Written By Christopher Salute

I mean… we’re all thinking it… And, I know how many conversations I’ve had with folks in town. For decades, students have been encouraged to pursue four-year college degrees as the primary path to success. I remember my own father saying to me, “Don’t be like your father. Go to school and get an education.” Well, dad was a plumber and do you know what I tell people? I say, “Be like my father.”

While higher education remains an important option, rural communities across America are facing a growing shortage of skilled tradespeople. Electricians, plumbers, welders, HVAC technicians, mechanics, construction workers, and other skilled professionals are essential to keeping our communities running. In many places, these workers are retiring faster than they can be replaced, creating challenges for local businesses, homeowners, schools, and public services. And, let’s be real – this isn’t just just about rural communities. Trades are sought after everywhere.

The good news is that careers in the trades often offer excellent wages, strong job security, and opportunities for entrepreneurship without the significant student debt that can accompany some college degrees. Many trade careers also allow individuals to stay and work in their hometowns, helping strengthen local economies and communities.

Now – we hear the phrase “CTE” or “Career and Technical Education” quite a bit. But, what does that mean? Well, In the state of Nevada:

Skilled Trades & Technical Sciences
• Welding
• Construction
• Electrical
• HVAC
• Automotive Technology
• Manufacturing
• Machining/CNC
• Aviation Maintenance

Health Science & Public Safety
Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Medical Assisting
EMT/Paramedic
Pharmacy Technician
Dental Assisting
Fire Science
Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement

Information & Media Technologies
Cybersecurity
Computer Science
Networking
Software Development
Digital Media
Graphic Design
Broadcasting
Web Development

Business & Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Accounting
Marketing
Management
Hospitality
Tourism
Sports Marketing

Education, Hospitality & Human Services
Early Childhood Education
Teaching
Culinary Arts
Cosmetology
Barbering
Hospitality Management
Human Services

Agriculture & Natural Resources
Agriculture
Animal Science
Horticulture
Natural Resource Management
Agricultural Mechanics

Engineering & STEM
Engineering Design
Robotics
Advanced Manufacturing
Mechatronics

Not all of these are trades- but they ARE sought after paths to needed careers. So, we want to keep them in mind, as well, yes?

So listen – Education systems can play a key role by exposing students to both college and career pathways. But, if all people do is what educators tell them… that’s not going to be helpful. Apprenticeships, career and technical education programs, internships, and industry partnerships help students discover rewarding careers that match their interests and talents – and we need more of those.

I talk to community members all of the time who say, “Oh, my child didn’t know that.” Or, “When I was growing up in Pahrump, I didn’t know my options.” That’s a narrative we need to change. But, how?

First
Talk to your children about what’s out there.
Ask them what will make them happy! (within reason, we can’t all be video game streamers)
And, be open to listening to why.

Second
Don’t be the only voice in the career conversation.
Ask friends to join the conversation. Other colleagues, etc.

Third
Youth to experience these things.
Shadow days, internships, mentorships, etc.

Now, we tend to discuss education with regard, solely to youth. But, what about adult learners? I can’t tell you how many folks come back to school in their twenties, thirties, forties… fifties … sixties (yes!) and make a career change. Trades and CTE programs are incredible life changers. They help adults and youth alike pivot to a new income bracket.

A thriving rural community needs teachers, nurses, engineers, and business leaders—but it also needs the skilled tradespeople who build, repair, maintain, and improve the places we call home. By investing in workforce development and promoting trade careers, we can help ensure that our rural communities remain strong for generations to come.