The “days of college are over,” the CEO of the world’s largest recruitment firm recently declared. And while that may not be 100% true, or even the case for most young professionals today, there is a clear case to be made for the skilled trades: Skilled trades careers are rising in compensation benefits, and continue to be in high demand, amidst an ever-changing workforce.

At Goodwin University, we’ve long supported trade career paths alongside more traditional four-year undergraduate degrees. After all, the value of trade professions is undeniable in communities and our economy as a whole.

It’s no wonder, then, that enrollment in trade, technical, and vocational schools is steadily rising. Salaries are keeping pace with inflation, hours aren’t strenuous, and most jobs come with benefits like healthcare and PTO.

Truthfully, there’s no better time to pick a trade school. Supported by research from Bring Back the Trades, which asserts:

“If we don’t change the trajectory of the skilled trades, the American economy is headed for a $326 Billion hit to its GDP. Currently, the trades are a massive engine, supporting 5.6 million direct jobs and contributing nearly $1.3 trillion in total output. But that engine is running out of fuel. If the 25% projected gap in trades jobs is not filled, the “lost opportunity” cost is staggering.”

So, what are some of the best trades to get into today? Let’s take a look.

Manufacturing trades to get into

A lot of people are interested in learning a trade as an opportunity to work with their hands. So, why explore manufacturing? It’s an easy answer. Hands-on positions and ever-evolving technology offer professionals an opportunity to excel in an industry that rarely repeats the same day twice, and the end product is worth the hard work.

Welding

There’s nothing more hands-on or satisfying than welding. Using state-of-the-art machinery to create and weld complex parts, leveraging traditional welding methods alongside technological advancements such as CNC plasma tables, virtual-reality welding machines, and innovative Bluco tables, this trade career continues to evolve in interesting directions.

Plus, welding is one of the quicker trade training programs available. Students can start working as a welder in as few as 8 months after completing a 24‑credit welding program, like Goodwin’s, which can be completed full-time with day and evening class options.

CNC machining

CNC (computer numerical control) training programs are the perfect way to kickstart your career in the in-demand and exciting field of manufacturing. Whether you learn CNC machining alongside welding — these two pair together surprisingly well — or explore machining on its own, this type of work is interesting, hands-on, and increasingly in high demand.

And these programs can be nearly as lightning fast as the machines you’re learning to operate. Goodwin graduate Kiley Russell raves, “It was the only program that provided an unbelievable timeline. Nowhere else could I earn a certificate in only 6 months and come out with a career.”

Manufacturing engineering technology

But perhaps a deeper dive into modern manufacturing is in order. A two-year degree, the Associate of Science (AS) in Manufacturing Engineering Technology prepares graduates to become sought-after professionals in a dynamic field.

If you choose a program like Goodwin’s, led by faculty who are not only experts in the field but also adept at teaching students with various backgrounds and perspectives, you’ll gain an excellent foundational overview of what it’s like and what you need to know to work in modern manufacturing. Through Universal Design for Learning (UDL), professors provide an engaging, hands-on education that removes barriers, making learning accessible for everyone.

Explore Goodwin’s career-focused programs!

Healthcare trades to get into

You may not think of healthcare as a trade industry, but with the expansion of healthcare over the past few decades, there are more opportunities than ever to enter the workforce without spending four years pursuing a traditional degree.

If you’re looking to launch a career that provides purpose and a paycheck, there’s growing demand for compassionate healthcare professionals.

Nursing

No, you don’t need a four-year degree to become a registered nurse (RN). This is a common misconception that Goodwin has always worked to combat by offering a career-focused curriculum designed to prepare graduates for the NCLEX-RN exam, so you can earn your licensure, start your career, and make a difference sooner.

And if you’re interested in completing that bachelor’s degree later on, we’ll be there to support you as well with an accelerated RN-to-BSN for working nurses to expand their knowledge while still serving patients.

Medical billing and coding

For analytical and technical thinkers interested in working in a healthcare setting, but not necessarily interested in working face-to-face with patients, medical billing and coding training could be the perfect fit. Today’s advancements in medicine and technology, along with increasing government regulations, have given rise to the field of medical billing and coding, where professionals translate health information into codes that enable providers to receive reimbursement from health insurance companies.

Reputable programs, like Goodwin’s, ensure students are prepared to sit for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam for certification before joining the workforce.

Radiography

Radiography is another interesting branch of healthcare you can study for in as few as 20-24 months part-time. After tackling any necessary prerequisites, a top-quality Radiography program will equip you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed for a career as an X-ray technician or radiologic technologist.

Look for programs like Goodwin’s with extensive hands-on training in operating X-ray and fluoroscopic equipment, so you’ll learn quality control and radiation protection measures, how to assess patient conditions, and perform advanced digital imaging procedures.

Start your trades career at a career-focused school

Truthfully, these trade options barely scratch the surface of what hands-on careers are available for those ready to find the perfect place to use their skills. There are so many opportunities waiting for you out there, depending on your passion areas, talents, and goals.

Let us help you get there. Goodwin University is a career-focused institution with flexible degree and certificate programs. Every curriculum is led by industry professionals and build with employer needs in mind. Not only will you gain important, career-centric knowledge at Goodwin, you will also gain hands-on experience and practice within your industry. After graduation, you will be prepared to sit for the certifications and licenses needed to reach your goals.

Ready to give the trades a shot? Learn more about Goodwin’s programs to see if our career-focused prgorams align with your interests and goals.