Building work force

Conventional wisdom states that the attainment of a college degree is a necessary step in a path to a successful and fulfilling career. With recent graduates unable to find jobs in their field of study and other’s struggling to complete degrees, reality tells a different story. Despite this reality, many high skill and high demand industries are facing significant workforce shortages.

It may be hard to believe that construction firms around the country are having difficulty finding skilled craftspeople to hire. The harsh truth is that baby boomers retiring and experienced workers changing careers, the construction industry will face a significant workforce shortage over the next five years. A renewed focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs can help provide students and adults with the skills to establish a lasting and successful career in construction.

CTE prepares students of all ages for a wide range of careers and further educational opportunities in the construction industry. The students in this area are fortunate to have The Lycoming Career and Technology Center to assist them in varying levels of education-including industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary certificates. There are apprenticeships and two-and four-year degrees to consider as well. With apprenticeship, in many cases, students are actually paid to learn a skilled trade.

Our country’s competitive advantage has always been its human talent. Career and technical education aligns skill development, job opportunities and workforce needs to support and cultivate our greatest natural resource. Let’s work together to build America’s skilled workforce for tomorrow.

David J. Remick