The trades – construction, electrical, plumbing, welding, manufacturing – have always provided good paying employment opportunities for those who are interested. In recent years, the pay and availability of jobs has only increased. Madison College in Madison, offers programs to prepare students for careers in the trades.
Ron Olson is the Dean of the School of Technologies and Trades at Madison College. He says that the college is working to support the current needs of the workforce. In conversations he has had with employers, they have made it clear what they are lacking and how they hope Madison College can help them.
“The number one theme is manpower. Everyone is looking for that employee,” said Olson. He added, “I heard a phrase from one employer; ‘if the individual has the will, we will give them the skill.'” Madison College has seen an increase in the number of students looking to the trades.
Olson says that the student population is diverse. In recent years, they have had more returning students come to Madison College. These are students who have decided they want to enter the trades after having pursued a different career path originally. The average age of a student at Madison College is in the high 20 range.
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