(Opinion) Vocational education, work will power NH economy to a brighter future

Investing in employees’ education, learning will lead to more motivation and productivity on the job

EDUCATION

By: Tim Winkeler

In New Hampshire, and across America, it is not easy to find a job. From artificial intelligence to economic uncertainty, job-seekers are struggling to find not only specific careers, but also broader career paths that will provide financial security and more.

According to New Hampshire economist Brian Gottlob, job growth is slowing in the Granite State, with AI-driven productivity gains reducing certain hiring needs, public policy limiting the supply of labor, and other issues. On the flip side, businesses in the state are struggling to recruit and retain the high-quality workers who drive business expansion and economic growth.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. New Hampshire is still experiencing a severe labor shortage, with tens of thousands of jobs available to those looking for a new direction. There is especially high demand in the skilled trades, as employers try to meet the need for vocational work — from construction to auto repair.

Whether it means building a new home, renovating an old one, or fixing a car engine, consumers are in the market for experts who are builders and doers, working with their hands (literally) to provide the best possible customer service. This expertise comes at a premium today, and people will pay for it.

First and foremost, this is an opportunity for high school and college students. For those young people who are conflicted about their career path or entirely undecided, vocational careers should be a top consideration. These careers tend to offer higher earnings with lower associated education costs. Trade schools carry an average total cost in the tens of thousands, as opposed to four-year degrees that can easily exceed $100,000. As a result, trade school graduates tend to carry significantly less debt than traditional college students, and they’re no less prepared to enter the workforce.

This is one component of investing in the right education. The other is for employers to invest in their employees’ learning potential long after graduation. When working Americans feel like their employers genuinely care about their development on a sustained basis (and spend their money accordingly), they end up being more fulfilled and motivated and productive on the job.

As the head of northern New England’s largest privately held automotive service provider and tire dealer, I see it firsthand. VIP is proud to offer classroom learning, hands-on training and industry certification at no cost to employees. We can tell countless stories of entry-level technicians who, within only three years, attained enough experience and secured enough certifications to essentially double their earnings, with even more room for growth. Many master-certified technicians at VIP easily surpass the $100,000 annual income threshold, and that is because education doesn’t stop in school.

Vocational industries are known for employee empowerment, and we try to be a model for other industries to follow. Whether it’s a local auto repair shop in New Hampshire or a national consulting firm, there is no excuse for the best employers to not empower the best talent to achieve more and more.

VIP recently hosted our Master Tech Summit, Tire Forum and Safety Symposium in Portsmouth, drawing more than 150 employees and vendors to the city to discuss education, career development and other issues. Our primary focus was the idea of investing in people through education as a key to navigating turbulent economic times. There is so much untapped potential out there, and it could be realized through a new course or certification.

The best way to overcome career-related anxiety is to use every tool in the proverbial toolbox, and that falls on both employers and employees. What this means in practice is continual, lifelong education turning “jobs” into actual “careers,” building a strong foundation for personal growth and financial security for families.

We all have a role to play for a brighter economic future, especially in New Hampshire. Let’s get the job done.

Tim Winkeler is president and CEO of VIP Tires & Service, which operates shops across New Hampshire.