How Technical Schools are Working to Close the Labor Gap

New Avenues How Technical Schools are working To close the labor gap

Technical education and trade schools have seen an increase in enrollment in the past decade. From 1999 to 2014, there was an increase of over 6 million students in trade schools, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. For the commercial real estate industry that is facing a labor shortage of skilled workers, these technical programs may be one of the routes to closing that gap.

The New Age

During the 1980s and 1990s, there was a dip in the amount of people attending vocational programs. As technology and the Internet became more pervasive in the workforce, certain hands-on skilled jobs such as HVAC or metal working saw a fall in popularity. However, with technology becoming more integrated into the operation and maintenance of a property, technical schools are weaving these skills into their programs, making the graduates more prepared and the programs more attractive to a new generation.

Cher Brister, the director of Green Technologies at Gwinnett Technical Colleges, said that showing off these technical aspects of maintenance work is one of the strategies for attracting younger students into the program.

“We try to go out and show young people that this is an option for them,” Brister said. “We really show them the technology and show them that this is not just a job where are you are going to get your hands dirty.”

With building automation systems becoming more advanced, this marrying of technology and facilities knowledge is creating potential building engineers, maintenance technicians and property professionals. Shane Evans, the dean of economic development at Chattahoochee Technical College, said that their mission is to make sure they are producing students than can be prepared day one.

“Our mission is workforce development by providing students with the skills and knowledge to enter the workforce while also ensuring the educational outcomes align with our business and industry partners,” Evans said.

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Different Paths

The four-year college path has almost become the standard assumption of those in the workforce. However, for those interested in technical skills or vocational training, the fouryear college program often does not offer an ideal training. Experience-based models at technical colleges are providing these students with a new path to a career possibly in commercial real estate.

“Not everyone needs to go to that four year college and the way that the world is changing right now, that might not even be the job that is available,” Brister said.

The demands of the industry are changing. With technical knowledge rising higher as a priority. Trade schools are taking note and are emphasizing their experience-based programs in order to meet those needs. Many students at these schools take part in apprenticeships, internships or part-time work in the field of their concentration.

“We focus on both the theory and practical aspects of the job role, thus providing a student who is ready to contribute from day one,” Evans said.

This attitude transfers to the staff as well. Technical schools focus on finding instructors that have real-world practical experience in the field. Not only does it prepare students for the reality of the job, but it provides a mentor and guide to help them find the right fit.

“We are realistic with them,” Brister said. “All of our instructors are experts and have been in the industry.”

Finding the Job

Many commercial real estate organizations look to these schools when they have positions they need quickly filled. Both Evans and Brister work with companies to customize apprenticeship or training programs with organizations that are looking to hire. These programs give students real-world experience while giving the company much needed help.

“Not everyone needs to go to that four year college and the way that the world is changing right now, that might not even be the job that is available”

“Developing a good understanding of what is being offered and working with the local technical colleges to make them aware of your needs will be beneficial to all parties,” Evans said.

When looking at candidates to fill a technical position at a commercial real estate organizations, hiring managers should understand the curriculum of the trade school the applicant is coming from. They should also understand the value of trade school graduate and focus less on the title or the degree. Brister said that they work hard to prepare their graduates for the hiring process.

“We do teach them not only the trade but the soft skills,” Brister said. “We work on interviewing, resume building and we take them to companies and talk to them about the industry.”

Despite the rise in enrollment trade and technical schools have seen, there is still some disconnect between trade schools and the commercial real estate industry. Hiring mangers are recommended to be specific about requirements in the job postings while also being open-minded and considering whether the position can be successfully filled by someone outside of the four-year college “tradition.” “Often, we see employers focus on the degree,” Evans said. “Many of our highly skilled certificate, diploma or even associate degree students may not seem to qualify for a particular posting and are very hesitant to apply. I would emphasis for hiring managers to look at the curriculum and build a relationship with their local technical college program faculty.”

Stepping Stones

There is no one size fits all solution to the labor shortage in the commercial real estate industry, but technical and vocational schools are one avenue of solutions. Developing a relationship with a local institution can be a step in the right direction when it comes to future-proofing an organization.

Commercial real estate professionals must look for new and innovative ways to attract new people and the next generation into the industry. Not only will this created a skilled workforce, but also a more diverse one.

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