Grit Ready Careers

Check out career paths that actually fit who you are—whether that’s building, creating, fixing, or supporting. We’ll help you match your skills and vibe with jobs that pay well, have room to grow, and connect you with employers who are looking for fresh talent like you.

Electricians

  • High demand, apprenticeship pathways, strong earning potential with overtime.

  • Training/Requirements: High school diploma/GED; apprenticeship (paid, 4–5 yrs)

  • Time to Entry: 1–2 years before independent work (full license later)

  • Certification/Licensing: State electrician license

  • Pay: $50K–$90K

  • Outlook: Strong, essential trade value, length of service, and why it’s unique.

Plumbers & Pipefitters

  • Recession-resistant and essential services.

  • Training/Requirements: Apprenticeship (4–5 yrs); union or trade program

  • Time to Entry: 1 yr to start earning; 4 yrs for journeyman

  • Certification/Licensing: State plumbing license

  • Pay: $50K–$85K

  • Outlook: Recession-resistant

Healthcare

HVAC Technicians

  • Growing need due to aging infrastructure and new energy-efficient systems.

  • Training/Requirements: Vocational program (6–12 months) + apprenticeship

  • Time to Entry: 6 months–1 year

  • Certification/Licensing: EPA certification for refrigerants

  • Pay: $45K–$80K

  • Outlook: Growing demand for energy-efficient systems

Welders

  • Opportunities in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding.

  • Training/Requirements: Trade school program (6–12 months)

  • Time to Entry: 6 months

  • Certification/Licensing: Optional AWS (American Welding Society) certifications

  • Pay: $40K–$75K (specialty welders can earn >$100K)

  • Outlook: Strong in construction, pipelines, shipbuilding

Medical Sonographers

  • Usually requires a 1–2 year program.

  • Training/Requirements: 1–2 yr certificate/associate program

  • Time to Entry: 18–24 months

  • Certification/Licensing: ARDMS certification

  • Pay: $65K–$100K

  • Outlook: High demand.

Phlebotomists / Medical Assistants

  • Entry points into healthcare with room to advance.

  • Training/Requirements: Short programs (3–12 months)

  • Time to Entry: <1 yr

  • Certification/Licensing: Often required (CPT, CMA)

  • Pay: $35K–$55K

  • Outlook: Stable entry path into healthcare requires a 1–2 year program.

Commercial Truck Drivers (CDL)

  • High demand, especially for regional and long-haul.

  • Training/Requirements: CDL school (4–8 weeks)

  • Time to Entry: 1–2 months

  • Certification/Licensing: CDL license

  • Pay: $50K–$85K (specialty hauling more)

  • Outlook: High demand nationwide

Police Officers

  • Many agencies don’t require a degree, just academy training.

  • Training/Requirements: Academy (3–6 months), physical and written exams

  • Time to Entry: 6–12 months

  • Certification/Licensing: State peace officer/firefighter certification

  • Pay: $50K–$90K

  • Outlook: Consistent demand

Skilled Trades

Radiologic Technologists

  • Shorter certificate/associate programs lead to good salaries.

  • Training/Requirements: 2 yr associate or certificate

  • Time to Entry: 18–24 months

  • Certification/Licensing: ARRT certification

  • Pay: $60K–$90K

  • Outlook: Strong

Dental Hygienists

  • Growing field with flexible schedules.

  • Training/Requirements: Assistants: 9–12 month programs; Hygienists: 2 yrs

  • Time to Entry: 1–2 yrs

  • Certification/Licensing: State board exam/license

  • Pay: Assistants $35K–$55K; Hygienists $65K–$100K

  • Outlook: High demand, flexible hours

Logistics Coordinators / Supply Chain Techs

  • Certifications and experience valued highly.

  • Training/Requirements: HS diploma; short certifications (APICS, logistics mgmt)

  • Time to Entry: 6–12 months

  • Certification/Licensing: Industry certs, not state licenses

  • Pay: $50K–$85K

  • Outlook: Strong growth

Firefighters

  • Many agencies don’t require a degree, just academy training.

  • Training/Requirements: Academy (3–6 months), physical and written exams

  • Time to Entry: 6–12 months

  • Certification/Licensing: State peace officer/firefighter certification

  • Pay: $50K–$90K

  • Outlook: Consistent demand

Professional Services

Transportation & Logistics

Air Traffic Controllers

  • Rigorous training but no degree required; very high salaries.

  • Training/Requirements: FAA Academy (paid training, highly selective)

  • Time to Entry: 2–3 yrs training/placement

  • Certification/Licensing: FAA certification

  • Pay: $90K–$180K

  • Outlook: Limited entry spots but very high pay points into healthcare with room to advance.

Protective Services

Correctional Officers & Security Managers

  • Room for advancement with experience.

  • Training/Requirements: Academy or on-the-job

  • Time to Entry: 3–6 months

  • Certification/Licensing: State certification

  • Pay: $40K–$75K

  • Outlook: Stable agencies don’t require a degree, just academy training