5 jobs that won't be outsourced

5 careers that are here to stay -- even in a recession
Cherise Asato (Y!)
"We're restructuring the company." "We're heading in a new direction." "We need to cut costs." These are just a few of the lines that have been given to workers who have recently lost their jobs to outsourcing or job relocation. Protect yourself from a similar fate by choosing one of these 5 great-paying careers that can't be outsourced -- even in a recession:

• 1. Automotive technicians and mechanics repair and maintain automobiles, meaning this hands-on work would be pretty hard for someone in another country to do.

Training: A six month or one-year automotive repair certificate program or a two-year associate degree program. Note: Most employers require certification. Perks: A hands-on career working with cars, and according to Salary.com, a $32,100 median expected salary.

• 2. Teachers help children and adolescents develop intellectually and socially through hands-on instruction that can only be done onsite. With the U.S. Census Bureau projecting that some 56 million K-12 students will enroll in the 2009-2010 school year, teaching is a solid job that's here to stay.

Training: To start, earn your bachelor's degree from a teacher education program. If you already have your degree, try a one-year professional development program. Next, get licensed. Most states require it to teach in public schools. In some states, your next step will be to earn a Master's degree in education. Perks: For preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary teachers on a traditional school year schedule: a 10-month work year, 2-month vacations, and median annual earnings of $43,580 to $48,690, according to 2007 figures from the U.S. Department of Labor.

• 3. Physical Therapy Assistants work with physical therapists to assist in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered from injury or illness. The work involves using the power of touch to heal and inspire, which means that this work must be done locally.

Training: An accredited, two-year or four-semester physical therapist assistant program. Some states may have licensing requirements. Most states require that you pass a state exam and receive CPR and First Aid certification. When you're starting out, you'll most likely need to complete a minimum number of fieldwork hours. Perks: The satisfaction of knowing you've made a difference in another person's life and, according to recent Salary.com numbers, the potential to earn over $47,000 a year.

• 4. Electricians light up our lives by installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems and components. With work done onsite at our homes, offices, and factories, electrician jobs cannot be sent overseas.

Training: An electrician apprenticeship program, which can be found at many public and private vocational/technical schools. Note: In most states, electricians must also be licensed. Perks: A respected 9-to-5 job that pays well, over $50,000 per year on average, according to Salary.com.

• 5. Veterinary Assistants assist veterinarians in handling pets and nonfarm animals, administering medicine, and taking X-rays. Most animals can't travel far for their health care!

Training: A one-year veterinary assistant certificate program. Perks: The chance to work closely with animals, and according to Salary.com, a median expected salary of more than $26,000.