A new year always evokes the spirit of a fresh start. If you're looking for a job or are considering a career change, now is the time to consider job opportunities.
Whether you're looking to change the pace of your current job or find the right career path, pursuing technical education opportunities can lead to professional and personal fulfillment.
Each February, the National Association of Home Builders and community industry leaders celebrate Career and Technical Education Month. CTE includes several fields such as information technology, advanced manufacturing, and construction. Additionally, this nationally recognized month spotlights the educational opportunities available to high school students, college students, and adults.
Attending a traditional four-year college is not for everyone. Also, those who already have a higher education certification can easily transition into a new CTE-related field. Acquiring technical skills doesn't require you to take on large educational debts and offers many benefits, including:
Enjoy promising career possibilities. According to a recent report from the Home Builders Institute, a significant portion of the construction labor market is approaching retirement age. The pending departure of many skilled home construction workers means promising employment prospects for CTE-trained professionals. According to analysis and projections of Bureau of Labor Statistics data by NAHB Economics, construction jobs average approximately 723,000 jobs per year.
Earn while you learn. Individuals are incurring huge amounts of debt to pay for four or more years of college. In the 2021-2022 school year, more than half of bachelor's degree recipients at public and private nonprofit four-year colleges graduated with debt. Their average debt level was $29,400, according to the College Board's 2022 Student Aid Trends Report. Technical education offers an alternative to a four-year college course without the burden of graduating with a huge debt. We also offer a number of 'earn while you learn' apprenticeships, so you don't have to wait until you complete your training program to start earning money.
Escape from your usual 9-to-5 life. Professionals working in this industry are problem solvers and critical thinkers. Every day brings new tasks and challenges that are ideal for CTE-trained individuals. For example, a critical thinker and detail-oriented person will excel as a home construction carpenter, ensuring materials are accurate. Someone with exceptional analytical skills is a quality found in professional electricians and plumbers, both of whom earn more than $60,000 a year.
Trading is for everyone. More women are entering the home construction industry across the country. According to NAHB analysis, the number of women employed in the construction industry has increased to more than 1.28 million in 2022. Women make up her 10% of the construction workforce and support networks are also expanding. For example, NAHB's Professional Women in Architecture Council offers a variety of professional development and networking opportunities.
For more information about CTE or a career in the local construction industry, contact the BIA of Stark & East Central Ohio at info@biastark.org.
Mike Thomas is the 2024 President of the Stark and East Central Ohio Building Industry Association.
