Some jobs never go out of style. Rain or shine, recession or boom, these perennial professions are always in need of a few good workers. Train for a high-demand job, and build the career skills that will keep you employed for a lifetime.1. Teacher
Education is a required rite of passage in the U.S. and a reliable source of jobs for teachers. The school system can't get enough teachers in the classroom -- especially in inner city and low-income rural areas. Math and science, foreign language, and bilingual skills are in especially high demand.
K-12 teachers qualify for the job with a bachelor's degree in any field, plus a teacher training program. To work in the public school system, you'll also need to pass a state licensing exam. Some states require teachers to complete a master's degree in education within the first few years on the job.
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Spotlight: special education
For even more job security, opt for a one-year special education teacher training program. Special education teachers will see a 15 percent increase in employment through 2016, making this one of the highest-demand education professions.
Salary: $54,390
2. Accountant
Accounting was already a sure bet before increased accounting and auditing regulations transformed the landscape for financial professionals. Today, demand for accountants is stronger than ever. The profession is set to grow nearly 20 percent through 2016. Accountants prepare and analyze financial information for companies and public agencies. They guide budgeting and investment decisions and ensure compliance with reporting and accounting requirements.
A bachelor's degree in accounting can land you a job as an accountant or auditor. To advance in the field, accountants may pursue certified public accountant certification or complete a master's degree in business or accounting. These programs are available online, putting them within reach for working professionals.
Spotlight: internal auditing
Renewed government scrutiny of corporate finances will drive demand for qualified internal auditors, according to the Department of Labor.
Salary: $65,840
3. Sales representative
Few workers play as direct a role in a company's revenue as sales representatives. Companies rely on a skilled sales force to represent their products or services in the marketplace. Technical or scientific sales offer some of the best opportunities in the profession.
Sales representatives typically enter the workforce with a bachelor's degree. Though many employers prefer a business degree, any undergraduate degree program offers the necessary training in communication and analytical skills. Technical or scientific sales careers may require education in a related scientific field.
Spotlight: pharmaceutical sales
"The pharmaceutical industry is among the largest, most stable, and fastest growing businesses in the entire world," writes industry veteran Anne Clayton. The industry supports legions of sales reps to call on medical professionals and pays them substantial commissions.
Salary: $79,260 -- varies based on commissions
4. Paralegal
The legal profession is steadily shifting more and more responsibility from attorneys to legal support staff. As a result, paralegals can expect even more job security than the lawyers they assist. The Department of Labor is projecting 22 percent growth through 2016.
An associate degree in paralegal studies qualifies you for a paralegal career. If you already have a bachelor's degree in another field, you can launch your career with a paralegal certificate. Both programs are available online.
Spotlight: e-discovery specialist
Law firms are increasingly relying on computer applications to manage the documents and data involved in a typical legal case. E-discovery specialists develop the technical skills to use these applications, often sifting through millions of pages worth of material to find information relevant to a particular case.
Salary: $48,790
5. HVAC technician
Technicians occupy a safe corner of the skilled trades, immune to outsourcing and other job-destroying phenomena. HVAC technicians are trained to install and service heating, air conditioning and refrigeration equipment. Residential homes, factories, hospitals, office buildings and even shipping vehicles rely on climate control technology, creating a stable job market for technicians.
Advances in HVAC technology have raised the bar for technical education. Vocational schools and colleges help technicians rise to the challenge with specialized HVAC technician programs. Available online, these programs may take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.
Spotlight: boiler inspector
HVAC technicians can increase their earnings and job security by specializing in boiler inspection. Regular inspection plays an important role in maintaining and ensuring the safety of hot-water boiler systems.
Salary: $42,240
6. Corrections officer
Crime only pays when you're on the right side of the bars. Corrections officers enjoy unparalleled job security in return for overseeing prison inmates. According to the Department of Labor, "Layoffs of correctional officers are rare because of increasing offender populations." Corrections officers are trained to enforce security and prison policies.
At the federal level, corrections officers must have a bachelor's degree. A criminal justice program offers the best foundation for advancement into a supervisory role.
Spotlight: High-security corrections officer
Corrections officers who work in high-security facilities rely on surveillance equipment to monitor prisoner activity from a central control center. Since they deal with particularly volatile inmates, high-security officers must pursue additional training.
Salary: $41,340
7. Computer support specialist
Our wired world relies on an army of technical support specialists. Though some tech support is gravitating offshore, there's no replacement for a direct, on-site maintenance crew.
An associate or bachelor's degree will help you build the career training for a computer support role. Degree programs in computer science and information systems offer a comprehensive introduction to the technology that underlies so much of commerce and daily life.
Spotlight: computer security specialist
Data security is emerging as a top priority among IT managers. As a computer support worker, you can expand your career opportunities with training in IT security measures.
Salary: $46,370
Change may be a constant for most professions -- especially with the economy in the grip of recession. With the right career training, you can create a solid foundation of skills and say goodbye to job instability.
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