With the layoffs that are occurring across several industries, many job seekers are wondering which jobs are the most secure. The threat of having no long-term security can be terrifying. Fortunately, there are some industries that have a large demand for talent, such as the healthcare industry, and which are unlikely to fire employees because of the high level of specialized training that these candidates must have.
IT Technicians
One of the most secure industries available is the IT industry. It meets both of the requirements for security: high demand and specialized training. IT professionals are responsible for setting up and maintaining networks for businesses and organizations. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for network and computer system administrators is expected to grow by 28 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Teachers and College Professors
Education is another industry that has a great deal of security, due largely to the tenure that is provided to professionals. To obtain tenure, educators often have to meet certain requirements. For example, public school teachers are required to teach for at least five years before they are awarded the long-term security that comes from entering the education industry. College professors usually have to publish or have high student ratings. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for post-secondary teachers is expected to grow by 17 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Government Jobs
The federal government hires workers to fulfill different duties, including the enforcing of laws and regulations and the administration of government programs. While governments throughout the world are struggling financially and many are eliminating programs to save money, there are many programs that cannot be privatized or eliminated. Governments also have a tendency not to lay off employees.
Nursing
Nursing is another industry that has a great deal of job security. Part of the security is due to a large number of baby boomers that are experiencing age-related disorders. The need for nurses is only bound to increase and many people are pursuing an advanced degree in nursing education. Nurses also need sophisticated training and there are many ways that nurses can further expand their skill sets to become more indispensable. Finally, there are many jobs that are opened up as nurses leave the field as a result of burnout. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is expected to grow by 26 percent between 2010 and 2020.
Physical Therapists and Pharmacists
Besides nurses, two other medical professionals who will see a large increase in job openings are physical therapists and pharmacists. Physical therapists will play a major role in helping the elderly expand their range of motion by helping them perform exercises that are ideal for their current level of physical fitness. As more and more baby boomers rely on prescription medications, more pharmacists will be needed to fill these prescriptions. As with most medical professions, there are state educational requirements regarding who can practice as a pharmacist, which reduces the number of individuals who can work in this industry.
Physicians and Surgeons
The need for physicians will also grow. The only thing that keeps the need for physicians down is efforts to cut costs. But these efforts will be countered by the need for more doctor visits and surgeries from aging patients. The need for physicians and surgeons is expected to grow by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Repair and Maintenance
One industry that consistently needs workers is the repair and maintenance industries. While manufacturing industries are becoming increasingly more automated, these machines break down and eventually need repairs. As for the auto industry, more and more motorists are keeping their cars, which leads to a greater need for automotive technicians.
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