These days, getting a good entry-level job usually requires at least a bachelor’s degree, but paying for college-level education isn’t always an option if you don’t have the time or the money to finish your typical four-year course. However, that doesn’t automatically mean you’re stuck with low-paying jobs because there are a plenty of alternatives if you know where to look.
Most of these jobs require very little other than training certifications or proper qualifications assessment through programs like recognition of prior learning (RPL) to prove that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job your are considering. Because the pay is decent, some people are able to use the money for getting a proper college degree later on, but many also choose to stick to their jobs and try to advance from there.
Here are some of the professions that you might want to consider yourself:
- Construction Manager
With so many construction projects in need of supervision, there’s always a demand for a good construction manager. In charge of everything from reviewing blueprints to making sure the project goes according to schedule, you’ll have to rely on your organisational and leadership skills.
It’s a tricky job, especially if you’re handling bigger projects, but the pay is well worth it. With an average salary that can be anywhere from AUD 90-280K, you don’t have to worry about struggling to make ends meet. An online course for leadership and management would greatly help increase your chances of getting hired.
- Business Managers
You’re probably not expecting this job to be a valid option for non-college graduates, but this job depends more on skills that you can’t always learn in a typical 4-year degree course. Most of the skills you’ll need to do well as a financial manager comes from sheer experience, but a certificate IV in leadership in management should help you get a good start.
The catch? It takes a while to get to the top. Starting out with smaller teams won’t net you much, but as the business (and the amount of people you manage) grows, so does your paycheck. You also need to have a deeper understanding of the industry your business is in to increase your chance of success.
- Power Plant Operator
The world needs a lot of power to keep running, and power plant operators are responsible for making sure there’s always a steady supply of electricity. While you’re probably thinking that working at power plants is something for engineers with a bachelor’s degree, plenty of work can be done by non-degree holders.
There are very few requirements, but operators need to get at least a diploma of work health and safety, as well as undergo training to get you accustomed to handling the right equipment and machinery. Working can be tiring at times, so you have to figure out if you can cope with the physical demands of the job. If you think you can handle the job, you’re looking at something that can earn you anywhere between AUD 75-120K.
- IT Professional
It’s the information age, and the IT industry is easily one of the most promising sectors today. Fortunately, it’s also one of the industries where adaptability and problem-solving skills matter a lot more than a college degree. Last but not least, the IT industry is so vast and diverse that you can choose where you want to specialise in, whether it’s communication, robotics, security, or even programming.
Versatility and specialisation are secrets to being successful as an IT professional. You either advance by having multiple industry certifications or stay in one specialisation and be very good at it. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about having a mindless daily grind. According to statistics, working as an IT professional is one of the happiest and most fulfilling jobs today.
These are just four examples of why you don’t need a university degree just to have decent income. A quick online search will give you a plethora of other non-degree jobs that you may find to your liking. Some may require more requirements than others, but it’s nice to know that you always have options other than taking out a loan and going to college.