Job Zone One: Little or No Preparation Needed
Experience
Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these careers. For example, a person can become a waiter or waitress even if he/she has never worked before.
Training
Employees in these careers need from a few days to a few months of training. Usually, an experienced worker can show you how to do the job.
Education
Some of these careers may need a high school diploma or GED certificate.
Examples
These careers involve following instructions and helping others. Examples include food preparation workers, dishwashers, sewing machine operators, landscaping and groundskeeping workers, logging equipment operators, and baristas.
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Experience
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed. For example, it would help a teller to have experience working with the public.
Training
Employees in these careers need from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. An apprenticeship program may be available for these careers.
Education
These careers usually need a high school diploma.
Examples
These careers often involve using your knowledge and skills to help others. Examples include orderlies, counter and rental clerks, customer service representatives, security guards, upholsterers, and tellers.
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these careers. For example, an electrician must be in an apprenticeship for three to four years or have several years of job training. You may need to pass a test to get a license to do the job.
Training
Employees in these careers need one or two years of training. Both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers may be needed. An apprenticeship program may be a good choice for these careers.
Education
Most of these careers need vocational school training, on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Examples
These careers usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Job Zone Four: High Preparation Needed
Experience
Long term work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these careers. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work several years in the field to be qualified for the job.
Training
Employees in these careers need several years of work-related experience and training. Both on-the-job and classroom job training may be needed.
Education
Most of these careers need a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Examples
Many of these careers involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these careers. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Training
Employees may need some on-the-job training. However, the person will usually have the needed skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and training before starting the job.
Education
Most of these careers need a graduate school education. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Examples
These careers often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, neurologists, and veterinarians.
