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Skilled trades are a significant part of Polk County’s economy, and for many workers, they offer a faster, more affordable pathway to stable, well-paying careers.

“In many cases, skilled trade careers offer comparable, or even superior earning potential to traditional four-year college paths, without the burden of student debt,” said company leaders at Lakeland-based GMF Steel Group.

But as demand grows across industries, employers and educators say the challenge is building a strong enough pipeline to fill those roles. 

The United Community Needs Assessment by United Way of Central Florida and GiveWell Community Foundation, points to a growing gap between available jobs and workers trained to fill them, particularly in middle-skill roles that require training beyond high school but not a four-year degree.

Polk State College leaders say machinists, technicians, and manufacturing roles are among the most in-demand positions locally, with additional growth expected in construction and healthcare-related technical fields. 

Construction alone already accounts for about 8.5% of the local workforce, making it one of the region’s largest employment sectors.

Traviss Technical College is seeing similar trends, with strong demand for programs in welding, HVAC/R, and electrical trades.

Training pathways expanding to meet demand

Across Polk County, training providers are working to align programs with workforce needs, offering hands-on, career-focused education that can lead directly to employment.

Polk State Corporate College offers an 18-week Computer Numeric Control Production Specialist program, where students train for careers in high-tech manufacturing. The college plans to launch a welding technology program in late 2026, and additional workforce training programs, including millwright training, are being developed or expanded to meet growing demand.

“These programs are designed with hands-on components that prepare students for in-demand careers,” said Patricia Collins, executive director of Polk State Corporate College.

Students receive a mix of classroom instruction, lab-based training, and real-world experiences, including internships and employer-led opportunities, along with industry-recognized certifications and career placement support.

At Traviss Technical College, most programs are designed to be completed in about one year — a model that the college calls “Career in a Year” — allowing students to move quickly into the workforce.

Traviss Technical College | Anna Toms, LkldNow

Students can train in a range of skilled trades including plumbing, welding, electrical work, automotive, and HVAC/R, all designed with direct input from industry partners to ensure job-ready skills, according to the Polk County School Board. 

After training, Traviss connects students to employment opportunities through partnerships, job placement support, hiring events, apprenticeships, and pathways to entry-level roles.

Earn-while-you-learn pathways

Training in the trades can offer the opportunity to start earning while gaining skills. 

GMF Steel Group has a paid three-year Ironworker Apprenticeship Program that combines on-the-job training and classroom instruction, allowing participants to progress through structured levels as they gain experience.

Starting wages begin around $20 per hour, with increases tied to skill development. Some apprentices earn up to $32 per hour before completing the program.

“They have to work 40 hours a week, but then every other Friday, for eight hours, we have classroom time,” Andy Norman, president of GMF Steel Group said during a recruitment event in February. 

Students are paid for their time in the field, but they are not compensated for classroom time. “We want to see them invest in themselves,” Norman said. “There is no cost for this … when they graduate, they get a nationally recognized journeyman’s certificate.”

The program is competitive, only accepting around 15 students each year.

GMF also operates a welding school and actively recruits high school graduates through career fairs and outreach efforts. 

Early exposure shapes careers

“Career-connected learning is critical,” said Melody Rider, president of ConnectED Polk. “For many skilled trades and technical careers, students need exposure, context, and confidence just as much as academic preparation.”

She said exposure should begin earlier — ideally in middle school, so students can make informed decisions about coursework, certifications, and career pathways. 

“Many students and families are not fully aware of the breadth of skilled trade and technical opportunities available locally,” Rider said. 

At Traviss, technical training can begin before graduation, with dual-enrollment opportunities available to high school juniors and seniors. Programs are designed to support adult learners and career changers.

Barriers limit access

Cost and time commitment can prevent some students from enrolling in training programs, though new funding sources — including Workforce Pell Grants available for short-term programs beginning in July 2026 — are starting to improve access.

At Traviss, leaders say additional barriers include transportation, childcare, and work schedules. The school provides financial aid guidance and addresses challenges through flexible scheduling, student support services, and strong employer partnerships.

Many young workers struggle initially with adjusting to structured work environments, expectations, and accountability, according to GMF Steel.

“When we bring in young people, a lot of times we’re teaching them how to go from being a student now to be a professional,” Norman said. “So as much as we’re teaching them the skill, we’re also teaching them how to be an adult as well.”

The company pairs apprentices with mentors and provides structured support to help them transition into long-term careers.

“You say you want the smartest or the brightest,” Norman said, “you want that, but you also want folks that fit as well because we invest a lot of time, effort, and dollars into them, and we want to make sure that they’re going to be here for the long haul.”

Building a workforce pipeline

Workforce leaders say stronger coordination between education, employers, and training providers is key to meeting the needs of a growing workforce.

“Schools cannot do this work alone,” Rider said. “When education and industry work together, students graduate more prepared, and employers gain a stronger talent pipeline.”

Insight Polk examines community conditions and solutions in six target areas from UCIndicators.org: economic & employment opportunity, education, housing, food security, transportation & infrastructure, and quality of life.

LkldNow’s Insight Polk independent reporting is made possible by the United Community Indicators Project with funding by GiveWell Community Foundation & United Way of Central Florida. All editorial decisions are made by LkldNow.

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Kayla Borg is a Lakeland native and graduate of Western Carolina University, where she earned her degree in English and film production. She began her media career in Atlanta at CNN, quickly rising from production assistant editor to technical director/editor, leading live broadcasts alongside field reporters. Since then, she’s worked in education, instructional design and independent filmmaking.

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