The future looks promising for aspiring welders; heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC-R) technicians; electricians; construction workers; and other skilled trade workers. An aging workforce, a shortage of qualified candidates, and major investments in infrastructure and clean energy all combine to create significant demand in the skilled trade labor market in the coming years, creating a tremendous number of new job opportunities.
Pursuing the proper education and training is the most effective way to launch a rewarding career in any of the skilled trades. Understanding which skilled trades are in demand and why can help individuals determine the career path that best suits them.
What Are the Skilled Trades?
The term skilled trades is generally used to describe professions that require a specialized skill set and technical expertise and involve hands-on work or manual labor. Skilled tradespeople often use particular tools and techniques in their work to design, build, install, maintain, and repair structures and equipment.
Many skilled tradespeople are considered essential workers, as their jobs are critical to maintaining infrastructure and providing vital public services, such as running water, power generation, and transportation.
The skilled trades encompass a wide range of professions, spread across various industries. Examples of skilled trade jobs include:
- Welder
- HVAC - technician
- Electrician
- Construction equipment operator
- Carpenter
- Plumber
- Mechanic
Why Are Skilled Trades in Demand?
A number of skilled trade occupations are projected to see higher-than-average employment growth over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For example:
- Electricians: Employment of electricians is expected to grow by 6%, adding more than 49,000 jobs between 2022 and 2032. About 73,500 job openings for electricians are projected to be available each year, on average, during the same period.
- HVAC-R technicians: Employment of HVAC-R technicians is projected to grow by 6% over the decade as well, adding roughly 23,000 jobs to the workforce. The BLS forecasts that there will be approximately 37,700 job openings for HVAC-R technicians each year, on average, during that period.
- Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers: Although employment of welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers is projected to see limited net growth, the BLS projects that there will be more than 42,000 job openings for these professionals each year, on average, over the decade.
Other skilled trade occupations are expected to experience robust employment growth as well. The growing demand for skilled trade workers is being driven by several factors.
Too Few People Entering the Skilled Trades
There is a significant labor shortage in the skilled trades, largely due to the fact that not enough young people are pursuing these types of careers. This trend may be changing so now is great time to consider entering the skilled trades as a career. A recent survey conducted by Stanley Black & Decker revealed that 85% of young people saw value in a skilled trade career, but only 16% are likely to consider such a career.
Meanwhile, a 2022 data analysis performed by staffing agency PeopleReady found that roughly 40% of skilled trade workers are over 45 years old — and nearly half of those are older than 55. These folks will be aging out into retirement over the next decade or so, which will create entry opportunities for those with the skills employers are seeking.
A dearth of workers entering the skilled labor force, combined with the fact that many skilled trade workers are approaching retirement age, translates to increased demand.
Investment in Infrastructure
With the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021, the U.S. is set to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure improvements over the next decade. This includes funding to improve broadband internet access, repair and rebuild thousands of miles of highways and bridges, and enhance the nation’s clean energy capabilities. These projects will require a wide range of skilled trade workers to complete them, with estimates suggesting that the bill could create millions of new jobs across the manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors.
The Transition to Clean Energy
The push toward a clean energy future will require a vast number of skilled trade workers. According to McKinsey and Co., between now and 2030 the global renewable energy industry will need approximately 1.1 million more workers to build wind and solar plants, and another 1.7 million to operate and maintain them. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocates billions of dollars for various clean energy projects over the next several years, including $21 billion to enhance energy infrastructure and another $6.5 billion for energy efficiency improvements to homes, schools, businesses, and communities.
How Long Does It Take to Start a Career in the Skilled Trades?
The precise pathway to an in-demand career in the skilled trades varies by profession. Some roles require more training than others or involve obtaining certain credentials, including state licensure, which may impact the amount of time it takes to qualify for entry into the field.
However, every skilled trade profession requires specialized training. Fortis Colleges and Institutes offer training programs for a variety of skilled trades that balance traditional classroom instruction with practical learning experiences, allowing students to hone their technical skills and expertise in hands-on situations.
Electrical Trades
The Electrical Trades program at Fortis prepares students for a career as an electrician. In addition to teaching the fundamentals of electrical theory and production, the 48-week program emphasizes safe work habits and compliance with industry standards in its curriculum.
By helping students develop a core knowledge base and skill set, the program ensures they have a solid foundation that will remain valuable to employers even as electrical equipment and products evolve.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration
Students in Fortis’ HVAC training program learn how to install, service, and repair heating, cooling, and refrigeration systems. They’re also trained in using computer diagnostics to troubleshoot issues with these systems in commercial, industrial, and residential settings. The program coursework includes a focus on energy efficiency and green technology in the HVAC-R sector.
The program can be completed in about a year. The curricula helps students develop the skills and proficiencies that employers will require to pursue any of a number of careers, including as an HVAC-R technician, a licensed general contractor, or even an entrepreneur starting his or her own business in the field.
Welding
The Welding training program at Fortis exposes students to the foundational knowledge they need to enter this field. Through a combination of classroom and hands-on instruction, the program guides students through various welding techniques, teaches them how to read and interpret blueprints, and explores welding safety practices and procedures.
In as little as an academic year, students can develop the skills needed to launch their welding career, qualifying for roles such as industrial welder, welding inspector, welding fabricator, and quality control technician.
Electrical Systems Technician
The Electrical Systems Technician program at Fortis prepares students for a career working with low-voltage electrical systems, including those used in home security systems, telecommunications technology, and automobiles. Students in the program learn about national, state, and local regulations and building codes as well as industry-standard safety practices. Experiential learning is provided through laboratory activities that allow students to hone the skills they’ll need when working in the field.
The length of the program varies by location. At the Wayne, New Jersey, campus, students can complete the program in 48 weeks. Students in the electrical systems technician program at the Lawrenceville, New Jersey, campus can finish in as little as 36 weeks.
Gain the Skills to Launch a Rewarding Career in a Growing Sector
A combination of attrition, labor shortages, and sizable infrastructure investments have led to a surge in demand for skilled trade workers. Fortunately, the pathway to many of these careers is often shorter — and more affordable — than that for other occupations.
If you’re looking to launch a career in any of the skilled trades, consider taking the first step by enrolling in a Fortis skilled trade training program. Our programs balance classroom and experiential learning to help prospective electricians, welders, HVAC-R technicians, electrical systems technicians, and others develop the skills they need to launch their careers in this growing sector.
Discover how Fortis can help you start your professional journey in the skilled trades.
Recommended Readings
Benefits of Trade School: Why a Hands-On Skilled Trades Career Might Be a Good Fit
The Career Path for HVAC
Electrical Careers: Commercial, Industrial, and Residential