Who Are Essential Workers? Learn About Roles, Skills & Qualifications

In today’s fast-evolving world, the term “essential worker” has become more prominent and significant than ever before. These dedicated professionals are the backbone of our daily lives, ensuring our communities function seamlessly, often behind the scenes. At Lincoln Tech, we recognize the critical role these individuals play and are committed to endorsing future essential workers with comprehensive training and education.

Understanding Essential Workers

Who are essential workers? These individuals maintain the crucial infrastructures of our society, performing core functions that we rely on in every aspect of daily life. They include healthcare providers, automotive and skilled trade professionals, and many others who ensure our safety and well-being. Essential workers are not just employees; they are specialists who commit to service in challenging circumstances.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in hospitals, food manufacturing plants, and utilities are among those who may be required to report in person¹. Exactly which workers are considered “essential” may differ, depending on where they live and other factors. But the goods or services that they provide are nearly always vital, in some way, to life and welfare.

The Roles and Contributions of Essential Workers

Essential workers operate across varied industries. From the electricity that keeps our homes lit to the transportation services that keep our cities moving, these roles are integral to maintaining societal functions. Their work encompasses not only physical labor but also emotional strength, as they provide comfort, medical care, and security.

Training Opportunities for Essential Workers

At Lincoln Tech, we offer specialized training programs that align with the needs of essential industries. Our courses are designed to equip you with the skills necessary to excel in high-demand roles, such as automotive technicians, electricians, HVAC technicians, information technology specialists and healthcare workers. These programs focus not only on technical skills but also on developing the resilience and problem-solving abilities that are crucial in high-pressure scenarios.

Skills and Qualifications For Essential Workers

The journey to becoming an essential worker involves gaining a robust set of skills - both technical and soft skills.

Examples of skills and qualifications for each industry:

• Automotive - An Automotive Technician must possess a deep understanding of the sophisticated systems that power today's vehicles, blending technical knowledge with innovation to keep the world moving forward. Skilled automotive workers also include diesel and heavy equipment mechanics, collision repair technicians and service advisors.
• Skilled Trades - An electrician must understand complex wiring systems and possess critical thinking skills to solve unexpected problems swiftly and efficiently. An HVAC technician must master the intricacies of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems like installing equipment, bringing comfort and safety to environments everywhere. The skilled trades includes, but is not limited to, electricians and electronics technicians, welders, HVAC technicians and machinists.
• Healthcare - Healthcare professionals are required to master not only the foundational knowledge of medicine but also the interpersonal skills to support patients through their most challenging moments. Health sciences technicians include LPNs, medical assistants, patient care technicians and dental assistants.
• Information Technology - An IT Technician understanding hardware, software, and network systems is just the beginning; you must also cultivate the strategic thinking necessary to troubleshoot issues under pressure and ensure seamless operations. Computer systems support technicians help keep computers running and connected so the economy can keep functioning.

Benefits of Specialized Training

Completing a training program at Lincoln Tech means more than just learning; it’s preparing to make a substantial impact in your community. Our facilities provide real-world simulations, ensuring that you are job-ready from day one.

Supporting Essential Workers

Lincoln Tech is dedicated to ensuring that our graduates’ step into the workforce with not only skills but also the support they need to succeed. We advocate for fair wages, workplace safety, and benefits that reflect the critical nature of their roles.

The success stories of our graduates stand as a testament to our impact, with countless alumni thriving in roles that are essential to community well-being and safety. They are the healthcare workers who bring healing, the technicians who keep our technological world running, and the tradespeople who build our future.

Our commitment extends beyond education; it's about building a supportive community that uplifts and guides each student towards a fulfilling career, making every Lincoln Tech graduate not only a skilled professional but a pivotal part of the essential workforce.

Learn about our alumni in our Graduates Hall of Fame.

Career Growth and Advancement

A career as an essential worker offers numerous opportunities for advancement. With the foundational skills acquired at Lincoln Tech, graduates are well-prepared to take on leadership roles and specializations within their fields, adapting to new technologies and practices that continually shape their industries.

Lincoln Tech's Commitment to Essential Workers

We are immensely proud of our graduates who have gone on to become standout essential workers. Their success stories inspire new students to strive for excellence and dedication in their chosen fields. At Lincoln Tech, we don’t just train essential workers—we build futures, encourage dreams, and support the vital services that keep our society thriving.

As we look forward, the demand for skilled, resilient, and dedicated essential workers will only grow. Lincoln Tech is here to meet this challenge, providing leading-edge training for the next generation of essential service providers. We invite you to join us on this noble path, where your education and grit forge the way to a promising and secure future.

¹ “Essential Work: Employment and Outlook in Occupations That Protect and Provide.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, https://www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2020/article/essential-work.htm Accessed 13 Jan. 2025.