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Styling: Some tips to get your Monday off to a good start

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Event honors veterans, raises funds for two historical groups

<p>As residents of northeastern Pennsylvania, we are fortunate to live in an area rich in culture, due in large part to our immigrant ancestors who came here from many different countries to build better lives for themselves and their families.</p><p>Many of them took jobs in factories or coal mines or found success working in the trades. Over time, the number of students pursuing career opportunities in the trades has been on the decline in our country. While there are several factors to explain why, the fact remains that today there are many untapped opportunities to have a successful and lucrative career in the trades for those with the right experience and education.</p><p>We are also fortunate to live in an area with a diverse variety of educational options. Right in our own backyard, there are 12 colleges and universities, a medical school and a residency program, not to mention a nice variety of trade and vocational schools. While a four-year degree or higher is needed to pursue careers in certain fields, there are also many other high-paying, rapidly growing occupations that require associate&#8217;s degrees or certificates and training from career and technical schools.</p><p>A few years ago, a friend of mine had a son who was at the top of his high school class and had a very generous scholarship offer from one of the local colleges. However, he was expressing a desire to become a mechanic or pursue another career in the trades. Convinced by his parents to not pass up the scholarship, he enrolled in school but was unhappy after the first semester. He eventually transferred and is now pursuing an education in the trades. He is bright, happy and thriving and will no doubt be successful in a field he enjoys.</p><p>Throughout the United States, employers are reporting an undeniable demand for workers in technical fields. Many businesses locally and across the country are struggling to fill these specialized positions with capable people. According to the data, 15 percent of small business owners ranked the challenge of finding experienced applicants as the &#8220;single most important business problem&#8221; they face.</p><p>This provides an exciting opportunity for young students and for workers of all ages and backgrounds looking to change jobs or re-enter the workforce to begin rewarding careers in high-paying, growing industries.</p><p>Healthcare tops the list of the fastest growing industries in the region, followed by retail trade, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and logistics. The list of extremely in-demand positions includes machinists, information technology specialists, mechanics, medical technicians, nurse and home health aides, material moving workers, construction workers and certified drivers, to name a few.</p><p>The next 10 years look to be a great marketplace for those seeking employment in the region. As workers retire at a faster rate than those entering the workforce, job opportunities will abound. Based on Institute data, our region holds the promise of jobs, both now and in the future for those with and without four-year college degrees. The jobs are here and coming.</p><p>Just like our ancestors who came here with hope of a bright future, we can also be excited about our region&#8217;s future. And in discussions with our youth and the future of our workforce, let&#8217;s not forget to include the trades.</p><style>
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<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta><p>Susan Magnotta</p><p>Institute Insights</p></bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta><p>Susan Magnotta is Director of Community Outreach at The Institute. Her column appears every other on Monday.</p></shirttailMeta></div>

Institute Insights: Opportunities abound for successful careers in trades