StrataTech Education Group, which encompasses a network of skilled trades schools including The Refrigeration School and Tulsa Welding Schools across four states, is providing an alternative to traditional education, offering adult learners the opportunity to train as electricians, welders, line workers and HVAC/R technicians. The career paths for program graduates that feed into the design industry are the backbone of kitchen and bath design. Whether students choose to use their professional skills in construction and exterior work or electrical and interior work, all students will find their skills are in high demand in residential and commercial spaces.
Breaking the Stigma Around Skilled Trades
Unfortunately, many still view these careers as “blue-collar” jobs for those who couldn’t make it through college. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Skilled trades are not a “fallback” option, they are a pathway to stable, well-paying careers that support our nation’s infrastructure. Every building, every light, every HVAC system exists thanks to skilled tradespeople. Without them, our society wouldn’t function. The detail in the profession is why these jobs are no longer low paying; today, skilled trade professionals are in high demand. For those seeking financial independence, this is one of the fastest and most reliable routes to success.
Moreover, the physical demands of these careers often mean early retirements for seasoned workers around the 50-years age group, creating a significant need for new talent. The good news is Gen Z, recently named the “toolbelt generation,” is stepping up to the challenge. Unlike previous generations, they recognize the rewards that come with skilled trades careers: competitive wages, job security and the autonomy of being an expert in a field that will always be in demand. However, the outdated stigma still lingers. The reality is that skilled trades offer a path to wealth, independence and respect.
The people who thrive in the trades – whether they are welders, electricians or HVAC technicians – often share a similar background: They didn’t have an easy time in school, and they have fought for a second chance. That is exactly who the TWS and RSI schools serve. These campuses are intentionally located in major cities, near bus lines and in communities where adult students need access the most. Skilled trade schools meet them where they are.
These are individuals with a clear goal: They need work, and they need it now. They have bills to pay and families to support. Skilled trade schools prioritize providing them with the training and resources they need to succeed.
A Shifting Landscape in Skilled Trades
There is also a profound shift happening within the skilled trades industry. StrataTech is proud to say that women and people of color make up a growing percentage of the student body – far surpassing industry norms. Women alone account for approximately 12% of TWS and RSI students. StrataTech also strives to create welcoming, inclusive campuses for all students. People of color make up nearly 75% of our student population, with the majority of the schools’ students coming from diverse backgrounds.
Approximately 80% of students are Pell-eligible, meaning they qualify for federal financial aid because of their financial need. This is a point of pride, as it shows skilled trade schools are serving the students who need us most, making the biggest impact where it is needed most. Each year, TWS and RSI schools help place around 5,000 graduates into skilled trade jobs.
How Trade School Certification Fuels Success
The trade industry is in demand for professionals who possess profound insights, expert skills and determined mindsets. Students who complete programs at TWS and RSI campuses enter their chosen industry with these non-negotiables, along with a sense of pride and accomplishment, increasing their confidence when next to seasoned professionals.
Because of company partnerships and resources available at all campuses, StrataTech maintains a 90% job placement rate for graduates. Many students may not understand the intricacies of job searching, but StrataTech students are given the opportunity to connect with local and national businesses, organizations and professionals to maximize time spent in their programs.
StrataTech is also partnered with various businesses in the schools headquarter markets – Dallas, Houston, Tulsa, Phoenix and Jacksonville, allowing students to create connections while collaborating with potential future employers. With these partnerships, StrataTech is expecting 53,000 graduates to be employed by the end of 2025 and 73,000 by 2027. StrataTech continues to provide a steady flow of workforce candidates to ensure industry standards are met and maintained.
With guidance counselors and career placement teams available as a key source for students, graduates are equipped with the knowledge needed to join professionals in their prospective fields. These teams provide students with information on the various career paths available along with valuable insight and perspective on how to be successful throughout their chosen career.
When students receive their first job offers, many are stunned by the salaries they can now command – sometimes higher than they ever imagined. It is a profound achievement: rewriting their stories and creating new futures for themselves.
—By Mary Kelly, president and CEO of StrataTech Education Group, including the Tulsa Welding Schools and The Refrigeration School
