If you're a high school graduate or mid-career changer considering vocational schools and technical schools in the Southwest, Tuscon, Arizona should be at the top of your short list. The city earns high marks for employment opportunities in such meaningful industries as aerospace and defense, bioscience, solar, and transportation and logistics. Tourism also plays a pivotal role for trade school grads looking to ply their skills, bringing in $2 billion per year and over 3.5 million visitors annually. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, here are a few of the Tucson industries offering big opportunities to graduates of vocational schools:

• Trade, Transportation, and Utilities at 56,800 jobs
• Manufacturing at 26,300 jobs
• Professional and Business Services at 48,400 jobs
• Education and Health Services at 57,800 jobs
• Leisure and Hospitality at 39,500 jobs

The Tucson, Arizona Economy

The estimated population of Tucson in 2008 was 525,529 over 195.1 square miles. Major employers in the area include aerospace and defense companies, solar energy firms, and environmental organizations. With respect to salary potential, the following trade and vocational careers clocked in at some very respectable numbers:

• Electrical engineer at $67,482
• Senior software engineer at $82,714
• Retail store manager at $39,833
• Mechanical engineer at $63,205
• Elementary school teacher at $32,753

The bottom line is that graduating from vocational schools, trade schools, or technical schools in Tucson, Arizona can make the transition from classroom to career meaningful to you. The globally connected economy and ample employment opportunity make for a promising future.