Welders, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, construction workers, nurses, hairstylists, mechanics, heavy equipment operators, dental hygienists and steelworkers.

These are a few examples of trade careers, which in 2026 are a hot commodity for the workforce and for the next generation of workers who will someday be the leaders of these industries.

Since at least 2024, Idaho’s regional economists have reported strong projected growth and ongoing need for skilled workers in construction, which encompasses various areas of expertise.

People are starting to change how they view these careers as demand for skilled trades is on the rise in North Idaho and across the country, according to economic development specialist Josh Wise with the Panhandle Area Council, a nonprofit that works to build a resilient, sustainable economy throughout the region.

"For a long time, career-technical education was treated as a fallback option for students who did not pursue a traditional four-year degree," Wise said March 5. "That perception is shifting. Today both pathways can lead to strong careers, and more students and families are recognizing that the trades offer a practical and rewarding option."

He said locally, a strong economy has driven significant demand for construction and trade workers. Construction plays a much larger role in the economy of the Inland Northwest than it does elsewhere in the U.S.

"Our area has nearly twice the concentration of construction workers compared with the national average, making it one of the more prominent industries in the region and the third largest in terms of total employment," Wise said. "That demand has helped push wages upward. In many cases a single worker in the trades can earn close to the region’s median household income of about $77,000, which highlights how these careers can provide solid middle-class earnings without requiring a four-year degree."

He said another factor driving interest is demographics.

"Much of the skilled trades workforce is nearing retirement, while younger generations entering the workforce are smaller in number," Wise said. "That combination means fewer workers are available to replace those leaving the field. As experienced tradespeople retire, the need to bring new workers into these occupations becomes even more important for maintaining housing construction, infrastructure and everyday services."

Rising tuition and the desire to stay out of student debt also play a role in the next generation contemplating trades careers, especially when alternatives such as apprenticeships, industry certifications and shorter training programs allow them to start earning sooner, Wise said.

"Many training programs are adapting by offering dua-credit opportunities, stackable credentials and pathways that let students work while completing their training," he said.

Technology is a factor as well.

"Artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape parts of the white-collar workforce, and that has led some people to rethink long-term job stability in certain fields," Wise said. "At the same time, many skilled trades rely on hands-on work, problem solving in the field, and physical installation or repair, which are far more difficult to automate. We can already see how technology is influencing hiring trends. Skills related to artificial intelligence now appear in about 2.5% of all job postings, a number that continues to grow."

A strong local effort has been put forth to introduce students to career opportunities in the trades.

"Schools, employers and community groups are hosting hands-on career exploration events that introduce students and families to these occupations," Wise said. "Programs like Hard Hats, Hammers, Healthcare and Hotdogs (H4), Safety Fest, Unlock Your Future and other regional career showcases give students a chance to see equipment, meet employer and experience what these jobs look like in the real world. Those efforts are helping more people understand the opportunities available in the trades and why they are becoming an increasingly attractive career path."

According to North Idaho College, apprenticeship enrollment is surging. NIC's trades apprenticeship programs in electrical, plumbing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning have 910 students enrolled in classes here at the NIC Workforce Training Center this year.

The NIC Workforce Training has made access easier for more students in the region by expanding program offerings in Sandpoint and the Silver Valley.

Shorter, faster, lower-risk training options are easier to say “yes” to. This is reflected in NIC Workforce Training’s enrollment growth over the past few years. In 2023, the center had 4,757 students enrolled, and by 2025 that number grew to 5,382 students. This signals big participation in short-term, job-aligned training-not just long degree tracks.

    Wise