← Rocky's Repair Shop
Force for Wealth · The Career Side

You've got tools. There's a career behind every one of them.

Each badge you earn in Rocky's Shop maps to a real trade — work that pays well, hires fast, and lets you build something you can point at. Skip the student-loan question. Below: the careers your skills are already pointing toward, AND how to start training near you.

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PHIT · Programs Near You

Enter your zip code to find local training programs

The "Find Programs Near Me" button on every career card will open a real search of Career Tech Centers, trade schools, and apprenticeships within 25 miles of your zip — powered by the U.S. Department of Labor's CareerOneStop training finder.

The Hand Trades

From Level 1 · Basic Hand Tools

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Electrician

Avg $60,000–$110,000 · 4-yr apprenticeship

Wire homes, businesses, and renewable systems. One of the highest-paying trades — and the field is desperate for new apprentices.

Tools used: Screwdriver · Pliers · Wrench
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: 1-2 yr Career Tech Center electrical program → IBEW or IEC apprenticeship (paid, 4-yr) → journeyman license. Many start straight from a CTC at 18.
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Plumber

Avg $59,000–$100,000 · 4-yr apprenticeship

Pipes, fixtures, water heaters, drain systems. People always need a plumber. Steady work, no off-shoring.

Tools used: Wrench · Pliers · Screwdriver
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: 1-2 yr Career Tech Center plumbing program → UA (Plumbers Local) or non-union apprenticeship (paid, 4-5 yr) → journeyman license.
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Carpenter / Framer

Avg $50,000–$85,000 · 3-4 yr apprenticeship

Build the bones of homes, decks, framing, finish work. Be the person who literally puts a roof over families.

Tools used: Hammer · Saw · Drill · Level
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CTC carpentry program (1-2 yr) → United Brotherhood of Carpenters apprenticeship (paid, 3-4 yr) → journeyman card.
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Bicycle Mechanic / Shop Owner

Avg $32,000–$55,000 · entry to mid

Local shops, mobile repair, e-bike service. Grow into a shop owner or e-bike specialist as the industry booms.

Tools used: Allen · Wrench · Pliers
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: Park Tool School online ($199, self-paced) OR Barnett Bicycle Institute 2-week intensive → bike shop apprenticeship. UBI offers a full 6-week certification.
🛠️

Furniture Assembly Pro

$25–$60/hr (TaskRabbit, contract)

The gig that started during IKEA — now a real career for people who can read instructions and own a small kit.

Tools used: Allen · Screwdriver · Drill
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: No formal program required. Sign up as a Tasker on TaskRabbit or Handy after 18; pass background check. Some IKEA contractor programs provide manufacturer-specific training.
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Construction Estimator / Coordinator

Avg $58,000–$95,000

You don't have to swing the hammer to make great money in construction. Pros need people who communicate clearly and read drawings.

Built on: Communicating with the Pros
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: Associate's degree in construction management (2 yr) OR AGC/ASPE Certified Estimator credential. Many start as office assistants at GC firms and grow into the role.

Walls, Surfaces & Finishes

From Level 1.5 · Apartment-Ready Skills

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Drywaller / Plasterer

Avg $44,000–$72,000

Hang drywall, patch damage, smooth surfaces. New construction and restoration both need you.

Tools used: Patching · Sanding
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CTC building trades or drywall finishing program (1 yr) OR direct on-the-job training with a drywall contractor. Union path: IUPAT (Painters & Allied Trades) apprenticeship.
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Painter (House & Commercial)

Avg $40,000–$70,000 · own business potential

One of the fastest paths to running your own crew. Low startup, repeat customers, steady demand.

Tools used: Patching · Sanding · Painting
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: Start with PCA (Painting Contractors Association) training courses or a 1-yr CTC painting program. IUPAT apprenticeship for the union route. License rules vary by state.
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Wood Finisher / Refinisher

Avg $36,000–$58,000

Refinish floors, restore antiques, finish custom cabinets. A craft trade that's also a startable side business.

