30,000 workers in the skilled trades needed for the economic upturn

If you want a view on what is likely to happen as a result of the ARRA (stimulus) program here in the  US, it may be helpful to look across the border to our neighbors in Alberta, British Columbia, who have recognized that they need to plan for the rebound and where the necessary skilled workforce may come from.

The massive influx of workforce training dollars is already starting to flow, and will be accessible through the Workforce Alliance. One of the areas that is going to provide steady work, good pay, and job security are in the "skilled trades" and "technician" jobs

These areas refers to a broad range of job titles that require workers to possess specialized skills, traditionally learned over a period of time as an apprentice (apprenticeships are paid "earn while you learn" programs.

Examples of skilled trades jobs include: electricians, carpenters, cabinet makers, masons/bricklayers, plumbers and welders.

Technicians positions according to the Labor department include primarily in plant production/operations, engineering and maintenance. In other words, these are "local" (to U.S.) jobs that cannot be outsourced (due to their "Hands-on nature", where males and females alike can prosper, and will need to be done "here" by US workers.