Blue Collar and Proud of It: The All-In-One Resource for Finding Freedom, Financial Success, and Security Outside the Cubicle (21 page)

The Numbers

There were 569, 000 plumbers and pipe layers in the United States in 2006. About 55 percent were working on new construction, repair, or modernization, and about 12 percent were self-employed. These are among the highest-paid workers in the construction trade, withmedian salaries at $20.56 an hour.The highest 10 percent earnmore than $34.79.

Employment in the United States for this sector is expected to grow by 10 percent between 2006 and 2016, whichmeans close to 57, 000 new jobs. Job opportunities are expected to be very good, especially for workers with welding experience. Demand for plumbers will stem from new construction and building renovation. Bath remodeling, in particular, is expected to remain popular and create opportunities for residential plumbers. Some employers report difficulty finding workers with the right qualifications, andmany people are expected to retire fromthe trade between now and 2016.

ROOFER

Althoughmany roofers have worked in general construction or continue to do so, roofing is a specialty in which contractors have their own expertise and employees. Like cars, roofs are here to stay, so even if new construction isn’t booming, roofers will be needed to repair, replace, and maintain existing roofs. Roofers must be familiar with various materials— from asphalt and gravel to rubber and thermoplastics. Environmentally friendly roofs and sustainable roofing—even those with actual greenery incorporated—are something rooferswill likely encountermore often in the future as well.

The Work

Roofing can be strenuous work and requires heavy lifting and working outdoors in all kinds of weather. Although roofers tend to schedule construction around nicerweather, repairsmust bemade during all types of storms or rain. Roofers must take safety seriously to prevent falling from high roofs or slipping during inclement weather. Roofers are typically the ones responsible for making absolute certain that a roof is watertight.

Work Setting

As the name implies, roofers are up on roofs almost all of the time they are working. Sometimes low roofs or flat roofs can provide a break fromthemore dangerous slanted roofs.Roofers can expect to spendmost of their time outdoors. They should be comfortable with climbing and with moderate heights.

Training and Certification

Most roofers learn informally and by working for experienced roofers or contractors. Classes and safety courses are offered in some areas. A three-year roofing apprenticeship is another common way of getting into the field, and these are typically offered through roofing unions.

The Numbers

In 2006, there were approximately 156, 000 roofing jobs in the United States. Most roofers work for roofing contractors, and about 20 percent of all roofers are self-employed. Faster-than-average job growth is expected between nowand 2016, largely because of high turnover. It is expected that the industrywill growby about 14 percent in theUnited States, whichwould account formore than 21, 000 new jobs. Median hourly wages for roofers in 2006 were $15.51, and the highest 10 percent earnedmore than $26.79.

SUBWAY, RAILROAD,
AND
STREETCAR OPERATOR

Working on trains is one of the coolestways to see our country’s landscape, but it can take you away from home for long stretches of time. Operating municipal subways and streetcars is an exciting way to interact with a lot of people on a daily basis while providing a crucial role in the community. Public transportation sure is getting quite a bit of attention, as gas prices rise and people are looking for alternative ways to get where they want to go. Thanks to this, railroad operators and subway drivers will play an even more crucial role in our society in the next decade.

The Work

Rail transportation workers are employed by freight, passenger, and urban transit (better known as the subway). Freight trains transport billions of tons of goods to destinations within the United States and to ports to be shipped abroad. Passenger railroads deliver millions of passengers and commuters to destinations throughout the country. Rail transportation workers not only work on trains, but also in rail yards where the maintenance of cars and engines takes place.

Jobs vary quite a bit within this industry. For example, locomotive engineers operate large trains and carry cargo or passengers between stations. Most engineers run diesel-electric locomotives. Engineers must have a thorough knowledge of their routes andmust be constantly aware of the condition and components of their train. Railroad conductors coordinate all activities of freight or passenger train crews, including scheduling and overseeing cargo.There are also railroad brake operators and yardmasters.

In contrast to other rail transportation workers, subway and streetcar operators generally work for public transit authorities. Subway operators control trains that transport passengers through cities and their suburbs. Increasingly, the train’s speed and the amount of time spent at each station are controlled by computers and not by the operator. That said, humans must still be on alert in case of breakdowns or emergencies. Streetcar drivers tend to operate electric-powered streetcars or trolleys. Rail transportationworkers should have good hearing, eyesight, hand-eye coordination, and mechanical aptitude. Physical stamina is required for most rail transportation jobs.

Work Setting

Trains run constantly, which means that rail transportation employees work nights, weekends, and holidays to keep trainsmoving every day, all day. Freight trains are often dispatched at the will of a customer, which couldmean working odd hours or on the weekends, but those who work on passenger trains tend to have regularly scheduled shifts. And I think it goes without saying that the appearance, temperature, and accommodations of passenger trains are far better than those on freight trains.Rail yard workers spend most of their time outdoors, work regardless of weather conditions, and may have physically strenuous duties.

Training and Certification