With graduation around the corner, many seniors from the Class of 2025 are looking to their next steps. And university is the traditional path to take, however, we have seen that more people are looking into trades as a sensible and gratifying option. The trades are in high demand in sectors from construction, energy, manufacturing, and health, leaving skilled trades workers with stable and well-paying careers.
Among the most in-demand trades are electricians, HVAC technicians, welders, plumbers, and machinists. Steadfast as the baby boom generation continues to retire, demand for skilled trades is on the rise. Many older people who are still working in jobs are starting to retire, and there are far fewer young people to take their place. Many high school grads are opting for four-year colleges and passing on trades like these, creating smaller pools of people who can fill those jobs.
To help incentivize young people and new graduates to get into trades, the government has been trying to push and expand apprenticeship programs. These programs are appealing to people who don’t want to go to college because they promise a stable career with good benefits and pay. Another reason younger people are starting to get into trades is that you can go in with no prior experience and get paid to train.
In response to this need, the federal government is pushing to expand apprenticeship programs across the country. These programs aim to train over one million workers annually, especially in sectors using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. These initiatives provide students with paid, hands-on experience and a direct pathway into the trades.
Here in Belleville, Wayne County Community College District offers skilled trades programs that prepare students for certifications and real-world careers. There are also unions like the IBEW that pay you to go through an apprenticeship. These programs are ideal for those who want to avoid student loan debt while still gaining valuable skills.
As the Class of 2025 prepares to take the next step, the skilled trades offer a promising path forward. With high job demand, strong wages, and long-term career growth, trades are becoming a smart choice for students looking to build a successful future.