In an era of economic shifts, local youth are turning to hands-on careers that offer not just jobs, but lasting stability and a sense of purpose in our community.

Picture a crisp autumn morning in Harrisburg's Allison Hill neighborhood. Inside a renovated home on 14th Street, 17-year-old Jamal Thompson grips a hammer, carefully framing a wall under the watchful eye of his instructor.

Sawdust dances in the sunlight streaming through newly installed windows, and the air hums with the sounds of drills and laughter from his classmates. "I used to think college was the only way out," Jamal says, pausing to wipe sweat from his brow. "But here, I'm building something real, something that pays well and lets me give back to my city."

This scene unfolds at Evolve Youth Trades Academy, where young people from across the Harrisburg-Carlisle area are rediscovering skilled trades. For Jamal and others like him, it's not just about learning carpentry or electrical work.

It's about forging a path to independence in a world where traditional routes feel increasingly uncertain. As the Susquehanna River flows steadily nearby, these students are channeling that same enduring spirit into careers that promise stability and pride.

The resurgence of interest in skilled trades among young people is more than a local whisper. It's a national movement gaining momentum, particularly in Pennsylvania. According to recent projections, trade school enrollments are set to grow by 6.6 percent annually, driven by a demand for skilled workers in fields like construction, manufacturing, and renewable energy.

In our state alone, over 63,000 students are enrolled in career and technical education programs, with high school graduates increasingly opting for trades over four-year colleges. This shift comes as no surprise.

With college debt averaging over $37,000 per borrower nationwide, many young adults are seeking debt-free alternatives that lead straight to well-paying jobs. In Pennsylvania, entry-level roles in trades like plumbing or electrical can start at $70,000 a year, complete with benefits and opportunities for advancement. (newsdirect.com)

Locally, this trend is vivid in the Harrisburg-Carlisle metro area, where programs are bridging the gap between education and employment. Take Evolve Youth Trades Academy, founded by Patricia Robinson to provide alternatives for students who might otherwise drop out. Robinson, the CEO, started the program after encountering an eighth-grader planning to leave school.

"We focus on changing trajectories, especially for Black and brown students and females," she explains. The academy offers hands-on training in carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work, certifying participants as pre-apprentices through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.

What began as a four-week summer pilot with 10 students has expanded to six-week sessions, after-school programs, and partnerships with districts like Harrisburg, Central Dauphin, Steelton-Highspire, and Commonwealth Charter Academy.

Success stories abound. Several graduates this year joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, while others enrolled at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology or secured positions with local contractors. One alumnus, now in his early 20s, earned an apprenticeship with the Independent Electrical Contractors, bought his own work van, and returns to volunteer, inspiring the next group. The academy even includes a "Women in Trades" initiative, a three-day program introducing multiple skills, helping adults in their 30s pivot careers.

One participant shifted from a dead-end job to working with plumbers and pipefitters after just five months. Funded by grants and school partnerships, Evolve is rebuilding a donated property on 14th Street into affordable housing, with students doing the work. This hands-on project not only teaches skills but also instills a commitment to community improvement.

Nearby, Dauphin County Technical School serves as another cornerstone for young tradespeople. With around 700 applications annually, the school offers programs in automotive technology, diesel mechanics, electrical construction, and more. Students engage in work-based learning, including apprenticeships and internships, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce.

"We're seeing a huge upswing in interest," notes Joanne Custer from the school, reflecting broader enrollment increases in technical education amid labor shortages. Harrisburg Area Community College complements this with over 120 job-ready programs, including welding, HVAC, and advanced manufacturing, emphasizing flexible paths for young adults to gain credentials and thrive.

A short drive to Lancaster brings us to Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, a key partner for many Harrisburg students. Offering 24 associate degrees and short-term trainings in trades like masonry and renewable energy, the college is restoring prestige to these fields.

Sanjai Diaz, a recent graduate, transformed his career through their solar installation program, landing a job before finishing the course. "The trades are essential," says Diaz, now working in the growing solar industry. Partnerships with Penn State Harrisburg allow seamless transfers for those seeking further education, blending trade skills with broader opportunities.

This revival echoes Harrisburg's history. Our city was built by skilled workers—from the iron forges along the Susquehanna in the 19th century to the infrastructure projects that shaped modern Carlisle and beyond. But in recent decades, trades faced stigma, with society pushing college as the sole path to success. Now, with 1,550 apprenticeship programs statewide—many in manufacturing and construction—and over 115 building trades locals across Pennsylvania, the narrative is changing.

Young people are drawn by job security, especially in a region with revitalizing industries. York County, just south, addresses construction shortages through pre-apprenticeships for high schoolers, mirroring our local efforts.

Yet challenges remain. A Harris Poll reveals that while employers stress the value of trades, excitement lags among Gen Z, who may not realize these paths offer quicker financial rewards than college routes.

In Harrisburg, programs like Evolve counter this by making trades accessible and aspirational, blending technical training with soft skills and entrepreneurship. The result? Graduates not only earn well but also contribute to our community's fabric—repairing homes, installing green energy, and mentoring others.

These careers provide more than paychecks; they foster resilience in an unpredictable economy. Imagine a future where our youth lead the charge in sustainable building, powering homes with solar panels installed by local hands, or restoring historic structures that define our identity.

By supporting these programs—through volunteering, donations, or simply spreading the word—we invest in a stronger, more connected community. Schools, businesses, and families can collaborate to highlight trades as viable first choices, not fallbacks.

Pennsylvania's workforce development initiatives, like those from the Pennsylvania Workforce Development Association, underscore this potential with studies on youth employment trends.

Let's encourage our young people to explore these paths, knowing they build not just structures, but lives of stability and fulfillment. In doing so, we honor our region's hardworking heritage while paving the way for innovation and growth.

What skilled trade do you think holds the most promise for young people in our area, and how could our community better support those pursuing it?

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