As the Class of 2025 prepares to receive their diplomas, they are being encouraged to look at the many options that await them post-graduation.

Teachers and counselors in Grays Harbor and across the country are reminding students that there are many opportunities available in the vocational trades.

This is a familiar path for me. As a graduate who didn’t have the desire or resources to go to college, I appreciate that our area’s high schools are letting students know that there is a demand for qualified people in the workforce of many industries. Plumbers, electricians, pipe fitters, and sheet metal workers are all in need of workers.

Most of these are great paying union jobs and have apprenticeship programs for on-the-job-training. The same is true in the public utility industry, and Grays Harbor PUD staff have been putting in the work to spread that word to students.

Grays Harbor PUD employees are often invited into local schools to talk about opportunities in the electrical industry. Some jobs in the utility industry require a degree, but many do not. Once hired in an entry-level role, you can start working toward an apprenticeship in a variety of fields.

A two-to-four year apprenticeship in substation, line, dispatch or meter departments can lead to a lifelong career with great benefits. If an apprenticeship isn’t of interest, there are still plenty of opportunities to work in the utility field.

To those interested in pursuing a career in public power, I would encourage students to complete some of the prerequisite requirements (flagger certifications, CPR training and a commercial driver’s license) that are required for many positions. Having those ticked off the “to do” list makes you a much more attractive applicant.

For students who still have a couple years before graduation, many local high schools have vocational classes that give young people access to the skills that can help them get their foot in the door and in many cases, can be applied to a wide variety of careers such as carpentry, metal work or auto mechanics.

It’s really encouraging to see our local schools and professionals helping students explore careers in the skilled trades. These future workers will be the ones keeping our lights on and our world running, so it’s important we keep supporting programs that help guide them in that direction.