We have a skills gapâlocally and across the country. It is a gap where good-paying jobs remain vacant because we donât have enough candidates with the skills necessary to fill them; and these jobs donât necessarily require a college degree. In fact, middle-skill jobsâthose that require at least a high school diploma but less than a four-year degreeâaccount for majority of job openings into the foreseeable future.
Today, thereâs a high demand for workers in the manufacturing and construction fields, with skills such as machinist, electrician, welder, and building trades. High-tech manufacturing careers offer excellent wages, solid benefits, and the chance to pursue a worthwhile career. Unfortunately, there is the lingering negative perception by many parents, school counselors, and students, that trade school or BOCES is the thing you did if you were not cut out for college. Ironically, those with the right technical skills and some additional training are earning more than many of their peers with college degrees.