SAFCO’s TechWorks tech-enabled furniture: Shaping the future of vocational learning spaces

Provided by SAFCO — As education increasingly emphasizes practical, career-focused learning, vocational programs are gaining traction. Trade school enrollment has risen nearly 5% since 2020, outpacing traditional four-year colleges. Rising tuition costs, demand for skilled labor, and clearer career paths are drawing in Gen Z and non-traditional students. Social media is also reshaping perceptions, showcasing the success and hands-on appeal of the trades.

While vocational education was once stigmatized, attitudes are shifting. A Jobber survey found that 74% of young people still perceive a stigma, but growing workforce needs are changing the narrative. Skilled trades like HVAC are seeing 15% annual job growth, with wages up more than 20% since 2020. Technical fields such as healthcare and IT are also expanding — nurse practitioners alone are projected to grow 46% by 2031.

Despite this momentum, many vocational facilities remain outdated. SAFCO’s TechWorks line offers modern, tech-enabled solutions built for adaptability. With durable benches in multiple sizes and a modular frame supporting shelves, pegboards, lighting and power, TechWorks is ideal for labs, classrooms and engineering spaces. Reconfigurable and resilient, it helps institutions create future-ready environments that support engagement, skill-building and long-term success.