Top In-Demand Skilled Trades

You’ve probably heard about ongoing labor shortages in the U.S. economy. Skilled trade occupations are one group that’s currently in high demand. These job categories are usually defined by specialized knowledge and hands-on abilities, and these workers are the backbone of most construction and manufacturing enterprises. They repair electronic systems and machines of all sizes. Making sure that our homes and institutions have adequate plumbing, heating, and air conditioning is also their concern. And they keep the transportation sector running smoothly by repairing and maintaining our automobiles, buses, and trucks.

In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, students can study and apply these valued skills in trade school programs at Pennco Tech. Here, we’ll discuss some of these career paths.

Explore Trade School Program Careers

There’s no need for a four-year degree for most skilled trades jobs, and that means students at vocational schools pay less for tuition and are ready to work in a shorter time. Most trades programs last one or two years, and graduates are ready to start in entry-level positions. In some cases, apprenticeships or on-the-job experience may be required for certifications or licenses, but this varies from state to state.

In trade school programs, students can gain a thorough understanding of these occupations and develop practical skills that set them up to start satisfying and well-paid careers, such as:

Electricians and Service Technicians

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 7% growth for electricians through 2031. These professionals are integral to maintaining, installing, and replacing electrical power systems, from large grids to businesses and individual homes. The median wage for electricians in May 2021 was $60,040. The BLS projections for service technicians, such as electrical installers and electronic engineering technicians, show between 9,000 and 11,000 job openings per year during that period. Median wages for service technicians ranged from $61,760 to $64,640 in May 2021. Students interested in this field can enroll in the electrician program at Pennco Tech.

Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters

The BLS doesn’t project fast growth for plumbing and pipefitting occupations, showing a 2% increase through 2031. However, job openings are projected at 48,600 per year during that time. The median annual wage for workers in these skilled trades was $59,880 in May 2021. As infrastructure in the U.S. continues to age, repairs and replacements will become more urgent and common. The skills required for installing and repairing piping systems for water and sewage are crucial to overall growth in the economy and the well-being of citizens.

Students at Pennco Tech develop these skills in the Pennco Tech plumbing and heating technology program.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

With BLS projections at 5% growth through 2031, job openings for HVAC technicians are estimated at 40,100 per year. Both heating and cooling systems are crucial to modern life, providing comfort during hot weather and heat during the colder months. The median annual wage in these occupations was $48,630 in May 2021. Students can learn and develop skills in air conditioning, refrigeration, and heating in the trades school program at Pennco Tech.

Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics

The BLS projects about 73,300 openings for automotive service technicians and mechanics through 2031, estimating 5% growth. Transportation is how food and other goods are distributed throughout the U.S. What’s more, automobiles are how workers get to their job sites and school buses facilitate education for youth throughout communities. By continually improving their skills and learning new technologies, these technicians keep the economy moving. Students can specialize according to their interests in the automotive programs at Pennco Tech.

Jobs for Trade School Program Graduates

As baby boomers continue to age and retire from the workforce, job growth in the skilled trades may accelerate and expand. And with advances in renewable energy, methods of generating electricity are changing. Motor technologies, factory operations, and home energy systems all are affected by research and development, relying on the expertise of workers who are trained in modern practices. Graduates of trades school programs at Pennco Tech work in many different types of jobs, including:

• Home service technicians
• Utility workers
• Automotive and collision repair
• Diesel engine repair
• Construction sites of all sizes

Plumbing and pipefitting occupations that range from home repair to small government or large infrastructure projects are also possible options.

Our Trade School Programs in NJ and PA Welcome Student Diversity

Not only are energy technologies changing, but trade school programs are becoming more inclusive and diverse. We are proud of the girl power at Pennco Tech initiative, which fosters the growth of women in the trades. Veterans also benefit from our military-friendly school, as we assist service members in finding new careers or developing and certifying existing skill sets. And high school seniors who are accepted at Pennco Tech can receive $1,000 scholarships provided they apply the same calendar year they graduated. Our skilled trades programs are available at two campus locations, in Blackwood, NJ, and Bristol, PA.

In addition to these programs, our financial aid department assists all eligible students and our career services department helps students, graduates, and alumni along their career pathways.

Find Your Future at Pennco Tech

The valuable vocational training offered by Pennco Tech in Pennsylvania and New Jersey can be the starting point for an exciting career. Contact us for more information about trade school programs at Pennco Tech.