Tired of a vacation job in a restaurant or cleaning? For students, there is a steady demand for tractor trailer drivers and forecasts that the job market is growing.

Data from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth shows trucking is one of the hottest careers in southeast Michigan. State analysts expect there will be about 720 jobs available for truck drivers each year through 2016. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report issued in 2008 forecasted a 13% increase -- from about 1.8 million to more than 2 million -- in jobs for truckers through 2018.

The demand seems obvious when explained by industry experts explain: Companies have to ship and receive products to keep the doors open. And, despite Michigan's troubled economy, businesses in many other states remain on solid financial ground and some are even expanding.

Being able to work in a variety of states is one of the things that makes driving a truck appealing, Students and others said. The money's not bad either -- an average of $18.52 an hour in southeast Michigan, according to state data.

People can get into the field in a matter of weeks, said Dave Jaraczewski, owner of Coast2Coast, the Marine City truck driving school.

It takes about three to four weeks to complete trucking driving school, which includes classroom and road training, Jaraczewski said. Then, students must pass a state test that includes a health exam, a written test and a driving test.

One thing students like about trucking is the room for advancement.

Most new drivers land jobs with companies. But, after earning some experience, it's not uncommon for drivers with solid track records to become dispatchers, managers or start their own businesses.

You may be interested in some of those opportunities, possibly not your career path but could lead to solid season employment.

Get out and see a bit.