Tools used: Sanding · Finishing
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CTC cabinetmaking/woodworking program (1-2 yr) OR apprentice under a master finisher. Specialty: wood floor refinishing certification through NWFA (National Wood Flooring Assoc.).
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Restoration Tech (Fire/Water/Storm)

Avg $42,000–$68,000 · stable demand

Disaster restoration crews always need new hires. You patch, sand, prep, paint — and help families recover.

Tools used: Patching · Sanding · Painting
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: IICRC certification (a few weeks per specialty: water damage, fire/smoke, mold, carpet). Most companies pay for your training in exchange for a 1-2 yr commitment. Servpro, Belfor, PuroClean all hire entry-level.

Power Tools & Building

From Level 2 · Power Tools

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Solar Installer

Avg $48,000–$80,000 · fastest-growing trade

Mount, wire, and commission rooftop and ground solar. Federal credits keep this field hot.

Tools used: Drill · Wrench · Ladder safety
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: NABCEP PV Associate program (~6 months online, ~$1,500) → solar company hire → NABCEP PV Installer cert after 1 yr field experience → Master Installer. Some CTCs now offer solar tracks.
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Deck / Cabinet Builder

$45,000–$85,000 · own shop potential

Saws, drills, finish work — start in a shop, end up running your own.

Tools used: Saw · Drill · Finishing
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CTC cabinetmaking or carpentry (1-2 yr) → work for an established builder or cabinet shop → eventually take state contractor's license exam to run your own crew.
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Network / Cable Technician

Avg $50,000–$85,000

Install fiber, residential internet, business networks. Entry without a 4-yr degree, paid training programs.

Tools used: Cable & Wi-Fi Setup · Screwdriver
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CompTIA A+ and Network+ certs (~6 months self-study, ~$700 total) OR 2-yr associate in IT. Comcast/Xfinity, AT&T, Verizon all run paid 6-week field-tech training programs — apply directly.
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HVAC Tech

Avg $55,000–$90,000 · 2-yr program or apprenticeship

Heating, cooling, refrigeration. Year-round demand, no off-shoring, steady raises.

Tools used: Drill · Wrench · Multimeter
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: CTC HVAC program (6 mo to 2 yr) → EPA 608 refrigerant certification (required) → NATE certification (industry gold standard). Many techs are journey-level within 2-3 yr of starting.

Yard, Land & Outdoors

From Level 2 · Yard & Outdoor Power Tools

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Landscape Pro / Lawn Care Owner

$35,000–$120,000+ (own business)

The classic American small business. Start with one mower, end with a crew, a truck, and a route.

Tools used: Mower · Trimmer · Blower
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: Start with one yard. CTC landscape/horticulture program (1-2 yr) optional but builds the business side. NALP (National Association of Landscape Professionals) certifications add credibility.
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Arborist / Tree Care Tech

Avg $42,000–$78,000

Tree pruning, removal, health assessment. Certified arborist credentials open big commercial contracts.

Tools used: Trimmer · Saw · Climbing gear
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: Tree-care apprenticeship (3 yr experience required) → ISA Certified Arborist exam → specialty certs (tree climber, utility specialist). Some CTCs now offer arboriculture programs.
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Parks & Grounds Maintenance

$38,000–$60,000 · public sector benefits

City parks, schools, country clubs, college campuses. Stable, pension-eligible, year-round work.

Tools used: All of the yard suite
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: High school diploma + apply directly to your local Parks & Rec, school district facilities, or country club. Some 1-yr CTC turf/grounds programs add a leg up. Civil service tests for municipal jobs.
🌾

Landscape Designer

$45,000–$80,000

Plan the spaces other people build. A 2-yr horticulture degree + the field skills you already have.

Tools used: Design + every Level 2 yard tool
🚀 How to Get Started
Path: 2-yr horticulture associate's OR 4-yr landscape architecture degree (for the higher-end commercial work) → APLD (Assoc. of Professional Landscape Designers) certification. Some states license landscape architects.