Programs in skilled trades take two or more years on average and lead students to lucrative-paying jobs, job security, great benefits and the opportunity to eventually become their own boss. These perks coupled with new cutting-edge technology have driven a new wave of individuals into the field.

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Enrollment in trade schools has increased 16% in the last year and continues to rise as people look for careers that offer job stability and don’t require student loans. Most centers offer certifications at a fraction of traditional four-year college tuition costs.

Training centers are now bursting with innovation and energy, free of outdated assumptions as a ‘lesser’ career path. In addition, they remain the safer option with the recent growth of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

AI is expected to eventually displace a significant number of workers in white collar fields while skilled trades occupations remain a very hands-on career. No AI program can weld a pipeline in the snow, frame a house or hang HVAC ductwork in tomorrow’s stadiums. 

USA Facts reports that 34.7 million people currently work in the trades, which is over 20% of the total working population. This number continues to rise with the everchanging infrastructure and population growth within the country.

The rapid expansion of metropolitan cities is increasing the forecast for commercial construction projects. The government spends hundreds of millions each year on these bids and each project requires a variety of tradespeople to complete. As these government jobs grow so does the need to upgrade the antiquated trades industry with new technology and recruit more talent. 

Trades are looking for technology to help modernize training programs and prepare students for success in today’s digital workplace. Solutions are growing, for example, schools can trade textbooks for iPads cutting down on excess materials and offering expanded remote learning opportunities for students.

Tradespeople can now learn using state of the art equipment and computer-based design, construction, and project management on a host of industry-specific software packages such as Connected Apprentice.

This change is being implemented across programs throughout the country because incoming students are digital natives and will use the same software programs upon graduation.

It no longer makes sense to teach construction design and methods from books when the industry’s new hires are handed devices on their first day.

Device-based training in a hands-on industry is beneficial for the new wave of students flocking to the construction industry because it equips future tradespeople with digital and physical toolsets to be successful in the critical labor force essential for making this country stronger.

Trade schools will continue upgrading their programs to satisfy the industry’s need for proficient and technologically skilled workers. As industry practices, regulations and available resources change rapidly, solutions like iPad-based training ensures that instructional programs can update over-the-air instantly rather than printing new textbooks.  

This change is one of the many transforming the trades industry and making it a better place for everyone.

About the Author

Steve Metzman is Founder and CEO of iBusiness Technologies, a mobile technology integrator partnered nationally with Apple.  Among iBusiness Technologies’ products is the Connected Apprentice which has become the standard for modernizing trade training centers.

The post How Tech is Transforming the Future of Skilled Trades Education  appeared first on Global Trade Magazine.