Empowering Ohio’s Non-College Workforce Through Engineering Careers

Addressing Ohio's Workforce and Labor Challenges

In Ohio, the construction industry is at a crossroads. As demand for sustainable and complex infrastructure grows, a significant labor shortage threatens to derail projects and inflate costs. Nowhere is this more evident than in MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) engineering, a critical yet under-resourced sector of the workforce.


At the same time, Ohio faces another challenge: a large population of capable, math-minded individuals who lack access to traditional higher education. This untapped workforce represents an opportunity not only to solve the MEP labor shortage but also to create lasting social and economic change.


The Building Engineer Training Institute (BETI) is here to bridge the gap, transforming lives and industries through practical, cost-effective training programs.

The MEP Labor Shortage: A Problem in Plain Sight

Ohio's construction industry relies heavily on skilled MEP professionals, but the pipeline of new talent is shrinking. Traditional career pathways often fail to produce enough engineers, drafters, and designers to meet demand.

  • Labor Demand: The Ohio Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10% growth in demand for MEP professionals over the next decade.
  • Aging Workforce: The average engineering professional is 51 years old. Many experienced professionals are retiring, leaving vacancies that require immediate attention.

The question is: where will the next generation of skilled workers come from?

An Untapped Talent Pool: The Total Addressable Market in Ohio

Ohio is home to a large, untapped demographic of individuals who have the aptitude to succeed in MEP roles but lack awareness or access to training programs. Let’s break it down:

1. Individuals Without College Degrees

  • Over 60% of Ohio adults (approximately 6.6 million people) do not hold a bachelor’s degree.
  • Among young adults aged 18-32, approximately 1.8 million individuals fall into this category.

2. Math and Tech-Minded Talent

  • Around 20% of non-college-educated individuals exhibit strong math, technical, or problem-solving skills, based on workforce assessments and high school performance data.
  • This translates to 360,000 potential candidates in Ohio aged 18-32 who could excel in MEP roles.

3. Underemployed Workers Seeking Better Opportunities

  • Many individuals in this demographic are stuck in low-paying jobs in industries like retail or manual labor, earning between $25,000-$40,000 annually.
  • MEP careers offer starting salaries that can double their income, with opportunities for long-term growth.

By reaching even 5% of this target group, we could create a pipeline of 18,000 new MEP professionals in Ohio, addressing the labor shortage while transforming the lives of these individuals.

Why MEP Engineering is a Great Career Choice

Working in the MEP industry offers numerous benefits, including job stability, high earning potential, career growth, and impactful work. Here are some key reasons why it's an excellent career choice:

  • High Demand & Job Security: With Ohio’s MEP workforce projected to grow by 10% in the next decade, job opportunities are abundant, offering security and stability.
  • Competitive Salaries: Starting salaries in the MEP field range from $45,000 to $65,000, significantly higher than the starting wages in many other entry-level jobs.
  • Career Growth: MEP professionals can quickly advance into higher-paying positions in design, project management, or leadership roles with experience and specialized skills.
  • Impactful Work: Engineers in the MEP field have the opportunity to design and create systems that directly improve the quality of life for individuals and communities. From ensuring energy efficiency and sustainability in buildings to creating safe and functional environments, MEP engineers play a vital role in shaping the world we live in, which brings a sense of fulfillment and purpose to their work.

How Non-College Graduates Can Succeed in MEP Engineering

Entering the MEP field without a college degree is entirely possible, and it’s easier than you might think. Here’s why:

  • Practical Skills Over Academic Knowledge: MEP roles don’t require advanced math or theoretical knowledge. Instead, the focus is on practical, hands-on skills. Basic math, like multiplication and simple algebra is the primary requirement, which makes it accessible to those without calculus or advanced math backgrounds.
  • Industry-Specific Training: College programs often teach a broad range of subjects, many of which aren’t necessary for MEP careers. BETI’s training programs focus specifically on the skills needed for the job, such as AutoCAD, Revit, and building systems design.
  • Experience Over Degree: In the MEP industry, hands-on experience and technical skills are often valued more than a four-year degree. Apprenticeships, bootcamps, or training programs like BETI's can quickly prepare individuals for careers as designers or engineers. Designers perform similar tasks to engineers but without the legal responsibility of stamping plans. Many engineering firms hire non-degreed designers and offer opportunities for further education, allowing them to pursue a degree and eventually become licensed engineers if desired.

How BETI Bridges the Gap

BETI was founded to connect aspiring engineers to opportunities in the MEP industry, regardless of their educational background. Here’s how we make it happen:

  • Comprehensive Training: Our programs teach industry-specific skills, such as how to use Revit design software, interpret construction documents, and apply design principles for electrical systems.
  • Job Placement Support: BETI equips students with industry-recognized Autodesk certifications and helps them craft resumes that stand out to hiring managers. We also provide job application strategies and interview coaching. Through partnerships with engineering firms and recruiters, we assist graduates in securing their first job in the MEP industry.
  • Fast, Affordable, Accessible Learning: Our bootcamps are designed to provide maximum value at a fraction of the cost and time of traditional college programs, making high-quality education accessible to everyone.

Impacting Ohio's Future

By empowering individuals to pursue MEP careers, BETI is driving systemic change:

  • Solving the Labor Shortage: Bringing non-traditional candidates into the field can fill critical gaps in Ohio’s construction workforce, reducing delays and costs.
  • Strengthening Communities: High-paying, skilled jobs uplift individuals and families, creating a ripple effect of economic stability.
  • Accelerating Innovation: A well-trained workforce enables the construction industry to continue innovating and design buildings that make lives better.

The Time for Change is Now

The MEP industry holds immense promise for individuals seeking a better future and for employers desperate to fill their ranks with skilled professionals. BETI aims to create opportunities where none existed before and build a stronger, more sustainable future for Ohio.


If you’re ready to transform lives and industries, join us. Whether you’re an individual looking for a career path, an engineering firm seeking talent, or a workforce development agency looking to make an impact, BETI is here to help.


If you would like to explore strategic partnerships, please send us a message through the contact page on our website.


If you are looking to start the training that can get your foot in the door of the MEP industry, apply to our next bootcamp by clicking below!

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AI. Research. Experience.

Each word is crafted with Chat GPT and guided by an experienced, licensed engineer's insights.


Research for this blog was obtained through the Ohio Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Census Bureau, National Skills Coalition, and Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies.

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