MG/YA – Exploring Jobs in the Skilled Trades

Kallen, Stuart A. Exploring Jobs in the Skilled Trades. Reference Point Press, 2023. 978-1-678-20336-8. 64 p. $32.95. Grades 6-12.

Exploring Jobs in the Skilled Trades focuses on six different jobs, all under the umbrella of skilled trades. Those jobs are auto service technician, solar photovoltaic installer, HVACR technician, electrician, nursery and greenhouse manager, and a wind turbine technician. The chapters on each of these jobs are set up the same with a few facts about the job at the beginning, an overview of the job followed by information about a typical work day, education and skills needed for each job, as well as information about potential pay and links to find more information about each job. At the end of the book, there are source notes, an index, as well as an interview with a wind turbine technician and a list of other jobs in the skilled trades area.

THOUGHTS: Overall, this is a very informative nonfiction book about upcoming jobs that don’t always require a four year college degree. This book would be useful in a middle or high school setting and would be good to use for display during career week. This would also be a good resource for guidance counselors as they are starting to help high school students figure out college choices.

331.11 Skilled Labor

Elem. – I Like Sports…What jobs are there?

Martin, Steve. I Like Sports…What Jobs Are There? Kane Miller EDC Publishing, 2020. 978-1-610-67088-1. 48 p. $15.99. Grades 3-6.

Many athletes and sports fanatics out there dream of being a professional and all of the fame and glory and riches that comes with it. In truth, as we know, the odds are minute to make it to that level, but that shouldn’t discount finding a career in sports that can combine passion and talent. This useful and well designed book by Steve Martin and illustrated by Tom Woolley aims to highlight 25 different jobs that elementary students may not consider when discussing careers. Each position has a short personal introduction, then a quick day in the life outline, and a great pros and cons list. The personas shown and sports mentioned are a diverse and inclusive mix across gender and racial lines. A sample of the featured jobs range from trainers to sports journalists and photographers to sports nutritionists, mechanics, and agents. With a perfect job match infographic at the end, aspiring athletes and fanatics may just find their way into the wide world of sports!

THOUGHTS: While I’m not seeing this as a series yet, I can see other books like this helping with career ready assignments. Further research links and databases could even help create a research assignment or poster project. I like the positive nature of the book and leaving athletes open to many opportunities and other skills such as math, health, and communications. Recommended.

796 Sports          Dustin Brackbill, State College Area SD