The United States is experiencing significant economic transitions, resulting in employment losses in a variety of industries. Workers who were laid off as a result of these developments are commonly referred to as “dislocated workers.”
This word refers to those who have lost their jobs owing to causes such as company closures, relocations, or shifts in market demand.
Transitioning into new careers might be difficult for these people, but it also provides potential for advancement, particularly in industries such as Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD), Revit/BIM (Building Information Modeling), and Cybersecurity.
Understanding Dislocated Workers
Dislocated workers are those who have been fired or laid off from their occupations and are unlikely to return to their previous sector or occupation.
Unlike other unemployed people, displaced workers have distinct issues because their job loss is frequently caused by economic structural changes, such as technical developments or adjustments in consumer preferences, rather than human performance.
Many dispersed people worked in industries including manufacturing, retail, and hospitality, which have been extensively impacted by automation, outsourcing, and economic downturns.
The recent economic policies and shifts under the new presidential administration have contributed to job losses in several industries, leaving many Americans to reconsider their career paths.
Importance of Retraining and Education
Retraining and education are critical measures for dispersed workers seeking to re-enter the workforce. Participating in training programs can greatly increase reemployment prospects and potentially result in greater income.
Research shows that workers who enroll in training programs are more likely to obtain work than those who do not.
From January 2021 through December 2023, 2.6 million workers were displaced from jobs they had held for at least three years. Among these long-tenured displaced workers, 65.7% were reemployed when surveyed in January 2024, 16.1% were unemployed, and 18.2% were not in the labor force.
The reemployment rates were similar for men and women, at 65.2% and 66.2%, respectively. These statistics highlight the importance of acquiring new skills to remain competitive in today’s job market.
Opportunities in Technical Education Include CADD, Revit/Bim, and Cybersecurity
Technical education provides realistic avenues for dislocated people to pursue in-demand occupations.
CADD specialists utilize specialized software to create accurate drawings and models for a variety of industries, including architecture, engineering, and manufacturing.
The demand for skilled CADD technicians remains high since they play an important role in product development and infrastructure projects.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual income for drafters was $62,530 in May 2023, and job prospects are predicted to remain constant as businesses rely on digital design.
Revit or BIM (Building Information Modeling)
BIM is the creation and maintenance of digital representations of physical and functional properties of locations.
Revit is a popular BIM software among architects, engineers, and construction professionals. As the construction industry increasingly uses digital technologies for project management, Revit/BIM expertise has become a valuable talent.
Cybersecurity
With the rise of cyber threats, businesses are prioritizing the security of their digital assets.
Cybersecurity expertise is in high demand to protect information systems against breaches and attacks. This sector provides numerous options, ranging from network security to ethical hacking.
The demand for cybersecurity specialists is predicted to increase by 33% by 2030, making it one of the fastest expanding job categories in the United States.
What Can Dislocated Workers Do?
If you are one of the many people who have lost your job, the first thing you should do is think about your choices. Many businesses have been hit hard, and technology is still changing the way people do their jobs, leaving gaps in the job market.
Instead of focusing on losing your job, think about how you can use this to make investments in your future.
One good option for workers who have lost their jobs is to get education and training in areas that are expected to grow, like Cybersecurity, CADD, and Revit/BIM.
Not only do these fields offer job security, but they also offer the chance for high-paying jobs, business advancement, and more freedom.
Let’s look more closely at each of these areas and how getting education and training in them can open up new doors.
1. Safety at work
Technical skills will be in high demand in the next years. CADD, Revit/BIM, and Cybersecurity employment are solid, unlike many others that may be mechanized or outsourced.
Machines are unlikely to replace these occupations, which are vital to future technology, infrastructure, and digital security.
People who can design, build, and secure new technology are in demand as more organizations go digital.
2. Lots of ways to make money
The chance to make money is another strong reason to get a skilled education. Experts in CADD, Revit/BIM, and Cybersecurity often make more than people in many other areas, especially as they get more experience and certifications.
- Professionals with CADD: CADD drafters can make anywhere from $50,000 to $75,000 a year, but it depends on the business and location.
- Revit and BIM specialists: BIM professionals, like BIM coordinators and modelers, can make anywhere from $60,000 to $90,000 a year, based on their experience and area of expertise.
- Cybersecurity experts: The starting salary for a cybersecurity expert is around $60,000. More experienced specialists can make $100,000 or more a year.
Many of these jobs also have good chances to move up, so there is room for more growth.
3. Business Growth
As technology keeps changing, so do the fields that need trained workers in areas like CADD, Revit/BIM, and Cybersecurity.
These areas are at the cutting edge of new technology, and they will continue to change as new software and tools are made.
These jobs are expected to grow a lot, whether they involve planning the infrastructure of future cities, making complex digital models for building projects, or keeping businesses and the government safe from online threats.
For workers who have lost their jobs, this growth means they can join a thriving industry with lots of room for new ideas and career growth.
The RW2 and Missouri Grants Open Up New Opportunities
The fact that grants and other forms of financial help are available is one of the best things for laid-off workers who want to retrain in technical areas.
RW2, a leader in Career and Technical Education, accepts grants in Missouri so that they can get the classes they need to learn new skills and secure their future jobs.
RW2 offers high-quality, industry-relevant training in areas such as Information Technology, CADD, and Revit/BIM. This makes it a great resource for workers who want to switch careers to these growing fields.
Through the Missouri grants, people who are qualified can get their tuition for these programs lowered or even paid for completely. This makes going back to school less expensive.
People can also take advantage of WIOA (workforce innovation opportunity act) benefits to help cover the cost of their education and training with RW2.
People who have lost their jobs can get the training and money they need to get into new fields with good job prospects, better salaries, and room for career growth by using RW2’s programs and financial aid.
Strategies For Success
To ease the adjustment, dispersed workers can:
- Explore federal and state programs that provide financial aid, training, and support services.
- Seek Out Community Resources: Many non-profit organizations and community institutions provide low-cost training programs suited to local job markets.
- Leverage Online Learning: A variety of online platforms offer flexible and affordable training in technical domains such as CADD, Revit/BIM, and cybersecurity.
- Network with Professionals: Connecting with industry professionals at networking events, workshops, and online forums can generate valuable insights and career leads.
If you’re interested in enrolling in the Computer-Aided Drafting and Design (CADD); Revit for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Cybersecurity program, click below—exciting news is on the way, and you won’t want to miss it!
Conclusion
Navigating the move from job displacement to new employment options necessitates perseverance and proactive participation in retraining and education. CADD, Revit/BIM, and cybersecurity are all viable career paths for those who are prepared to adapt and learn.
Dislocated professionals can successfully start on new professional adventures by utilizing existing resources and support systems, thereby contributing to a dynamic and evolving workforce. With Cybersecurity, CADD, and Revit for BIM in high demand, take the first step toward a rewarding career by enrolling in RW2’s specialized programs today! Learn More!
