Skills for Sustainability: Training for the U.S.’s Workforce

David F. Carney
Chairman and CEO
Lincoln Educational Services Corporation

The common perception in America today is that you need a college education to obtain a rewarding career. Consequently, parents and high school counselors are increasingly pushing students to attend college even when they know that college is not the right choice for many young people. As a result, tens of thousands of students every year drop out or graduate without skills to obtain a job.

This focus on college has created a shortage of skilled workers across the United States in many careers from nurses to automotive technicians and welders. For example the American Welding Society predicts that by 2010 the demand for welders will exceed supply by approximately 200,000 workers. Entry level welders with some skills can earn up to $30,000 while more advanced welders with experience can earn $60,000 to $100,000. Here is a job that is in demand and pays well. However, if current trends continue, the United States will be importing welders in order to meet demand.

For Lincoln Educational Services, the key to sustainability and competitiveness is a skilled workforce. Since our founding in 1946, Lincoln has been committed to providing students with quality, hands-on skills training needed to succeed in an ever-changing employment landscape. We are proud to be providing enterprising men and women the ability to become mechanics, electricians, HVAC repair technicians, welders and practical nurses amongst other professions. We understand that many people prefer to work with their hands and to learn in an environment that incorporates industry experience with hands-on training.

Additionally we understand that workers need to upgrade their skills without leaving their jobs, and that is why we have developed online degree programs. Specifically we see a need for online management programs that will enable workers who have started at the bottom of the company ladder to acquire skills that will enable them to move into management positions. These online degree programs enable working adults to better manage the pressures of job, family and education.

Today we need to ensure that America has enough people with the skills to create, build and maintain a sustainable and growing economy. We need to educate parents, students and society as to the many job opportunities that continue to be available and to support training in these fields.