Skilled-Trade Programs See Boost in Enrollment

While many in the construction and home improvement industries anecdotally feel the pinch of not enough skilled-trade workers, the statistics back up those sentiments. The Associated General Contractors of America conducted a survey in September 2021 that found 89 percent of contractors had a difficult time finding trained workers. The survey also found that 61 percent of contractors had project delays because of workforce shortages.  

Fortunately, during a time when skilled workers are desperately needed, skilled-trade education programs are seeing increased enrollments as students pursue skilled trades instead of traditional college degrees. 

The increase in skilled-trade workers not only benefits the industry but the workers themselves. Workers in the skilled trades have their pick of jobs all over the country, and some are even earning more than their peers who have a four-year college degree, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

Pursuing an education in a skilled trade is also generally less expensive and takes less time than an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. Some skilled-traded companies will even pay for students to train while earning a paycheck in the field with internships, mentorships and work studies.