Armen Ekmekji’s Post

🔧 Building America’s Future Starts Here 🔧 America needs more skilled workers to power our industries and communities—but they’re in short supply. At the SkillPointe Foundation, we’re on a mission to be part of the solution by providing vocational scholarships that help individuals gain high-demand skills in trades, technology, healthcare, manufacturing, and more. We’re investing in the next generation of skilled workers because we believe in building brighter futures—for individuals, families, and the economy. Together with visionary partners, we’re closing the skills gap and creating opportunities that lead to meaningful careers and stronger industries. If you’re ready to explore the skilled trades or support our mission, let’s work together to make an impact. 💡 WorkingNation discusses the growing demand for skilled trades https://lnkd.in/erFSNxVC. #CloseTheSkillsGap #SkilledTrades #WorkforceDevelopment #SkillPointeFoundation #FutureReady #Scholarships #BuildingAmerica

Is the future of education vocational? Let's discuss how these choices might shape industries desperate for skilled labor. From welding to HVAC and plumbing, these future professionals are gearing up for in-demand jobs that promise not only competitive wages but also job satisfaction and security. 👷♂️👩🔧 #GenZ #TradeSchools #VocationalTraining #NoDebtDegree Read more about this educational shift here: https://bit.ly/3U3H30p

I thought this article was a great read! We spend so much time speaking with our clients about the labor shortage in construction, and just how hard it can be to hire skilled new employees.   One of the more interesting points to me was the view of how our ‘traditional’ education system is essentially discouraging young professionals from considering careers in construction and trade contracting.   As someone who originally started out as an electrician, I cannot speak enough to how many different skills and values I absorbed during my earlier professional days. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything, and without a doubt, it has played a huge part in helping shape me into who I am today.   As the article mentions, there are still plenty of reasons why young adults should at least consider a career in the skilled trades. I think the main question construction companies are facing today is how to make those young professionals aware of these benefits.   I’d love to hear from you all - How do you think construction companies should go about marketing these benefits to potential employees?   https://lnkd.in/eiRR3vsa

Professions dominated by college-educated workers generally earn more over time. Professional and business services workers, for example, make a median $78,500 compared with $69,200 in construction, according to ADP. #adp #adpsales #adpcareers

This post highlights a significant shift in career trends among the younger generation. Traditionally, many were encouraged to pursue higher education over trade careers, but now there's a resurgence in interest towards construction professions. This shift is crucial as there's a growing demand for skilled labor and construction management roles. The upcoming generation exploring these paths are poised to become major wage earners due to the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. This change marks a positive step towards addressing the skills gap and meeting the needs of the construction sector. #CareerShift #ConstructionIndustry #SkilledLabor #constructionmanagement

Parents - I beg of you...don't automatically push your kids to college... Many people are simply not meant to sit behind a computer for 60%+ of their life... I can speak first-hand on the SEVERE labor shortage for skilled trades professionals... I regularly speak with other trades business owners and conduct constant market price testing...with the high-end limit expanding at a very rapid rate... Think I'm joking? The current rate for a quality (insured) Handyperson in the Capital Region is $80-120/hr...and for any custom work can meet or exceed $150/hr... I can assure you...with a massive percentage of trades professionals reaching retirement age...this is the absolute best time to enter... Educate your children on ALL of their options and let them aspire to what they were truly meant to be...even if it doesn't fit the "traditional mold" we have unwisely created in this country...

When I was 24 years old, I looked to my left and to my right. Two guys I had went to high school with, who didn’t go to college, had the exact same job at the same company as I did They were just as qualified, or more so I had a realization that college slowed me down with debt and theoretical experience, instead of practical experience In my trade (sales), skills are developed primarily in two ways: (1) trial and error - try a TON of things, scrap what doesn’t work and intentionally amplify what does (2) get into the deal process - hone your sales skills by doing. Then study and train once you can tie the lessons to real practical applications You can’t do either of these things in college When I look at a resume for a sales role, formal education means nothing, real learning happens outside of the classroom The stigma that everyone needs to go to college will and should die. There are meaningful and high-paying opportunities to be had on other paths

Skilled trades across the country are facing an employee shortage. "93% of the Gen Z graduates and 80% of the parents surveyed said learning a skilled trade can be a better route to economic security than college." https://buff.ly/40bZZyD In Ohio, you can learn more about our Ohio Technical Centers by requesting our recent webinar "A Fast Track to Success for Graduating Seniors" here: https://buff.ly/3C42V6m

🔥It’s time to bring trades back to high school classrooms!🔥 💡 Trades classes offer students practical skills that lead directly to high-demand, well-paying careers. Whether it’s HVAC, plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, or automotive repair, these hands-on skills give students the tools to build a successful future—without the debt of a four-year degree. I chose the college route, and don’t regret it. However, college isn’t for everyone and that needs to be preached in schools just as much as the benefits of a college education. Let’s equip the next generation with the skills they need to thrive and close the skills gap in industries that keep our world running. This older technician generation only has a few years left, let’s prioritize their years of expertise and wisdom! #SupportTrades #SkillsForLife #HighSchoolTrades https://lnkd.in/enBeTnd7

Enrollment in vocational programs jumped 16% last year, according to National Student Clearinghouse. The median age of workers in a number of trades, like carpentry and HVAC maintenance, is falling from the mid 40s to early 40s or even high 30s. https://lnkd.in/gBguw9Gc #skills #maintenance #trades #competencybasedlearning