“Where Are You Going, A Guide to Careers and Occupations” in Washington State is a newly published guide that provides job seekers, parents and students with the latest news on more than 600 occupations, what they pay and the training programs available. Information also includes which colleges, universities, private career schools or community and technical colleges offer degrees or training in a specific field.

Highlights include:

• The number of computer engineers will grow by 15.2 percent between 2005-2010 with 894 openings per year. Average monthly salary, excluding benefits, ranges between $5,302-$7,703.
• The demand for painters in the same period will increase by 17.5 percent with 589 openings per year.
• Health sciences occupations are expected to grow by an overall average of 10.6 percent between 2005-2010. Monthly salaries vary greatly depending upon the career chosen, but dental hygienists can expect between $5,253 and $6,418 per month. Emergency medical technicians earn between $1,807-$4,068 per month and physician assistants from $5,199-$6,599.
• Future agricultural inspectors and scientists should plan on attending a public college or university, while those interested in being landscapers, pump operators or animal trainers can obtain training on-the-job or in high school/Skills Centers.
• Would-be announcers can attend either a public/private college, a private career school or one of the following community and technical colleges: Centralia, Green River, Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Bates, and Clover Park.

   “This is a very useful tool for anyone thinking about their future,” said Ellen O’Brien Saunders, executive director, Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, which published the 172-page booklet. “There is a skills and abilities assessment in the opening pages followed by career descriptions and what skills are required for entry-level positions. There is also advice on resume writing and how to search the web for jobs. With thoughtful planning, this booklet can help students and their families save training/education time and money.”

The booklet is available in pdf format at www.wtb.wa.gov or for a free copy, order on-line at wws2.wa.gov/prt/printwa/wsprt/default.asp.