A quick perusal of jobs advertised in the South Sound shows the need for qualified people for a variety of construction jobs as well as a wide array of medical positions.

Both of these types of jobs pay competitive wages at starting levels, and both are relatively quick and easy to train for at two local technical colleges.

Bates Technical College - with three campuses in Tacoma (downtown, on South 19th Street, and on South 78th Street) - offers programs ranging from high-tech information technology and electronics to culinary arts as well as a variety of programs within the building trades and medical services.

Among Bates' industry certifications, the following are offered: construction specification institute (CSI), international conference of building officials (ICBO), and national institute for certification of engineering technologies (NICET). Bates also offers three different welding certificates as well as certified dental assistant (CDA), certified dental lab technician (CDLT), and certified medical transcriptionist (CMT).

A variety of apprenticeship programs are offered as well with classroom and on-the-job components that offer the opportunity to effectively learn while getting paid.  Upon completion of an apprenticeship program, the worker has earned an apprenticeship completion certificate, becoming a journey level worker of nationwide recognition.

According to the Bates Web site, where more specific information can be found (www.bates.ctc.edu), the median wages for apprenticeship program participants is $34,420 annually with the median wage jumping to $50,599 upon journey-level certification.

At Clover Park Technical College in Lakewood, a similarly diverse range of programs is offered. Some of the same programs are offered here as at Bates; however, there are more programs in medical services offered, including dental assistant, medical assistant, medical lab assistant, nursing, pharmacy technician, and surgical technology.

As to how much any one of these given jobs stands to earn, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the middle 50 of surgical technicians earn between $28,560 and $40,750, annually. More information on median wages can be found at www.bls.gov.

Additional programs at Clover Park Technical College include architectural engineering design, residential construction, and a range of retail and customer service programs offer the potential for rewarding careers in a wide range of areas. For a complete listing of programs and more information, go to www.cptc.edu.

Both schools offer veterans specific help in advising and have resources for disabled students. They also provide career counseling and help finding jobs when degree programs are completed.

Bates Technical College can be reached for general information at (253) 680-7000, and Clover Park Technical College can be reached at (253) 589-5800.