As the nation faces a shortage of trade and vocational workers, schools in the Santa Clarita Valley are offering opportunities for students to pursue careers in those fields.

As high school students are directed more and more towards four-year universities, a shortage of workers in vocational fields has developed in the United States. An estimated 70 percent of construction companies across the country are struggling to find qualified workers, according to the Associated General Contractors of America.

In the face of this shortage, the William S. Hart School District has developed numerous programs and pathways for students to pursue careers in trade fields.

“We offer a number of opportunities to pursue the trades at the William S. Hart Union High School District,” said Dr. Mariane Doyle, career technical education administrator at the William S. Hart District Office. “From construction to advanced manufacturing, we have developed pathways that lead to post-secondary education at College of the Canyons.”

The Hart District has worked with College of the Canyons to offer further opportunities for vocational education, focusing on construction, advanced manufacturing, computer networking and administration of justice.

“College of the Canyons has collaborated with the Hart District over the past three years on middle-skilled career pathway development through the Career Pathways Trust Grant,” said Doyle. “Each of these career pathways have opportunities for students to earn industry-recognized certifications and associate’s degrees that provide access to great jobs and wages.”

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Construction, along with health care and personal care, are set to account for one-third of all new jobs through 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The U.S. Department of Education also reports that there will be 68 percent more job openings in infrastructure-related fields in the next five years than there are people training to fill them due to recent political movements to improve the country’s infrastructure.

One specific way that the Hart District has invested in vocational training is through its investments in Makerspace labs.

“We have made a significant investment in building out Makerspace labs where students are exposed to a combination of traditional skills, advanced technologies and the arts,” said Doyle. “For example, students may use woodworking, computer aided drafting and graphic design skills all in one project, truly demonstrating the futuristic direction of industry where versatility is key.”

Around 30 million jobs exist right now in the United States that pay an average of $55,000 per year and don’t require bachelor’s degrees, according to the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce.

For more information regarding vocational career opportunities, click here.

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