What the skilled labor shortage means for you'and how you can prepare for a job in Cleveland)

By Remington College Posted January 22,2019

They're things you would never think about normally'but when the toilet at your office building won't stop running or your heater isn't keeping you warm on a cold day, you need a skilled laborer.

The only problem? There might not be anyone to call.

As of January 4, 2019, the unemployment rate was extremely low at 3.9 percent, but job openings are extremely high, at nearly 7 million, meaning many jobs go unfilled.

In fact, WEWS recently reported on a shortage of skilled laborers in Cleveland, and Remington College weighed in on what might be done to help.

With skilled workers in such high demand, career opportunities are opening in Cleveland and beyond'but the issue doesn't end with finding people. It's about finding the right people.

According to the USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 87 percent of contractors are at least moderately concerned about finding workers with adequate skill levels, and 50 percent are highly concerned.

While training can certainly be provided on the job for the right candidates, many employers are looking for skilled laborers to come in with some of the experience they need.

That's where Remington College excels.

Remington College Cleveland Campus offers multiple skilled labor training programs, including a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) diploma program; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) degree program; facility maintenance diploma program and a facility maintenance and technology degree program. All of these programs give students the chance to both see the big picture through background theoretical knowledge and get hands-on experience in a supportive learning environment.

Remington College Cleveland Campus offers two HVAC programs. The diploma program can be completed in as few as 12 months.¹ HVAC classes cover ventilation and refrigeration systems, air conditioning systems, domestic appliances and more. Training equipment and simulators are available for students to practice with, many provided by employers in the community who want to help students gain the HVAC technician training they need in the field.² Students will even have the opportunity to earn the EPA certifications that employers value.

The HVAC degree can help students continue that education. It can be completed in as few as 24 months, and students earn an associate degree.¹

The facility maintenance diploma and facility maintenance and technology degree programs can help prepare students for a career in the building maintenance industry.² Students can develop the basic skills facility maintenance technicians need, such as electrical repairs, HVAC maintenance, small appliance maintenance, drywall and carpentry repairs and plumbing maintenance. The diploma program can be completed in as few as nine months.¹ The degree program also includes coursework in small business principles. It can be completed in as few as 21 months.¹

Technical school may help students take advantage of the opportunities available. Wherever your interest lies within the skilled trades, Remington College Cleveland Campus can provide you with the trade education you may need to achieve your career goals. ²

¹ Program completion times may vary based on individual performance/circumstances. Individual results may vary.

² Employment not guaranteed for students or graduates.

Sources

• The current unemployment rate is extremely low at 7 percent
  • http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf
• at 7 million
  • http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/jolts.pdf
• In fact, WEWS recently reported on this shortage of skilled laborers
  • http://www.news5cleveland.com/news/local-news/cleveland-metro/shortage-of-skilled-labor-could-mean-backlog-higher-costs-for-you
• According to the USG Corporation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 87 percent of contractors
  • http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/q2_2018_cci_final.pdf