Investing in Our Future: Technical Training to Mend America’s Skills Gap

We have reached a new height in education. Americans today are more educated than ever. Since 2000, education levels have risen for those 25 to 29 years old.

However, as we reach new heights of education, we’re also reaching an unprecedented crisis: The cost of higher education.

Student-loan debt sits at $1.56 trillion – the highest amount in U.S. history. At the same time, there is an unprecedented shortage of skilled workers throughout professional trades. From keeping our homes cool to creating safe infrastructure, these professions are fundamental to our everyday living.

As newer, smarter technologies come to the trades, it’s placing demand for new types of skills. Many students are unaware of the opportunities, but as costs of traditional four-year universities continue to climb, more students and families are carefully weighing their schooling options. And among the many questions they ask when making decisions about their future is: What type of degree will provide the best shot at a higher-paying job?

Emerson conducted a global survey to understand perceptions of education and STEM-related careers. Our results found that Americans believe a technical degree or trade education is a better path to a high-paying career than a four-year degree. Based on cost, 27% of Americans believe a technical degree or trade education is the best path, while 26% said a four-year degree was the best route.

However, the reality of those surveyed is while more than half said they would be interested in a STEM-based career, only four in 10 said they felt encouraged to pursue this career path.

This is a significant gap.

It’s clear we need to invest in opportunities to show students the many paths available, especially as we look to train our workforce of the future. Emerson is a more than 130-year-old global technology and engineering company that realizes the potential of a STEM-focused career and background. Our continued success – and the success of the industries we serve – relies on a strong pipeline of talent.

That’s why we work with technical and vocational schools to help address the nation’s skills gap through upskilling initiatives. Emerson’s Greenlee division alone has more than 35 Green Apple Labs located within these schools throughout the country. These programs focus on providing hands-on experience, using real-world tools and technology, and students can receive the certifications needed to become successful trade professionals.

Programs like these are helping to mend America’s skills gap, and we are incredibly proud to support the progress being made. We remain committed to growing these efforts, addressing and mending the skills gap one skilled-trades professional at a time.