Curious about what’s happening right now in education?
Students are enrolling in vocational programs instead of going straight into a traditional four-year degree.
There was once a stigma surrounding trade school… But that’s changing.
Fast.
Vocational students now have:
- Marketable skills that will get them hired
- Educational options that allow them to enter the workforce quicker
- Career paths with room for growth
And…the need for skilled workers has never been greater. Students are realizing that going into vocational education isn’t a backup plan, it’s the best plan.
Let’s dive into why students are flocking to trade programs.
What you’ll pick up:
- Why Students are Surging Into Vocational Education
- HVAC Continuing Education and Why it Helps Career Development
- Why There Is a Huge Opportunity in the Skilled Trades
- What Makes Vocational Students So Marketable
Why Students Are Surging Into Vocational Education
Society has hammered home the necessity of earning a four-year degree.
Not anymore.
Students are beginning to realize that college isn’t always worth the cost. They’re watching tuition rise. Seeing friends stress about student loan debt. And graduating with no job prospects.
Nearly graduating.
They’re asking themselves…
“Is this really worth it?”
Many students are saying no. Instead, they’re opting to learn marketable skills in vocational programs like plumbing, electrical and HVAC. By completing HVAC continuing education through credible HVAC training classes, students gain the certifications and hands-on experience they need to jump into a workforce that needs them.
Enrollment at vocational campuses has seen growth for three straight years and by double digits.
The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center says enrollment at public two-year vocational colleges has increased by 19% since spring of 2020. Meanwhile, enrollment at four-year universities has remained nearly the same.
Where do you think that momentum is going to go?
Skilled Trades Are Leaving Behind a HUGE Opportunity
Here’s the best kept secret in vocational…
There are more skilled trade jobs available than there are workers to fill them.
This is especially true in the HVAC industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC job growth will increase 9% from 2023 to 2033. Job growth that’s above average when compared to all other occupations. That 9% growth equals about 42,500 openings every year.
42,500 openings and not enough technicians to fill them.
The HVAC industry has over 110,000 open positions for technicians as we speak. People are retiring, buildings aren’t stopping from being built and HVAC systems are getting more complex.
Anyone willing to jump into an HVAC career has a fantastic opportunity waiting.
Bold students who are willing to become HVAC technicians through HVAC continuing education will be placed into a career where employers are fighting over talent.
That should be every tradesperson’s dream. But it’s not the case for most people graduating with a traditional degree.
Why Vocational Students Are So Marketable
Employers want vocational students. And they’ll pay to hire them.
Why?
Simple. Here are three reasons…
They Already Have Job-Specific Skills
Four years of school learning about things that may or may not help with a career. No thank you.
Vocational students learn hands-on skills during their education. They don’t just read about how to install or repair something. They do it.
By the time vocational students graduate they’ve already worked on real systems. That’s exactly what employers want to see.
Hands-on experience they can’t learn in a classroom.
Students Graduate With Less Debt and Enter the Workforce Sooner
Trade school costs about half the money a normal university does.
Most trade programs can be completed within six months to two years. Allowing students to jump into their field making a full-time income long before their peers.
That’s a huge benefit.
Traditional students are lucky to land a job in their field after graduation. And if they don’t…They’re stuck. In debt.
Whereas vocational students can hit the ground running and immediately pay off their student loans.
Not to mention, HVAC technicians average around $60k yearly income. Some make much more with the right HVAC continuing education.
Vocational Students Are Obtaining Industry Certifications
Trade programs go above and beyond to ensure students are preparing for certifications they’ll need in the workplace.
HVAC technicians need EPA 608 and NATE certifications to show they can skillfully work on HVAC systems. Many companies require technicians to have these certifications before they’ll hire them.
Companies want technicians who have HVAC continuing education under their belt.
They don’t just prefer it. They need it.
That’s why HVAC continuing education is so important. Staying certified is essential for anyone going into a trade.
Getting Started In The Trades
Becoming a vocational student is pretty simple. Here are the typical steps…
- Look into programs that fit the right goals
- Pick an accredited trade or vocational program
- Complete the program (typically 6 months to 2 years)
- Get certified in the chosen trade
- Start earning money in a new career
Vocational school isn’t hard to understand. There’s no need for a four-year degree that doesn’t deliver results. And students who graduate save thousands.
Already in the trades? Always looking to improve?
HVAC continuing education is a must. The field is always advancing with new technology like smart systems, refrigerants and energy efficiency.
Technicians will need to stay educated to grow their career.
Conclusion
Here’s the deal with vocational schools…
There was once a stigma around vocational jobs. Trade programs were for students who didn’t want to or couldn’t “finish” college.
That’s not the case anymore. Students are flocking to trade programs because they allow them to:
- Get into the workforce quicker than a 4-year university
- Gain skills that will land them a job immediately after graduation
- Choose a career path that they enjoy
Vocational schools have seen triple digit growth over the past three years. Trade jobs, like HVAC, are starving for qualified workers. And students who graduate with the right certifications are going to be more than prepared to hit the ground running.
For anyone looking for a career change or just starting out… Don’t overlook the opportunity that vocational programs have to offer.
Stigma? Dead. Opportunity? REAL.. and students who take action now will be set for life.
