Introduction

As a country, we’re now a year into the COVID-19 pandemic. The skilled trade sectors have remained strong during the economic fallout. While other sectors have struggled, trade companies have seen steady growth. As the pandemic rages on trade industries like healthcare, HVAC/R, commercial trucking, and more have never been more in-demand.

The Skilled Trade Gap

Before the pandemic, there was a growing skilled trade gap in America’s workforce. A “skilled trade gap” refers to demand outweighing the supply of trade workers.

For decades the number of people entering the skilled trades has been lower than the number of people leaving or retiring. According to recent info from the , on average about 7,000 electricians join the field each year while 10,000 retire from it.

What Caused The Skilled Trade Gap?

There are several factors that contribute to the decline in skilled trade people’s numbers.

The most common include:

• The aging of the Baby-boomer generation.
• Economic recessions.
• The focus society has put on young people getting a 4-year college degree.

There’s also a general lack of information provided to the public about the skilled trades.

Most people don’t know how easy it is to enter a trade school or career college. Or, that most career training programs are eligible for financial aid. Trade school tuition is also cheaper compared to a 4-year college.

The Consequences (And Benefits) Of A Skilled Trade Gap

Industry professionals have been worried for years about the consequences of the shrinking population of skilled trade workers. As fewer people enter the trade sector, the squeeze on consumers will be felt more and more. Increased prices, long delays in service, and slow progress are some of the consequences that are seen.

But, there are some benefits to the skilled trade gap. Demand for skilled trade work remains high. As a result, job security for skilled technicians increases. Wages rise to entice new talent. And, companies have room to grow to meet the demand.

That’s why trade schools like Âé¶čAV (Âé¶čAV) have been working diligently to train folks for a life-long career in high-demand skilled trade sectors. Âé¶čAV provides hands-on training from industry professionals. Students learn the ins and outs of their field and are supported long after graduation.

Demand During A Pandemic

When the pandemic reached the US in 2020, states began to shut down. Hundreds of thousands of people were furloughed or laid-off from their jobs. Businesses closed and markets dipped. But, the trade industries saw a surge in demand.

When grocery store shelves were empty across the country, commercial truckers saved the day. Drivers were needed to transport huge amounts of goods so shelves could be restocked. People were also ordering more products online, increasing shipping demands to levels never before seen.

Since the virus is airborne, indoor heating, cooling, and ventilation technicians become vital. Businesses who wanted to stay open during lockdowns turned to HVAC/R technicians to keep indoor areas ventilated. People were also spending more time indoors which put more stress on heating and cooling systems.

Most notably, however, was the need for skilled healthcare workers. Phlebotomists were needed for taking blood samples. CMA’s were needed to help doctors treat patients. And, medical office professionals were needed to handle the boom in insurance claims and payments.

A found that the trade sectors saw double, even triple-digit growth after the pandemic hit. While many businesses were shuttering their doors and unemployment claims were piling up, skilled trade industries saw growth.

When local governments started to issue lockdown orders non-essential businesses had to close their doors to the public. Many trade services were deemed essential to society and could stay open. Now, skilled trade workers enjoy an added sense of job security knowing that their jobs are essential during a crisis.

The Post-Pandemic Skilled Trade Outlook

With COVID-19 vaccines circulating across the globe, we’re nearing the pandemic finish line. But, the damage has already been done. Unemployment numbers across the country are still high. Businesses are still struggling to stay open.

When disaster strikes, one of the worst things that can happen is a loss of income for one or more members of a household. That’s why it’s important to know you have job security. Trade careers offer security, and more.

Start a career in an in-demand industry within a year. Âé¶čAV provides career training programs for a fraction of the cost of a typical 4-year university. Learn how to master your trade field with hands-on training. Learn on your schedule with Âé¶čAV’s flexible scheduling and hybrid classes.

Schedule an appointment to talk with an Admissions Advisor today. Find out how Âé¶čAV provides career training for a better life. Or, fill out an application on our website.

