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 �鶹AV (�鶹AV) have been working diligently to train folks for a life-long career in high-demand skilled trade sectors. �鶹AV 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. �鶹AV 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 �鶹AV’s flexible scheduling and hybrid classes.

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

Whether you are a seasoned veteran at your work or deciding what field you’d like to pursue, the prospect of job security looms us all. Choosing a sustainable career in a field with prospective job growth and opportunity is vital to ensuring the stability of your income. Maine’s department of Labor has compiled a list of the top “High-wage, In-Demand Jobs in Maine” classified by education. In this graph (click here) you’ll see high demand careers which require less than a bachelor’s degree. Many of these careers can be obtained through fast paced and accredited post-secondary education schools.

Though a Registered Nurse is categorized under “Post-Secondary Education Less Than Bachelor’s Degree” according to the Maine State Board of Nursing, half of the programs in Maine are Bachelor’s degree programs while the ladder half are associate degree programs. While associate degree programs are right for some individuals, those who are looking to enter the work force in less than 2-3 years will choose more trade oriented career programs to achieve their career goals. Some of the top Technical Trade careers include Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers (CDL Drivers), Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (HVAC Technicians), and Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technicians (such as Medical Assistants, Medical Laboratory Assistants and Phlebotomists).

Summary

If you’re considering a career which has potential to grow as well as job security in the state of Maine, yet cannot commit to the length of an Associate Degree or Bachelor Degree Program, consider a trade school that has the potential to achieve your career goals yet train you to enter the work force in a relatively short amount of time. To see if a trade school in one of these high demand industries is right for you, take this fun and free job personality assessment.

Free Job Personality Assessment

Works Cited
Labor, M. D. (2014, June 27th). High-Wage, In-Demand Jobs in Maine by Education. Retrieved July 14th, 2015, from
Nursing, M. S. (n.d.). Approved Maine RN Programs. Retrieved July 14th, 2015, from

I was asked yesterday “What do you like most about your job?” I have to say that the best part of my job is watching students succeed: from the moment they come through the door to the moment they get a job. Each student succeeds in different ways, but they all have something in common. They become a stronger person! I am very proud to be a part of that. This is what some students have to say:

I enjoyed my experience at �鶹AV, the staff and students are always helpful. The flexibility is something that I found best for me with three children and work schedule. I would recommend the school to others and already have.

–Amanda Stanley

�鶹AV gave me the resources I needed to be able to get the job that I have always wanted to do.

–Cindy Bridges

My experience here at �鶹AV has been a life changing one. This program has taught me to push myself more than I thought I could with the much needed and continuous support of the staff here. I was able to graduate and prove to me “this is possible.” I feel very blessed to have such supportive people on my side. Thank you all for being patient with me as I figured out this part of my life. Now for the next chapter. I could not have done it without �鶹AV.

–Meaghan Wooldridge

I just want to say �鶹AV fit my life very well, with the flexibility and understand of my life outside of here. I have two children. I am a single mom and working. �鶹AV worked with me and encouraged me through the program. I’m thankful for all the wonderful staff at �鶹AV and would recommend them to anyone.

–Jennifer Fournier

My time at �鶹AV was truly amazing. All of the faculty and advisors really work so well with you. Everyone is so nice and it’s almost like a little family here at �鶹AV. I would recommend it to anyone! Thank you!

–Shani Morris

I loved this school and appreciated all the teachers and staffs help. Very close knit program makes for easier one-on-one with students.

–Ashley Wallace

�鶹AV is Maine’s only locally owned & operated career school as well as the state’s only Nationally Accredited truck driving school. Most programs at �鶹AV average tens of thousands of dollars less than many other schools in the state while taking literally a 10th of the time on average to complete. And the big difference between �鶹AV and the rest? JOBS.

Recently, Maine Medical Partners hired 4 graduates from the Clinical Medical Assistant and Medical Office programs, while other graduates have acquired positions at NorDx, Healthport, Orthopedic Associates and Maine Centers for Health.

�鶹AV’s Information Technology (IT) students are securing employment in many cases before they graduate, with current students launching IT careers at Time Warner Cable, Bell Techlogix, Metrocast, and contract work for Google through MarketStar.

�鶹AV has experienced tremendous success placing HVAC/R graduates in heating and refrigeration technician positions throughout the state. Hiring companies include: Atlantic Comfort, Pine State Heating, HVAC Services, Comfort Systems, Fontaine HVAC, Northeast Mechanical, Estes Oil, J. Hannah Mechanical, Gelinas HVAC, and reVision Heat.

At �鶹AV’s Bangor campus, more than 20 recent graduates found employment with regional employers. An additional 12 students were accepted into the externship program at various healthcare organizations where �鶹AV graduates continue to hone their career skills while gaining valuable real-world experience in the medical industry.

All of �鶹AV’s programs as short as 5 weeks for CDL trucking, and even our IT, Medical, and HVAC programs can be completed in about 6 months or less. All programs lead to national certification (or Licensure) and the school has partnered with and placed their graduates with many of Maine’s top employers in the Medical, IT, HVAC, and transportation industries.

As a career training school, �鶹AV teaches valuable hands-on skills that are in high demand throughout the medical industry. This has helped �鶹AV establish lasting relationships with clinical externship sites at some of the largest medical facilities in the state and laboratories such as NorDx. This externship program provides students with real-world “on-the-job” training which can often lead to employment. Recently, �鶹AV has partnered to create additional externship site opportunities with Central Maine Medical Center and Women to Women in Yarmouth.
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�鶹AV is a career school with campuses in Bangor and Scarborough. They attract a diverse student base seeking training in highly employable fields like Allied Health, Commercial Drivers’ License, Information Technology and HVAC/R (heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration). The school offers job placement assistance, flexible scheduling, and federal financial aid for most programs and for those who qualify. For more information, go to .
For more information please contact:
Jennifer Thompson, Campus Director
jthompson@ntinow.edu
207-883-5130

�鶹AV completed its annual Completion, Placement and Licensure report this past week. ��The results are as follows:

For the period of July 2012 through June 2013, �鶹AV had an average class retention rate of 81.7%. The overall graduation rate was 78.3%, and a job placement rate of 87.5%. �� The Licensure rate was 85.3%.

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Happy Holidays!

Christmas Vacation starts December 23rd through December 27th (closed for all students) – Weekend CDL Students have the 21st, 22nd, 28th and 29th off as well as the week of Christmas.

New Years Day is Wednesday January 1st, 2014—Campus is ��Closed

• Gordan B. CDL hired at Re-Harvest
• Kim T. CMA ��hired at ��
• Dan S. ��CDL ��hired at ��
• Johnny H. IT hired at ��
• Nathan S. ��Passed ComTIA Network+ Certification
• Bonita B. Passed ��NHA—CPT
• Adrianna D. ��Passed �� NHA—CPT
• Richard L. Passed Medca—MLA