“According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 8 million skilled-labor jobs were lost from the labor force during the pandemic. About half have been filled, but about 4 million vacancies remained in industries responsible for most transportation, construction, and mechanical needs nationwide.”
Fox Business News – February 2022
Because Priority Staffing Group is a solution driven organization, our response to the labor shortage in skilled trades is twofold. We want to be a pivotal part in educating our community on the outstanding job opportunities within skilled trade professions, while going the extra mile to show our appreciation by giving financial support to eligible trade school students.
Qualifications & Details
- Anyone majoring in a trades field (i.e. HVAC, Welding, Auto Collision/Service Technology, Diesel Mechanics, Construction Management, Electrical Technology, CNC Machinist, Industrial Maintenance, Paint & Metal Technology, etc.)
- Applicants must attend either Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg, IL or John A Logan College in Carterville, IL.
- Applicants must have graduated from a high school in the district of the college they are attending.
- Funds can be used for tuition, books, fees, and/or supplies.
- No grade point average requirement.
- Applicant can be a recent graduate or a non-traditional student.
- How to apply? The student will apply for scholarship through the college foundation departments.
Our choices in career paths are often influenced by what we view as the “norm” in society. For many years, the 4-year college degree has become the most talked about, standard choice for education after high school. The “norm” that unfortunately follows is the graduates’ struggle to enter the workforce after graduation. Most graduates spend the months after graduation re-imagining their career path before eventually landing in a role within an industry that is likely unrelated to their specific degree.
That is not the case with the skilled trades industry. With 1/3 of skilled trades workers being over the age of 50 and nearing retirement, students can absolutely expect to use their education in the workforce post graduation. Most students report to have a job lined up by, if not before, graduation from trade school. These are well paying jobs in incredibly stable, thriving industries. We believe that the return on investment for your education in a trades field is something worth supporting in our community!
Feel free to reach out to us directly for more information! And STAY TUNED for more information about our first recipient of Priority Staffing Group’s Trade School Scholarship!