For many years, CDL drivers have been required to pass a regular health examination from a medical professional. Commercial drivers are also required to carry proof that they passed their exam (usually a certificate) whenever they operate a commercial vehicle. The medical exam requirement itself isn’t changing. But, the way that a driver obtains that certification is being tweaked.

The previous rules and regulations

Previously, drivers were allowed to use any doctor they wanted to perform their exam. It didn’t matter what kind of doctor signed off on the exam, and it wasn’t a matter of concern for the FMCSA. Their only concern was that a driver could provide proof that they passed the DOT (Department of Transportation) physical exam. This meant that a doctor, a dentist, or even a podiatrist could issue the exam.  

There were also no limitations on how frequently an exam could be administered. That meant that if a driver failed an exam, they could just go to a different doctor the next day for a passing grade. Some doctors even allowed drivers to retake the exam multiple times before giving the final grade. So, drivers with borderline medical conditions like high blood-pressure could fail and then pass on the same day or very soon after.

New rules and regulations

With the new rules, the process of giving and receiving a physical exam has gotten more difficult. The FMCSA is taking more control over who can perform the exam. They’ve created the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. This is a list of licensed doctors who have been certified to administer the test. Drivers who need to find a licensed doctor can find a complete list here:

Since doctors need to be registered, drivers also have to register their certificates with the state that issued their license. Failure to register could result in suspension or revocation of the license. Drivers must also report to the state whether they’re operating in interstate or intrastate commerce. They also have to indicate if they’re an exception to the exam. Exceptions usually include individuals who drive fire trucks, school busses, etc.  

If a driver fails the physical exam the FMCSA requires that the problem be corrected before they can drive again. The driver may have to report to their personal physician for help correcting the issue.

Medical Assistant Positions Available

A quick search for Medical Assistant positions on Indeed.com returns nearly . Just phlebotomist? More than . Of course, Indeed is just one piece of the puzzle, but it’s great snapshot at your potential options.

Digging deeper into Maine’s economy, according to a recent study by the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Educate Maine, the need for healthcare jobs will continue to rise in Maine. Let’s take a closer look.

The first piece to consider is that while healthcare jobs require an important skillset, many do no require 4-year college degrees. Even if you are interested in earning an advanced degree in the medical field, specifically nursing, you may be faced with full courses and long wait lists. We’ve heard this from many of our students who simply cannot wait that long to get started.

The Employers’ Dilemma

It’s certainly an interesting dilemma. Think of it from the employer side: the positions are open, but the skilled workers aren’t available. They’re ready to hire. Along with the stats we noted from Indeed, annually in Maine, employers are looking to fill more than 450 medical assistant positions. You could be ready for one of those jobs. And, if you start your career with a company, you may have an opportunity for additional training with them and the chance to move to a higher paying job. Overall, there are projected to be about 5,800 annual openings in Maine in the health care sector, with an average salary of about $65,000.

You may have heard reports of stagnant job growth predicted for Maine, but you have to look beyond the headlines. And, when you look closer, you realize that you have options. When it’s your time, we encourage you to contact us to start your new career in the healthcare field.

Âé¶čAV and XPO Logistics announce a partnership to support the education and placement of exceptional truck drivers.

A key point of the partnership is a tuition reimbursement for Âé¶čAV students. Additionally, the partnership will help ensure that graduates of Âé¶čAV’s Commercial Truck Driving program will gain employment in an industry in need of qualified drivers.

Âé¶čAV students and graduates are eligible for the following benefits:

• Up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement for qualified driver graduates who are hired as an XPO driver.
• Tuition scholarships for qualified candidates who join the XPO team.
• Access to driving jobs at the largest Logistics company in North America with more than 400 operating locations.

“Ensuring our graduates have career opportunities after graduation is of the upmost importance to us,” said Jim Liponis, President Âé¶čAV. “Partnering with great companies like XPO Logistics helps make those opportunities a reality.”

