If you’re ready to start working sooner without the cost of a four-year degree, vocational and technical certificates open the door to high-demand, well-paying careers — especially in Texas.
Trade schools like STVT (South Texas Vocational Technical Institute) offer career-focused training in industries where employers are hiring.
Here’s a breakdown of jobs you can potentially qualify for after earning a technical or vocational certificate in South Texas.
Skilled Trades Careers
Commercial Truck Driver (CDL)
- Program: CDL Training
- Time to complete: 4–8 weeks
- Average salary for heavy & tractor trailer drivers: $57,440
- Highlights: Average job demand, local and over-the-road options
HVAC Technician
- Program: HVAC & Basic Refrigeration
- Time to complete: 10 months
- Average salary for HVAC mechanics and installers: $59,810
- Highlights: Year-round work, strong need in hot Texas climate
Welder
- Program: Combination Welding
- Time to complete: ~10 months
- Average salary for a welder: $51,000
- Highlights: Work in oil, construction, and manufacturing industries
Healthcare Careers
Medical Assistant
- Program: Medical Clinical Assisting
- Time to complete: 13 months
- Highlights: Work in clinics, doctor’s offices, and outpatient centers
Dental Assistant
- Program: Dental Assisting
- Time to complete: 15 months
- Average dental assistant salary: $47,300
- Highlights: Growing demand, especially in urban centers
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
- Program: Medical Billing & Coding
- Time to complete: 15 months
- Average medical records specialist salary: $50,250
- Highlights: Some remote work options available
Technical Careers
Automotive Service Technician
- Program: Automotive Service Technician
- Time to complete: 13 months
- Average salary for automotive service technicians and mechanics: $49,670
- Highlights: Hands-on, diagnostic-driven career path
Choosing the Right Career Path
Ask yourself:
- Do I prefer working indoors or outdoors?
- Am I better at working with people or machines?
- How important is job flexibility or schedule?
Use these questions to help guide your choice — or talk to an STVT advisor who can help you map out your options.
South Texas Employers May Hire STVT Graduates
From hospitals in McAllen to trucking companies in San Antonio to welding shops in Brownsville, STVT has strong employer ties in the region.
View STVT Career Training Programs
FAQ: Careers After Trade School
Q: Can I start working right after graduation?
A: Yes. Most STVT programs are built to get you job-ready in 10–15 months.
Q: Are these jobs available locally?
A: Absolutely. South Texas has a steady demand for trades, especially CDL, HVAC, and healthcare positions such as clinical medical assistants.
Q: Do I need to take a licensing exam?
A: Some careers require certification exams, which STVT helps you prepare for.
