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Closing the Skills Gap Quickly for Great Careers

Updated | Julie Provost

Selecting a 2-Year Program that Prepares Students for Careers Quickly

At first glance, it may appear that the job market for technical trades is dismal. Take, for example, the field of production. Often victims of automation, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that over 282,000 jobs in the production field will be eliminated over time. However, even with this staggering statistic, there will still be more than 9 million jobs in the production field.

In some cases, a lack of industry job growth does not mean a lack of available jobs. Jobs created and current job openings are two (of many) factors to consider. Aging workforces are also a contributing factor that influences job availability.

For example, approximately 1/3 of aviation technicians in the private sector are over 50 years old and nearing retirement age.  As the aging population of technical trade professionals retires, who will take their place?

In addition to aging and retiring workforces, there is an increasingly smaller labor pool to fill these openings. According to the BLS, less than 50% of Americans are trained for “middle-skills jobs.” The National Association of Manufacturers estimates that over a decade, approximately 2 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled.

Filling the Talent Pipeline

Luckily, there are readily available solutions that benefit students, employees, and employers.

Collectively, employers and their education partners have been refocusing their emphasis from strictly 4-year bachelor’s degree options to include skills training at community colleges, competency-based programs, and apprenticeship programs.

Lockheed Martin is an excellent example, having developed an apprenticeship program in aerospace technology in collaboration with Eastern Florida State College at the Kennedy Space Center. Lockheed Martin is also partnering with Tarrant County College in Texas to train workers in aerospace manufacturing.

At institutions of higher education, schools are reformulating their measures of success. A past emphasis on a 4-year degree was once considered the ultimate end goal and the best viable career preparation.

But 2-year programs have gained in this area. With an emphasis on technical trades and middle-skill level jobs, closing the skills gap with a solid education in a 2-year program is finally recognized as an essential part of the educational pathway.

Careers and Short-Term Programs that Close the Skills Gap

Nursing

An associate’s degree in nursing will have an immediate return on investment. Nursing is reportedly the 3rd highest-paying associate degree at the time of publication. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average of over 175,000 openings for registered nurses are projected each year over a 10-year span.

Ready to start your degree in Nursing? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

    • Bay State College: Offers several 2-year degree programs, including an Associate of Science in Nursing (ADN) and an Associate in Nursing LPN to RN degree option. Bay State College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Bay State College participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.
    • Scottsdale Community College: Offers over 100 degree programs and more than 60 certificate programs.  Scottsdale Community College offers an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Nursing. Scottsdale Community College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Scottsdale Community College is approved for Tuition Assistance and is a MyCAA-approved school.
    • Lakeland Community College: Offers more than 140 degree and certificate programs, including an Associate of Applied Sciences in Nursing (RN). Lakeland Community College has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. Lakeland Community College is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Aviation Maintenance

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aviation Maintenance Technician jobs are projected to grow 11 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations. Additionally, approximately one-third of aviation technicians in the private sector are over 50 years old, resulting in more job openings as workers approach retirement age.

An Associate Degree in Aviation Maintenance prepares students for career opportunities with airlines, aircraft manufacturers, repair stations, depot overhaul facilities, private jet, charter services, corporate flight departments, and government agencies.

Ready to start your degree in Aviation Maintenance? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

    • Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University of Daytona Beach: Offers an Associate in Science in Aviation Maintenance Science (AMS). ERAU-Daytona Beach has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for both the CLEP and DSST exams. ERAU-Daytona Beach is approved for Tuition Assistance and participates in the Yellow Ribbon program.

Automotive Services (Technicians and Mechanics)

According to the BLS, jobs for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics are expected to grow by approximately 70,000 jobs per year over a decade. Even with this growth, there has been and will continue to be a shortage of Auto Service Techs and Mechanics due in part to the aging workforce of the Baby Boomer population.

This career field offers a variety of opportunities from employment at dealerships, repair shops, auto stores, and self-employment. Additionally, there are opportunities for fixed operations and executive positions such as Shop Foreman, Service Manager, Fixed Operations Director, and General Management.

Ready to start your degree in Automotive Services? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

    • Contra Costa College: Offers several certificates and degrees in Automotive Services, including an Associate of Science Automotive Service Technician and an Associate of Science Automotive Collision Repair Technology. Contra Costa College has GI Bill-approved programs and offers credit for military experience. Contra Costa College awards credit for the CLEP exam and is approved for Tuition Assistance.

Welding

The BLS estimates that approximately 50,000 jobs will be added each year over a decade. This is another industry that is expected to be significantly impacted by a higher number of retiring workers than the number of qualified workers entering the profession.

Ready to start your degree in Welding? Check out these great programs at our partner schools:

    • College of Siskiyous: Offers an Associate of Science Degree in Welding as well as a couple of Certificates in Welding. The College of Siskiyous has GI Bill-approved programs, offers credit for military experience, and awards credit for the CLEP exam.
    • College of the Redwoods: Offers a comprehensive Welding Technology program that provides training in commercial welding, industrial welding, and fabrication to prepare students for a career in a multitude of fields. This offers flexibility to switch industries without having to change careers. College of the Redwoods has GI Bill-approved programs and offers credit for military experience.

 

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About the author

Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.