 percent of jobs will require a technical skill.
  • STEM careers are growing at 1.7 times the rate of non-STEM careers.
  • You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to have a STEM career.

Fast STEM Career Training Options

“STEM is the original dirty job, because skill comes out of working with your hands and you can’t stay clean doing that, but we arbitraged it. Again, we took the dirt out of STEM, we took the skill away from it, because what we wanted to do.” – Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs

The highest paying STEM careers like mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemistry can take 4 years or longer to train for. While the top paying STEM careers do require a bachelor’s degree for entry level positions, there are many careers available where a diploma or certificate is all that is necessary.

Below are a few STEM careers that should only take 2 years of training or less at a trade school. In no particular order:

  • Wind Turbine Technician
  • CADD/Design Engineering Technician
  • Biology Technician
  • Computer Technician
  • Dental Hygienist
  • Radiologic Technician
  • Electronic Engineering Technician
  • Architect Technician
  • Civil Engineering Technician

Whatever educational path you choose, you’re sure to be able to find a STEM career along the way that is perfectly suited to you!

“The average hourly salary for someone in a STEM career with an associate degree is over $26.”

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