Now, there's a waiting list to get into the skilled trades program at this Florida high school, which was launched three years ago.

• A construction academy was established at Riverview High School in Riverview, Florida, to assist students in securing well-paying jobs following graduation.
• More and more high school students are seeking career-oriented programs that offer lower tuition than a four-year college.
• The aging of experienced tradespeople is contributing to a shortage of skilled workers, which in turn is increasing job opportunities and pay.

For Angela Ramirez-Riojas, 18, going to college was always plan B.

Ramirez-Riojas was inspired to pursue a career in construction because of his grandfather's occupation.

"She said, "I've accompanied him to work, and I admire him greatly. He's highly skilled and knowledgeable in working with his hands.""

Ramirez-Riojas, a senior at Riverview High School in Florida, enrolled in her school's new vocational program in construction because the job training was particularly appealing to her.

She said she wanted something quick to help her progress.

College is not entirely out of the question, she stated. 'I have a backup plan: college.'

Interest in the skilled trades is rising among teens

Riverview High School established its construction academy three years ago to assist students, such as Ramirez-Riojas, in obtaining well-paying jobs after graduation, typically without a four-year degree.

Riverview's principal, Erin Haughey, stated that this program is not a "Last Chance U." Instead, she emphasized that if students are highly motivated and want to learn a trade, they can stay in the community and do a job they love.

There is a waiting list for the workshop, which can accommodate 20 students at a time and offers three classes annually, with only 60 students ultimately securing spots out of the 120 who sign up each spring.

Haughey stated that he could fill Jeff Lahdenpera's classroom twice over, referring to the building trades teacher.

Some colleges now charge nearly $100,000 a year, which is causing teens to lose faith in college.

Lahdenpera stated that it's not just about throwing nails and two by fours. Instead, students can obtain certifications in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, and then progress to specialize in areas such as construction management, administration, logistics and transportation, marketing and graphics, or human resources.

Lahdenpera stated that construction trades involve more than just the physical aspect; it also includes other aspects that make up the entire industry.

Construction worker shortage is boosting pay

Riverview's construction academy was established not only to offer students a cost-effective career-connected pathway but also to tackle the local labor shortage, a problem that is prevalent across the country.

A $50,000 donation from Neal Communities, a private builder based in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, helped fund the academy.

Katie Alderman, Neal's community affairs coordinator, stated that there is a significant amount of development occurring in our counties at present.

The construction industry requires an additional 500,000 workers this year to meet the demand for labor, according to a model developed by Associated Builders and Contractors. Despite the national average unemployment rate of 4.2%, the industry's unemployment rate is currently at 3.2%.

The shortage of skilled tradespeople, mainly caused by aging workers leaving the field, is increasing the number of job openings and salaries.

According to ADP, new construction hires earn more than new hires in the professional services.

Last year, the median pay for new hires in construction increased by 5.1%, to $48,089, while the median pay for new hires in professional services rose by only 2.7%, to $39,520, which was nearly $10,000 less than the previous year.

"Ted Jenkin, CEO and founder of oXYGen Financial in Atlanta, stated that this is simply the principle of supply and demand," said the certified financial planner.

Gen Z is becoming the 'toolbelt generation'

A report by Junior Achievement and Citizens Bank indicates that about half of high schoolers believe that a high school degree, trade program, two-year degree, or other enrichment program is the highest level of education needed for their desired career path.

A survey of 1,000 teenagers aged 13 to 18 in July found that 56% believe that real-world and on-the-job experience is more valuable than obtaining a higher education degree.

The financial advisor council member Jenkin claims that the college affordability crisis and the emergence of alternative career paths are contributing to the transformation of Generation Z into the "toolbelt generation."

Jenkin stated that the belief that a four-year college is the ultimate standard is an insulting presumption, and it's not accurate.

The National Student Clearinghouse found that enrollment in vocational programs increased by 16% from 2022 to 2023. Jenkin stated that many young adults are benefiting from the secure job track and high earnings potential that vocational jobs now offer.

"Jenkin stated that the difference between white-collar and good blue-collar jobs is not as significant as it used to be, as the gap is gradually closing."