For decades, the formula for a secure future has been a familiar one: attend college, secure a career that justifies the investment. But as tuition continues to rise, student debt becomes a reality, and people are rethinking this model, especially when entire industries offer lucrative compensation, security, and advancement without a traditional four-year degree. And that brings us to the skilled trades, which are at the epicenter of this movement.
The plumbing, electrical, and HVAC industries are essential, but they are also in a period of transition, as many experienced professionals are nearing retirement, and employers across America are struggling to find qualified entry-level personnel. While apprenticeships are a critical part of this, traditional trade schools are not necessarily the most efficient or accessible means of preparing individuals for these opportunities, and this is where CourseCareers has focused much of its expansion over the past year or so.
Launched by entrepreneur Troy Buckholdt in 2019, CourseCareers was based on a simple concept: people do not need a formal education to start a meaningful career; they need skills and a way forward. While the company has been recognized for its offerings in technology and business, its trade programs have helped numerous students pursue practical, profitable careers in fields such as construction and maintenance.
CourseCareers currently offers specific courses in Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC, as well as related career options in Construction Project Management, Construction Estimating, and Architectural Drafting. The goal of these courses is not to replace the apprenticeship or licensing process but rather to replace the traditional classroom-based experience of the trade school for many students. In other words, it’s meant to give students the basic knowledge they would typically receive in the classroom so they can begin working more quickly.
CourseCareers’ approach to training students for the trades relies on enlisting the experience and expertise of instructors with decades of experience in the relevant fields and industries. In addition to the material in the courses, CourseCareers also offers optional coaching that students can purchase for an additional price. One of the coaches that students can hire is Mike Fitzgerald, who provides career advice, as well as communication and leadership coaching. Fitzgerald began working in the HVAC industry in his early 20s, eventually being promoted to Vice President of his company.
“I've spent decades in the HVAC trade, working in the field, managing teams, and even teaching at trade schools after work,” Fitzgerald explains. “The truth is, you don't need years in a classroom to start your career. CourseCareers teaches you the core concepts you need to get started faster, learn on the job, and build a strong foundation for a successful future in this trade.”
The philosophy and approach that CourseCareers takes are directly reflected in the specific curriculum they offer for students interested in the trades. Students can learn the basic concepts and ideas that help them understand what they can expect in the workplace and how they can begin working immediately.
If an individual is interested in a field such as construction but does not have an interest in working in the trades themselves, CourseCareers’ construction-related courses provide another point of entry into the field. Courses such as Construction Project Management and Construction Estimating teach both technical skills as well as organizational skills so that students can be well-equipped for behind-the-scenes work on construction projects.
The platform also understands that knowing a trade is only part of the equation. Landing a job involves understanding how to present one's skills, communicate with potential employers, and navigate the interview process. Once the student completes their courses, they are given access to the CourseCareers Career Launchpad, which offers instruction on resume building, contacting potential employers, interviewing, and what to expect in the hiring process. An AI-based interview practice tool is also available to help students practice specific scenarios as many times as they need to, helping to alleviate the unknowns of a career change.
Timing is everything in the trades. As many in the trades workforce are aging out of their positions, new opportunities are arising for those who are willing to step in and learn. As more and more people are rethinking the value of their traditional degrees, CourseCareers’ trades-related courses provide an opportunity for an individual to find a stable career in an in-demand field. As learning is an ongoing process in these fields, the opportunity for future job security is evident.
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