XPO Logistics is a $16B, Fortune 200 company and top ten global provider of transportation and logistics solutions. They serve more than 50,000 customers with an integrated network of 1,469 locations in 34 countries. The bedrock of the company is the people: more than 95,000 employees operating as one cohesive organization with a single-minded focus on customer service. To learn more about the company, go to .

Founded in 1995, Âé¶čAV is the region’s leading provider of short-term,  career focused training. With campuses in Scarborough, Bangor, and Lewiston, courses are offered in health care, information technology, commercial truck driving, HVAC/R, and manufacturing. Âé¶čAV’s programs are accredited through  The Council on Occupational Education.

Commercial truck driving classes are offered in Scarborough and Bangor. Click here for start dates.

When you think about financial aid, it’s often thought of in terms of loans. However, our financial aid advisors can also point you to grants and scholarships.

Our most popular scholarship option is our own Charlie Liponis Scholarship, which  commemorates the life and contributions that Charlie Liponis made to education during his five decades of helping students achieve their goals through career education. In 2017, we awarded more than $79,000 in scholarships across all our programs.

We also direct many of our students to the  (FAME). FAME is a valuable resource for K-12 and higher education professionals – anyone who helps students access and pay for higher education.  FAME works for Maine students and families, adult and returning students, military families and college students. Through FAME, our students received more than $25,000 in 2017.

If you’re a veteran, you could eligible for educational benefits from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

In short, there are many ways to pay for school. We’ll help you find your best option. Contact us today to get started.

Scarborough, MEñ€”Superior Carriers and Âé¶čAV announce a partnership that will help to connect trained workers with in-demand truck driving jobs.

Estimates state that the trucking industry will need to hire nearly 90,000 new operators in the next decade just to maintain the current workforce. All the while, new positions are being created nationwide. With 25% of today’s drivers age 55 or older, younger drivers are needed to take their place. The majority of new-hires will be entry-level workers, and the number continues to rise.

With those market conditions, it was natural for Superior Carriers and Âé¶čAV to formalize a partnership, which will allow for a smooth pipeline of students to employees for the trucking industry.

“It is a natural partnership as Âé¶čAV offers outstanding training for entry-level drivers. In addition, our robust training programs build on that base to complete the preparation for the next generation of drivers.” Nedal Awada, Regional Vice President – Atlantic Region

Âé¶čAV offers Maine’s only Nationally Accredited  CDL truck driver training. Offered at the Scarborough and Bangor campuses, the Commercial Truck Driver program provides students the knowledge and skills necessary to obtain their CDL license (A) and gain employment as entry-level truck drivers. The real-world CDL training consists of behind-the-wheel practice at a driver training yard as well as driving in all country and city environments.

https://youtu.be/xsmlskoc5Zc

“We not only want our students to graduate to new careers, but to ensure those are long-term careers with the best companies,” said Jim Liponis, President of Âé¶čAV. “Partnering with Superior Carriers does both, and we’re excited to work with them on a closer level.”

The next Commercial Truck Driving classes start on July 30 at both the Scarborough and Bangor campuses.

Providing innovative solutions to our customers since 1940, Superior Carriers is a leading provider of bulk truck and transloading services for the chemical industry. In 2017, Superior Carriers delivered 4.5 billion pounds of products to the United States, Canada, and Mexico while driving more than 56 million miles. More information at .

Founded in 1995, Âé¶čAV is the region’s leading provider of short-term,  career focused training. With campuses in Scarborough, Bangor, and Lewiston, courses are offered in health care, information technology, commercial truck driving, HVAC/R, and manufacturing. Âé¶čAV’s programs are accredited through  The Council on Occupational Education.

Âé¶čAV donates a portion of its application fees to a local charity, and, once again in 2018, Camp Sunshine was the recipient.

