If you’ve been working as a manual laborer, you already know the useful traits you bring to the table. These skills you’ve built up over the years will become essential throughout your IT training program and your career change. Manual laborers are hardworking team players who understand the value of good communication, all of which play a daily role in the tech world. You may even have experience with some technology yourself that will give you a jumpstart on the field.
Whether you are looking for alternative careers for carpenters, construction workers, mechanics, or landscape architects, a transition into the IT industry is for you.
What Are Entry Level IT Roles for Former Manual Laborers?
While entry level IT jobs with no experience may seem uncommon, there are actually many entry level tech roles that you can break into with just by touching up your knowledge and technical skills.
A career in information technology can be in your future. Here are a few entry level roles we recommend looking into:
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- IT Support Specialist
- Computer Technician
- Help Desk Technician
- NOC Technician
Cybersecurity Specialist
Security support specialists are essential to any organization, as they are responsible for overseeing and managing the company’s security. They must be highly skilled in safeguarding information from cyber threats and in monitoring for any suspicious activity. Learn more about Cybersecurity Specialists.
IT Support Specialist
IT Support Specialists play a core role in organizations by providing information technology support. This can look like answering questions and resolving technical issues, troubleshooting problems and maintaining software, and improving IT systems. Learn more about IT Support Specialists.
Computer Technician
Computer Technicians help set companies up for success. A regular day may look like installing computers, printers, or software and working on managing the organization’s network and equipment. Learn more about Computer Technicians.
Help Desk Technician
Help Desk Technicians help keep the system running smoothly by managing communications between the end user and the rest of the IT team. Sorting support tickets, diagnosing problems, and guiding customers to where they need to go is a glimpse into their day-to-day. Learn more about Help Desk Technicians.
NOC Technician
NOC Technicians also known as Network Operations Center Technicians keep operations up and going by keeping an eye on user incident and outage reporting and then providing resolutions as needed. This could look like direct support to the customer or implementing or repairing firewalls, routing, or remote access protocols. Learn more about NOC Technicians.
How to Transition Out of Manual Labor and Into the Office
Training is critical for any professional job. It helps you build the skills needed to become efficient in your new role and gives you hands-on opportunities to learn about the field before starting. Transitioning from manual labor work to the technology field may seem difficult but we’re here each step of the way. Our program prepares every Centriq student for a lifelong IT career. We include everything you need to know so that your first day on the job doesn’t come as a surprise.
Benefits of an IT Career
Switching from a manual labor job to an IT career can be a game-changer. Here are a few compelling reasons to make the move:
- Job Opportunities & Stability
- Flexible Schedule & Remote Work Availability
- Growth Opportunities
Job Opportunities & Stability
The IT industry is booming with job opportunities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in computer and information technology were projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032. Every company needs a strong IT team, making it a stable and essential field.
Flexible Schedule & Remote Work
Unlike manual labor jobs, many IT positions offer flexible schedules and remote work options. In IT, you can often work from home, which means no more lost wages due to bad weather, car trouble, or needing to care for a sick child. Plus, IT jobs are generally less physically demanding, making them accessible if you have a disability or injury.
Growth Opportunities
The IT industry offers significant growth potential. With hard work and skill development, you can advance from roles like IT Support Specialist to IT Technician, IT Network Manager, and even IT Director. The career ladder in IT is well-defined and rewarding.
Making the switch to IT not only opens doors to more stable and flexible work but also provides a clear path for career advancement.
Manual Labor Skills That Are Useful in IT
Manual laborers have more overlap with the technology industry than you would think, making the career change from, say electrician to IT specialist much smoother than expected. IT careers involve focus, teamwork, and dedication- all traits that you are very familiar with.
Additionally, construction jobs work on project timelines much like IT does and involve following the process through from the beginning to the end. Mechanics work in fast-paced environments that involve adapting to whatever new problems come through the door, similar to the life of a technical support specialist. Plumbers, equipment operators, welders, and many others all work together to ensure a job is done efficiently and correctly, much like how IT technicians and specialists collaborate to work in tandem with one another on projects.
More transferable skills include:
Problem-Solving Skills: Quick thinking to solve practical problems, valuable in IT troubleshooting and debugging.
Attention to Detail: Precision and accuracy to ensure tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
Time Management: Managing tasks and deadlines, essential for IT project management and task prioritization.
Teamwork and Communication: Collaboration and clear communication for coordinating with IT colleagues and clients.
Leadership and Resourcefulness: Leading teams, managing projects effectively, and making the best use of available resources.
Now, what about an IT Career Program?
A few months is all it takes to step into a new industry. Our curriculum is focused on networking, systems, and security to provide optimal IT network support. This is a strategic path towards your first day at your dream job
Cybersecurity Specialist Program (CSSP)
Learn more about our Cybersecurity Training Program.
Full Stack Coding Program
Learn more about our Full Stack Developer Training Program.
Final Thoughts
Thinking About Changing Careers?
If you have any additional questions after reading this blog, visit our FAQ page or give us a call!