If you’re interested in changing your career – and the most important detail of your career choice is reliability – there are options for you. It may take a little research to find an in-demand career, and after you find it, education or training may be necessary. But the reward of a dependable career can be well worth it.

Here are some tips to get you on track toward a reliable career:

1. Check the Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook handbook. The BLS researches nearly every career and can give you facts like: what the career entails, if it is a growing field and what kind of education is necessary for the career. The BLS gives you a national view of growing careers and what it takes to land one.
2. If you’re wondering what careers are popular in your community, check websites for job postings. After studying job postings for a period of time, you’ll start to notice trends. The positions that commonly come up may be considered hot careers in your area.
3. Get the education and training necessary to qualify for the reliable career. Now that you’ve found a reliable career, research what it’s going to take to qualify for it. It may be on the job training, or you may need a certificate or degree to show you’re qualified.

Good luck on your quest for a reliable career! And remember, if you need career training or education, come back to CareerExplorer.net to find a suitable school in your area.

We are now two months into 2010 – are you where you want to be with your career? Since unemployment is still higher than average, it’s difficult to tell where the job growth is and how long it will take to break into a particular field. There a number of blue-collar jobs that are offering stability and job growth during these tough times.

Here’s a list of the top blue-collar jobs that are in demand right now!

Plumber, pipefitter, or steamfitter
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these occupations are among the highest paid in the construction industry. Training requirements include graduating from a technical or community college and learning on the job with an apprenticeship. Median annual salary of $49,773.

Elevator installer/repairer
Have the skills that are recession-proof. According to the BLS, the job growth is expected to increase 9% through 2018. Most elevator technicians start their training on the job through an apprenticeship and having some higher education is preferred. Median annual salary of $49,036.

Carpenter
Even though the construction industry took a hit during the recession, the demand for green and energy-efficient construction careers increased. According to the BLS, this career is expected to grow 13% through 2018. Median annual salary of $38,473.

Electrician
According to the BLS, employment growth in this field is expected to increase 12% through 2018. This career has gain momentum because of the nation’s move to green technology and energy sources. Training requirements are an apprenticeship or earning your degree or certificate. Median annual salary is $45,218.

Start your training in one of these 2010 in-demand careers today with CareerExplorer.net!

Obama’s stimulus package has marked $40 billion dollars on green jobs – jobs that either help protect or repair the environment. And in a lot of cases, it’s not a matter of a complete career change – instead, it’s about applying green standards and procedures to jobs that already exist!

HVAC workers are learning how to work with new materials, such as solar panels, and learning new EPA regulations. And since going green on heating and air conditioning tends to save pennies, a certification in EPA standards can really pay off!

Other jobs that should benefit from a green emphasis? Construction managers, electricians, environmental engineers – and even sales jobs! Eco-friendly products are becoming popular and learning how to market environmentally friendly products can be a real boon.

So if you’re looking toward your future, keep one eye on the future of the planet. You might be surprised by how greatly you’ll benefit!

We’ve all heard of the midlife crisis, but have you ever stopped to think how much going through one costs? I’m not talking about midlife crisis clichés – new cars, new spouses, or new wardrobes – these midlife “crises” are professional. For individuals considering a drastic career change involving a new education, deciding how to afford it can often make or break the decision to change paths.

As many of us are already aware, committing to an education can be a rewarding, yet expensive life decision. Like other big-ticket purchases, if you decide a new education is worth the financial cost, you’ll have to make room in your individual or family budget.

Kevin O’Leary, a working dad and husband, recently decided after spending ten years in an advertising career that he wanted to make a career switch. His new desired profession? A physician’s assistant. As one might expect, the world of advertising usually doesn’t teach the skills needed for the medical career lifestyle, so Kevin will soon be on his way back to school.

Before making a commitment to his new education, Kevin tested the waters of the medical profession by spending some time working in a hospital near his family’s home in San Gabriel, California. Once he felt sure this was the right decision, he made plans to attend a two-year certificate program in the fall of 2010.

The next step? Make room in the family budget. Here are the O’Leary family’s strategies for saving education money. They might work for you too!

1. Stockpile cash. By cutting spending, trimming down 401(k) contributions, and holding off on making contributions to their young daughters’ 529s, the family can put this money toward Kevin’s education.
2. Stay nearby. Consider local programs in your community to cut down on commuting expenses.
3. Plug tuition gaps. Check out education-specific saving plans and apply for federal loans and scholarships.

Have any other tips for fitting an education into your budget? Let us know what worked for you and your family!