Skilled Trades: Building careers, strengthening NEPA’s workforce

WILKES-BARRE — For generations, skilled trades have been the backbone of communities — building homes, maintaining infrastructure, powering businesses, supporting healthcare systems, and keeping essential services running.

Today, those careers are more important than ever as employers throughout Northeastern Pennsylvania continue to seek qualified workers.

At Luzerne County Community College (LCCC), the message is clear — skilled trades are skilled careers.

Through hands-on education, industry partnerships, certifications, and career-focused programs, LCCC is preparing students for opportunities in fields where employers need trained professionals.

“Students today have more pathways to success than ever before,” said LCCC President John Yudichak. “A successful career does not look the same for everyone. For many students, technical education, industry certifications, and workforce training provide a direct pathway to a rewarding career, while meeting the needs of our region’s employers.”

What it really pays: The value of a skilled trade career

Yudichak said one of the biggest misconceptions about the trades is that they do not provide strong earning potential.

“In reality, skilled trade careers can offer competitive wages, opportunities for advancement, and long-term career stability,” Yudichak said.

Unlike some traditional career paths that require many years of education before entering the workforce, many skilled trade programs allow students to complete training in a shorter time-frame and begin applying their skills immediately.

Yudichak said starting wages vary depending on the industry, employer, location, certifications, and previous experience.

However, many skilled trade professionals have opportunities to increase their earning potential through:

• Additional certifications and specialized training

• Increased experience and technical expertise

• Leadership and supervisory responsibilities

• Overtime opportunities and shift differentials

• Entrepreneurship and business ownership

Yudichak said a skilled trade career is not simply a job — it is a profession requiring technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and lifelong learning.

Multiple pathways to success

The idea that a four-year college degree is the only path to career success is changing.

Yudichak said community colleges provide affordable, accessible education that connects students directly with workforce opportunities. He said many students choose certificates, industry credentials, technical training, or associate degrees because these programs provide the skills employers need.

At LCCC, Yudichak said students can “Go Here. Graduate Here. Work Here.” through programs designed around regional workforce demands.

“Whether preparing for a career in transportation, manufacturing, healthcare, construction, or emerging technologies, students receive education focused on real-world skills and employer expectations,” Yudichak said.

Meeting the demand for skilled workers

Employers across Northeastern Pennsylvania continue to experience a need for trained professionals in high-demand fields, including:

CDL and transportation

Yudichak said the transportation industry remains a critical part of the regional economy. CDL training provides a direct pathway into careers in trucking, logistics, public transportation, and commercial operations.

“Successful transportation professionals need more than technical driving skills,” Yudichak said. “They also need strong safety practices, professionalism, communication skills, and knowledge of industry regulations.”

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning professionals play an essential role in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.

Yudichak said demand continues to grow due to new construction, building maintenance needs, energy efficiency improvements, and the retirement of experienced workers. Hands-on training and certifications help technicians advance throughout their careers.

Welding

Welders are essential to manufacturing, construction, energy, and infrastructure projects.

“Today’s employers are looking for professionals who can work with advanced materials, understand modern processes, and bring strong technical skills to the workplace,” Yudichak said. “Welding also provides opportunities for specialization and career advancement.”

Electrical

Electricians are needed across residential, commercial, industrial, and energy sectors.

Yudichak said training in electrical careers includes safety, electrical theory, codes, and hands-on application. Growth in automation, technology, and renewable energy continues to create new opportunities.

Plumbing

Plumbing professionals help maintain critical systems that communities rely on every day.

Yudichak said skilled plumbers combine technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and hands-on expertise to work in residential, commercial, and industrial environments.

Medical assisting

Healthcare remains one of the largest employment sectors in the region.

Medical assistants provide important clinical and administrative support in physician offices, clinics, and healthcare organizations. Yudichak said training prepares students with the skills needed to enter this growing field.

Preparing for the jobs of tomorrow

While traditional trades continue to provide strong career opportunities, Yudichak said new technologies are creating additional workforce needs.

Emerging fields include:

• Industrial maintenance

— Modern manufacturers depend on technicians who understand mechanical systems, electrical systems, automation, and troubleshooting. Industrial maintenance professionals help keep businesses operating safely and efficiently.

•Water treatment operators

— Water treatment professionals provide an essential public service by helping ensure communities have safe and reliable water systems.

• Fire protection installers

— Fire protection specialists support public safety through the installation, inspection, and maintenance of critical safety systems.

• Wind and solar technicians

— Renewable energy continues to expand, creating opportunities for technicians who install, maintain, and repair clean energy systems.

• Drone surveying

— Drone technology is transforming industries, including construction, surveying, utilities, agriculture, and public safety. Skilled operators provide valuable data collection, mapping, and inspection services.

Building the workforce pipeline for tomorrow

Yudichak said LCCC is taking a comprehensive approach to workforce development by creating new pathways that connect students, employers, and communities.

Among LCCC’s recent initiatives is its partnership with the Pennsylvania Commission for Community Colleges to advance PAWorks — a first-in-the-nation skilled trades workforce ecosystem designed to connect high school Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs with post-secondary education opportunities at Pennsylvania’s community colleges.

“The initiative creates a stronger pipeline for students interested in skilled careers by helping them transition from high school technical programs into advanced training, certifications, and employment opportunities,” Yudichak said.

LCCC recently launched its Career & Technology Academy, creating post-secondary opportunities for more than 2,000 Career and Technical Education students throughout Luzerne County. LCCC continues to expand access to workforce training through upcoming initiatives, including the MicroCredential Academy and the Construction & Building Trade Pre-Apprenticeship Academy.

Yudichak said these programs provide students and members of the workforce with short-term, stackable credentials that allow individuals to gain industry-recognized skills while building toward long-term career advancement.

“Workforce development at LCCC extends beyond traditional trades,” Yudichak said. “Through innovative partnerships such as Teach in NEPA, a collaboration with the Hazleton Area School District and Commonwealth University, the college is creating an affordable, local pathway for future educators while helping address teacher shortages throughout the region.”

Yudichak said LCCC is also preparing to launch its new Act 120 Police Academy, which will help meet the growing demand for municipal police officers by creating a pipeline of highly trained law enforcement professionals ready to serve communities across Northeastern Pennsylvania.

While career preparation remains a central focus, Yudichak said LCCC recognizes that student success requires more than classroom instruction. Through its Center for Student Support and Intervention, LCCC provides resources such as food pantries, emergency assistance, academic support, and other services designed to help students overcome barriers and complete their education.

By combining career-focused education with comprehensive student support, Yudichak said LCCC continues to strengthen families, enhance communities, and support economic growth throughout the Greater Wyoming Valley and beyond.

“The future of Northeastern Pennsylvania depends on skilled workers, and LCCC is helping prepare the next generation of professionals,” Yudichak said.

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