Skilled trades offer strong career opportunities
Friday, October 02, 2026 12:00 AM
Blog Highlights
- Demand for skilled trades workers continues to increase.
- This is the first of three blogs focusing on Macomb’s trade and technical career programs.
Demand for skilled trades workers remains strong nationwide. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, hundreds of thousands of openings occur each year in the skilled trades occupations as employers look to replace retiring workers.
“Some of the most in-demand skilled trades careers are electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, machinists, mechanical drafters and automotive technicians. The earning potential for these trades can go from about $60,000 to well over $100,000,” said Mark Jewett, associate dean of Applied Technology at Macomb.
National Manufacturing Week, Oct. 2-9, 2026, will mark the beginning of our three-part blog series where we highlight our skilled trades programs.
This week, we’ll discuss some of our traditional skilled trades programs, including Automotive Technology, Climate Control Technology, Plumbing and Pipe Fitting, Robotics and Welding.
Skilled trades are hands-on professions that require specialized training to build, repair, install or maintain necessary systems and structures. These jobs often combine technical expertise with hands-on problem solving.
Some trades require state licensing along with on-the-job training. Many trades workers complete an apprenticeship and have earned an associate degree before starting a new career.
“The trades are an ideal choice for students who prefer practical, real-world problem-solving,” Jewett said. “Skilled trades offer variety in the work that you do every day, so it’s never boring. Plus, these careers offer a path to high wages, job security and even the opportunity to start your own business.”
What are some of Macomb’s skilled trades programs?
Macomb offers skilled trades programs that help students build practical skills for careers in manufacturing, construction, industrial maintenance and more, including:
- Automotive Technology - prepares students for careers in the automotive service industry through training in vehicle maintenance, diagnostics and repair.
- Climate Control Technology - prepares students for careers in heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration.
- Plumbing and Pipefitting - prepares students for careers installing, maintaining and repairing piping systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings.
- Robotics - equips students with skills to design, program and maintain robotic systems used in manufacturing, industrial automation and production environments.
- Welding - provides hands-on training in welding processes, fabrication techniques and safety.