The skilled trades industry is undergoing a significant shift. We’ve witnessed several occupations including plumbing, construction and welding struggle against labor shortages as veteran workers retire. However, the tides are beginning to change as more Gen Z workers entering the workforce are diving headfirst into careers in the trades rather than spending years and tens of thousands of dollars earning college degrees. The opportunity to work with new technology and prioritize continuous education is particularly attractive to the young workforce. With that, initiatives to achieve certifications such as learning modules, hands-on training and study sessions are becoming more ingrained into daily workflows. Not only are certifications enabling current and future tradespeople to build life-long careers, but they are enabling businesses to reach new heights.

Gaining a competitive edge in the hiring process

The number of students enrolled in vocational-focused community colleges rose 16% last year, according to the National Student Clearinghouse. Within vocational schools, the young generation is gaining hands-on experience and achieving a strong foundation as they look to enter their desired trade. While enrolled in vocational school, young professionals can work toward certifications and showcase a competitive edge when it comes time to enter the workforce. Unlike traditional educational programs that frequently emphasize theoretical ideas, certifications showcase practical skills and real-world implementation. They also offer an opportunity for continuous education after trade school – replacing that learn-it-and-forget-it mentality that can be common within traditional college programs. To obtain a certification, individuals must demonstrate their profound understanding and proficiency in their specific roles, offering employers concrete proof of their abilities. For the young generation, this gives them a competitive edge and sparks the interest of hiring managers.

Organizations and hiring managers often use certifications as a predictor of future success. When individuals prove they’ve obtained job-specific certifications, it’s viewed as an expression of the individual’s dedication to the field. It shows their investment in the job and eagerness to grow – all the qualities that embody a successful tradesperson. Additionally, certifications serve as a reference point for employees, pointing to the mastery of skills and knowledge that can be offered by a potential employee. Hiring managers are streamlining the recruitment process by prioritizing certifications to ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and knowledge for the role. In an industry that continues to evolve and reach new heights, finding dedicated talent that will grow alongside the industry is critical.

The domino effect: organizational success

Confidence can be seen as a domino effect. For example, when an employee demonstrates a mastery of knowledge, their employer’s confidence in their work will increase, helping them more easily earn the trust and loyalty of prospective clients or customers. At the foundation of this domino effect lies the dynamic credential of a certification. According to an NFPA survey, over half (52%) of workers feel more confident about the work they’re doing when they have the associated certification.

Just as organizations are looking to build and retain a certified workforce, customers are looking to hire companies who possess deep knowledge and experience specific to their needs. Prospective clients want to feel confident in the practitioner and the company’s ability to get the job done well and safely. Think about this: If you needed a plumber to replace the pipes in your home, would you prefer to hire a company who touts their employees as certified professionals? Most likely, the answer is yes. Especially considering the caliber of the job – nobody wants to deal with plumbing complications. Certifications pose less room for error and create long-lasting relationships between businesses and customers. Once a job is done accurately and meets the client’s needs, companies earn repeat clients, positive referrals, and new jobs, leading to business growth and heightened revenue.

As a growing number of organizations become evangelists of certifications, they are working to simplify access for current and future employees. Many certification exams are now available in online remote proctored environments, providing tradespeople with flexibility to take the exam 24/7 at home or work, while sidestepping the traditional barriers to accessing certifications like travel costs, childcare costs, taking time off from work, etc. Additionally, online learning paths also provide additional learning flexibility, audio and visual aids, and interactive modules that support professionals as they prepare for their certification exams in a way that meets their needs. The simplicity, flexibility, and innovation of certification programs are enabling a new era of continuous education amongst the trades.

Retaining an evolving workforce

Not only are certifications providing value for the next generation of workers, but they’re also playing a pivotal role in retaining and upskilling current tradespeople. An NFPA survey found that 42% of skilled tradespeople plan to sit for more certifications in 2024 than in 2023 to upskill their role and make themselves more marketable.

Most experienced tradespeople can confidently say the industry is no longer in the same spot it was when they entered it, whether that’s 10, 20, or even 30 years ago. Through certifications, industry veterans have been able to adapt and progress throughout their careers. Continuous education holds significant value as new technologies, initiatives, codes, and standards are being introduced on a regular basis.

As organizations and employees prioritize certification programs, employees can benefit from as much as a 20% salary increase. Certifications enable tradespeople to advocate for themselves when it comes to salary negotiation and earn promotions at a quicker rate, increasing their compensation in the long run. Satisfied and loyal employees lead to the organizational success of an employer.

While the industry outlook will continue to ebb and flow, certifications will remain essential for skilled trade experts across all occupations. Certifications are an indispensable asset to help workers stand out to hiring managers, facilitate organizational growth for companies, and make ongoing professional development a continued priority in the trades. No matter where a trade professional may be in their career, whether it’s the beginning or tail end, they will always need to showcase their competence and willingness to embark on lifelong learning.