As the third largest export center on the West Coast, Portland, Oregon boasts a $12 billion import and export industry supported by shipping, aviation, highways, and rail. The city offers a number of career opportunities relating to mechanics, logistics, engineering, and information technology, making Portland a major employment outlet for trade-specific technical schools and trade schools offering certificates, diplomas and degre in the region. However, shipping and transportation related training are not the only industries that offer career opportunities after vocational training. Since World War II, Portland has earned a reputation as a major high-technology hub, with more than 1,200 companies springing up over the past sixty years. Computer technicians, IT support staff, data processors, software programmers, and hardware technologists represent but a fraction of the potential job opportunities available once students complete the requisite courses at one of Portland's trade and technical schools. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the following number of jobs held in May in the Portland-Vancouver-Beaverton area:
- Manufacturing. 118,000
- Information. 23,000
- Education and Health Services. 135,000
- Trade, Transportation, and Utilities. 193,000
Portland Trade Schools and the Economy
With a population of 575,930, Portland is the most populous city in Oregon. Several large companies have their headquarters and manufacturing operations in the Portland-Beaverton area. Along with technology and manufacturing, the health care industry in Portland offers numerous career opportunities. According to HUD, the median family income in Portland was $63,800 in 2007. The BLS reports the following median hourly wages:
- Computer Support Specialists. $19.96
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians. $28.42
- Physical Therapist Assistants. $21.75
- Chefs and Head Cooks. $17.04
Portland also enjoys a thriving tourist and convention trade. Portland welcomed approximately 9.6 million visitors in 2008. Along with manufacturing, health, and information jobs, Portland trade and vocational schools offer students the opportunity to train for tourism-based jobs as well.
