Growing Need For Skilled Trade Workers As Retirement Rates Increase
With the growing retirement rates of trade skill workers, Oklahoma and other states now have an abundance of unfilled positions in these areas. This includes automotive, diesel, HVAC/R, and welding. So, which trade skill jobs are in the most demand and which kind of skilled workers do we need? Follow along as we discuss the growing demand for Automotive Technicians, Diesel Technicians, HVAC-R Technicians, and Welders.
We Need Skilled Automotive Technicians
Employment of automotive technicians and mechanics is projected to grow 6% from 2016 to 2026. This is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is a great sign for any industry, except when there is a shortage of individuals skilled enough to fill these positions. What this really means is that the industry will continue to grow, but without skilled workers like you, there will be a massive shortage in individuals qualified to fit the positions.
Check out this video that explains the need for auto technicians and the benefits of the career.
We Need Skilled Diesel Technicians
Diesel techs enjoy many benefits including a higher salary than most skilled trades. So, why are employers having trouble filling diesel tech positions? Some people believe it is due to the overemphasis society puts on encouraging our youth to obtain a four-year degree. This leads to a shortage of highly skilled trade workers and creates a generation of individuals who are in debt and struggling to find work in their oversaturated field.
Check out these two resources and see what you think about the shortage of diesel techs.
- https://www.equipmentworld.com/diesel-technician-shortage-most-impacts-those-who-are-part-of-the-problem/
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/diesel-service-technicians-and-mechanics.htm#tab-6
We Need Skilled HVAC/R Technicians
Long story short, fewer workers means more open positions which in turn creates more job opportunities for skilled workers in these fields. HVAC/R techs know that their field means job security. The public’s need for heating, air, and refrigeration maintenance increases as the seasons change, meaning that the need for HVAC/R techs will never be satisfied. This has always been an asset to the profession but now borders on liability as HVAC/R companies struggle to find enough workers to meet their customer’s growing demands.
We Need Skilled Welders
As of 2017, the average age of a welder in the U.S is now 57 years old. Do you know what age most Americans retire at? According to the U.S. Census Bureau data on retirement, the average American will retire sometime between the age of 62 and 65. This means that most welders currently working are typically no more than 5 years away from retirement. This means that all of the welding jobs in America will slowly start having fewer workers willing and able to fill those positions. This is where you come in.
The OTC Advantage
You’ve seen the numbers, you know the workforce. In less than a year, you can be the skilled individual who takes advantage of this growing need for trade skill jobs. Thinking of the best way to grow your skills at a trade school and still snag those jobs in the growing job demand? Oklahoma Technical College offers intense and fast-paced training so that you can learn the right skills at the right time. You could be a college graduate in under a year! Don’t hesitate to get ahead of the game and jumpstart your career. Call us at 918.895.7500 to learn more!
