Welding, electrical, and plumbing trades are closely tied to construction careers and also in high demand in other areas, including manufacturing, utilities, and facility management.
County vocational-technical schools provide extensive training for students to prepare for these highly technical careers. Training programs lead to industry certification or license, often achieved through a paid apprenticeship that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction. The schools’ programs also typically involve area employers eager to not only advise, but recruit students.
Why Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing?
- American Welding Society says the U.S. could need more than 400,000 new welders by 2024
- Employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters projected to grow 5% from 2020-2030
- According to U.S. News & World Report, plumbers rank #2 and electricians rank #3 in a list of Best Construction Jobs, which considers salary, flexibility, and growth opportunities, among other factors
Career pathways in this area include:
Boilermaker
Electrician
Pipefitter or steamfitter
Plumber
Solar installer or technician
Utility technician
Welder
Wind turbine installer or technician
For Students And Parents:
To see what welding, electrical, and plumbing programs your county vocational-technical school offers, find your school.
For Adult Students:
To find welding, electrical, and plumbing programs at county vocational-technical schools near you, use the “Find Adult Career Programs” tool.
For More Information About Careers In Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing:
O*Net OnLine has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
View videos on career pathways in welding, electrical and plumbing:
From US Department of Labor Career One-Stop:
https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=47211100
https://www.careeronestop.org/videos/careeronestop-videos.aspx?videocode=51412100
From Working Nation on welders:
https://workingnation.com/i-want-that-job-welder/
Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing News
Career Classroom: Vocational education benefits all students, employers (ROI-NJ)
As National College Decision Day approaches, the rising cost of college has led to an increased focus on alternate pathways for students. This has long been a goal of the New Jersey Council of County Vocational-Technical Schools (NJCCVTS): promote the value of a career-focused education.
CTE Success Story: Licensed electrician Grasheen Burns is ‘forever grateful’ for his education at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools
Grasheen Burns of Rahway enjoys his career as a licensed electrician working with IBEW Local 102 Electrical Union, whose members have been meeting electrical needs across New Jersey and Pennsylvania for more than 120 years. Burns said his education at Union County Vocational-Technical Schools (UCVTS) helped him realize his dream career and gave him the tools to succeed in the field.
CTE Success Story: Cumberland County Tech’s Kim Harvey began welding career prior to high school graduation
Kim Harvey did not enroll in Cumberland County Technical Education Center (CCTEC) with intent to study welding. But, after becoming acquainted with the field, she was hooked.
Read more news about Welding, Electrical, and Plumbing