Looking for a secure job in a growing field? Think solar and wind energy, according to new report

NATIONAL (25News Now) — The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that some of the country’s fastest-growing jobs do not require a bachelor’s degree.

The list ranks wind turbine technicians as the fastest-growing career, while solar installers came in second.

Paula Nachtrieb, from Illinois Central College, said the school has around 36 to 40 students graduating from the Solar Pipeline Training and the Climate Works Programs each year.

The college is also seeing more commercial solar grid jobs, which Nachtrieb believes is due to the hands-on training students get working in the field.

“We’ve had a lot of employers wanting to take the students out to different solar farms; we have some wind farms,” she said. “Because it’s a clean energy program with Climate Works, those students get to visit a variety of clean energy sites.”

An increased demand for the trades overall

The Midwest Technical Institute CEO, Brian Huff, said enrollment increased 35% over the past four years.

He believes Gen Z students are more interested in the trades overall because of factors like job security.

“All of our programs are a compliment to the economy in the local area,” said Huff. “Whether it’s welders, HVAC technicians, or whether it’s in healthcare, all of our programs are going to help meet demands in local areas. They can work anywhere across the country.”

He added that in the MTI programs, students work with local employers who advise them on the curriculum, and will review labs and equipment to make sure students are keeping up with the trends in the industry.

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