Founded in 1984, Camp Sunshine provides retreats combining respite, recreation and support, while enabling hope and promoting joy, for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families through the various stages of a child’s illness. Camp Sunshine’s program is offered year-round and has the distinction of having been designed to serve the entire family in a retreat model. The program is free of charge to families and includes on-site medical and psychosocial support. Bereavement sessions are also offered for families who have experienced the death of a child from a supported illness.

Founded in 1995, Âé¶čAV is the region’s leading provider of short-term,  career focused training. With campuses in Scarborough, Bangor, and Lewiston, courses are offered in health care, information technology, commercial truck driving, HVAC/R, and manufacturing. Âé¶čAV’s programs are accredited through  The Council on Occupational Education.

Let’s start with the first point: wages.

“According to the quarterly, Trends in Truckload Recruitment and Retention survey from background screening services provider Driver iQ, 72% of recruiters predicted that driver compensation will increase in the second quarter, while 28% said it will remain the same.” ()

Think about that: Nearly three-quarters of industry insiders predict continuing rises in wages. And, rising wages can only mean good things for drivers.

From the same article: “Entry-level drivers have become a prized target in the past five years, with 54% of carriers saying they hired these prospects in the first quarter of 2018, up from 30% in the fourth quarter of 2012.”

This statistic doesn’t surprise us at all. In the past month, we’ve had at least one visit per week from companies looking to hire our students. Schneider, Kris-Way, Superior Carriers, Sysco–just to name a few–are hiring, and they keep our Career Development staff jumping with requests to interview our students.

Why the uptick in recruiting?

“According to a report from the  American Trucking Associations(ATA), the trucking industry faces a serious shortage of drivers, with a need to hire nearly 900,000 new operators over the next decade just to maintain the current workforce.” ()

Read that closely: that number is just to maintain the current workforce. It doesn’t account for new jobs that are being created nationwide.

Why is this? According to the American Transportation Research Institute,  one in four of today’s drivers are 55 years of age or older. As these drivers look to retirement, younger drivers will need to take their place.

Why wait? If you’ve been thinking about a career in truck driving, now is the time. Visit our program page to learn more and enroll. Specific questions? Email or call 207-805-8000.

For most of you, the answer is the same: To get a better job.

Conventional wisdom has always said that the path to get that better job was through earning a bachelor’s degree. However, a recent goes a long way to dispel that myth.

We think it’s important to start with this point:  “In all, some 30 million jobs in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year don’t require bachelor’s degrees.”

Proper training and preparation prior to employment is essential, but that training doesn’t always come through the course requirements for a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. For instance, even though you may be studying to become an HVAC/R technician, you may still have to enroll in–and pay for–courses that are not core to your degree, such as humanities (history, English, etc). Those courses may be requirements for your overall degree. It’s your time, and you should spend it learning about your career.

The NPR story furthers this point:

“It’s not that finding a job in the trades, or even manufacturing, means needing no education after high school. Most regulators and employers require certificates, certifications or associate degrees. But those cost less and take less time than earning a bachelor’s degree. Tuition and fees for in-state students to attend a community or technical college in Washington State, for example, come to less than half the cost of a four-year public university, the state auditor points out, and less than a tenth of the price of attending a private four-year college.”

Beyond just the type of courses that you will be taking, you should be thinking about the time that you are in school. Four years is a lot longer than 6 months–the length of many of our programs. You’ll get to work sooner, and be paying for your schooling for a shorter time.

In addition to your career focus while you’re in school, you want to know that you’ll be able to stay in that career after school. Again, NPR:

“People with career and technical educations are also more likely to be employed than their counterparts with academic credentials, the U.S. Department of Education reports, and significantly more likely to be working in their fields of study.”

In short, you paid for school–put that education to use!

Beyond the key points of the article, as we meet with employers and work to place our students in careers, it’s clear that they are constantly looking for qualified employees. Employers often call looking to hire our graduates from each of our programs. In fact, many of our students secure work prior to graduation.

We recommend you read the , and judge for yourself. More importantly, it’s your education and your life. Make certain that you’re headed in the right direction.